Max’s Mission

Here is my entry for Editfest 2023, the annual 30-Day video editing competition by Filmsupply. Max’s Mission is a fictional charity supporting those with life-threatening allergies by helping them live life to the fullest.

Food is central to our lives; we cook it, eat it, share it, and gift it. Whether it’s a first date or a birthday party, food often becomes the focal point of many occasions. However, for an increasing number of people, certain foods can be life-threatening. My son, Max, has severe food allergies, and navigating the past three years has been a challenging journey filled with allergic reactions, hospital visits, ongoing tests, and mounting worry. As a mother, I constantly find myself thinking several steps ahead, grappling with big questions: Can he go to school? Will he be invited to birthday parties, and should we risk attending them? What kind of life will he have? Can he still enjoy the same experiences as others? Can he travel safely?

With severe food allergies, it’s crucial for close family and friends to understand how to respond in emergencies. Greater awareness and empathy can create safer environments for those with food allergies, yet there remains a significant lack of understanding and compassion.

Although I didn’t win the competition, I am incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved with Max’s Mission. The ripple effect within the allergy community has been profound, connecting me with brands, medical professionals, parents, and others who have all praised the initiative.

What People Are Saying

“Tash, this is truly wonderful.
You should be proud.”

— Dr Helen Evans-Howells, GP & Allergy Specialist Doctor

“I have watched this 5 times crying. I would have given anything to have seen this on TV when I was young (even now), thank you.”

— @behindtheallergy, Anaphylactic of 30+ years

“WOW. Incredible.
It's a well-planned, ideated, scripted, beautifully curated film with the sharpest edit possible. Incredible. It’s a 5***** from me.”

— Simon Black, Global Brand Strategy Consultant

“Such a powerful video.
I cry every time.”

— @jillkennedy16, Allergy Parent

Behind the scenes

To make the film a reality, I teamed up with Caroline Slade, a brilliant creative Copywriter. Having worked on numerous client briefs and knowing how talented Caroline is, I was overjoyed to work together again. Whilst Caroline crafted a beautiful script, I sourced footage, chose and cut the music using the parts of the track most fitting for the flow of the narrative (and to the exact 60-second length required), and then, of course, all of the editing in Premier Pro. To add more depth to the film, I then layered on sound effects and graded the edit.

I found and used a voice-over artist who, after hearing my guide VO, said that my VO was better and that I should do it instead, so I did! Using a microphone purchased on Amazon and Adobe Audition, I recorded the final VO.

Making this film was like an intense therapy session and I thoroughly enjoyed creating a deeply personal film especially one that can emotionally connect with other allergy families has been one of the highlights.