On Friday, 12 December, our film Tom’s Story won the Royal Television Society Midlands Award in the promotional film category.
We’re so proud of this recognition and what it means for the team behind this film.
Tom’s Story is about a missing young man, a family living through the worst thing imaginable, and the volunteers who turned up, searched, and kept going.
A pro bono project with a clear job
Every year, Big Button partners with a charity to produce a pro bono film that supports its cause. This film was created for West Mercia Search and Rescue (WMSAR), the official lowland rescue unit for the West Mercia Police area. As a registered charity, WMSAR relies on donations and sponsors to fund and maintain its operation.
The brief for the film was simple:
- Raise awareness of WMSAR
- Drive donations from the public and local businesses
Tom’s Story
The film follows the search for 19-year-old student, Tom Jones, as told by his parents and WMSAR volunteers. It’s a story of a volunteer team, their skill and dedication and the funding they need to do their essential work.
The film is honest about the emotional and practical costs of these callouts, and it shows why closure is important, even when the outcome isn’t what everyone hoped for.
Moving people to act
The film became one of WMSAR’s best-performing Facebook posts, far exceeding the average engagement rate for non-profit posts, reaching an audience beyond the charity’s existing followers and, crucially, driving donations.
The film is also used extensively by WMSAR online and in presentations and has influenced donations from a wide range of benefactors.
Beating Tom Cruise
Incredibly, we were up against a Tom Cruise film in this award category – a promotional film for Super Bowl LIX.
So, quite legitimately, we can now say a Big Button film has beaten one starring the Hollywood and big-screen legend Tom Cruise.
But we’re sure Tom will be happy that a story about another Tom took home the trophy on Friday evening.
Thank you
Thank you to the RTS judges, to Tom Jones’ family for trusting us to tell their story with compassion and love, and to everyone at WMSAR for the work you do when most people are asleep, at work, or safely at home.
If you haven’t seen the film yet, please watch it, share it, and if you can, donate.
(RTS Awards photo with thanks to Vivienne Bailey Photography.)
