Meet the crew! Click on the icons under each crew-member's photo to access their websites and socials.
Chloë Jacquet - Writer, Creator, Actor (Fluorouracil & Daytime TV Presenter)
Hi, I'm Chloë. I'm in remission from breast cancer and I'm the creator of Chemotherapy Airways. When I was diagnosed with Grade 3 ER positive HER-2 negative breast cancer, I underwent 2 surgeries, 6 cycles of FEC-T chemotherapy and 20 doses of radiotherapy. When I was told I was going to need chemotherapy, the images that came to mind were those I'd seen in the media. These always seemed to be of ashen, thin and bald people looking sad and feeling terribly sick. I understand the value of those images for drama in movies or for fundraising, but as a patient I found them deeply distressing. Those images did not turn out to be my reality, nor do they for a lot of patients. They also help perpetuate the death stigma around cancer even though more people survive the disease than ever before. This helps cancer remain taboo, particularly in certain communities or when cancer affects intimate parts of the body. As a writer and poet I used writing as a way to cope. Following my first dose of chemotherapy, inspired by the often disliked expression "the cancer journey", I wrote Chemotherapy Airways. I immediately knew I wanted to turn it into a short film and that I wanted to shoot it on a real plane. I wanted the film to redress the narrative around cancer, to counteract the frightening images of chemotherapy and to show solidarity. I wanted it to break some of the taboos, to open dialogue and to entertain and comfort patients and their loved ones during a difficult time. Equally, I wanted to give people permission to laugh about cancer and to create a universe into which patients could escape. I hope I have achieved this.
Ben Williams - Graphic designer, Actor (Captain NHS & Daytime TV Presenter), Runner
Ben Williams supported me throughout my cancer treatment. It is very challenging being on the outskirts of a loved one's cancer experience as it is difficult to know exactly what to say. It is impossible to quite understand what they are going through and it is frightening not knowing what kind of support and care the person may need, especially during chemotherapy. ​Fortunately for me, not only was Ben a great support but he is also a fantastic artist. Therefore when I wrote Chemotherapy Airways and decided I wanted to make a film of it, he was immediately on board (pun intended). Ben brought his great talent and creativity to the table and designed the artwork that helped the brand come to life visually. He showed great patience in working tirelessly with me to turn my ideas into images. He even went above and beyond in designing an entire safety card for the airline. The Chemotherapy Airways airplane would not have looked as amazing as it did without his work. ​Ben also used his skills and experience as a performer to bring Captain NHS to life. He infused the role with the exact amount of calm confidence it called for. ​Finally, once we had shot all Captain NHS' scenes, Ben returned to being himself. He was then on hand to help with props, kit and, very importantly, popping to a nearby café to grab lunch for everyone.
Stephanie Cobban - Director, Editor
Stephanie Cobban has been excited by the craft of storytelling via screen since childhood, and has been creating films for over 15 years. She completed a BA in Music and one in Media. She then built an extensive career creating corporate films, including working with a number of high profile clients. However, after winning a couple of awards for films shot to poetry, Stephanie began to combine her passions for poetry and filmmaking and headed out into the world of the independent artist. Being a writer and artist herself, Steph is in a unique position to collaborate with other creatives, as she is able to tune into their vision and bring the best out of it. Steph and I have collaborated successfully before on our film The Dealer, which went on to win several awards. Therefore, when I wrote Chemotherapy Airways, I immediately knew I wanted to work with Steph again. In fact, when I first spoke to her about the project, I was still undergoing my chemotherapy. Despite that, I was more interested in discussing the project than telling her much about my cancer treatment. Once we kicked off the project, Steph and I held several storyboarding meetings during which we discussed my vision. Then, thanks to her creative flair, her attention to detail and her directing and editing skills, she was able to assemble the film we see today. In particular, her ability to think in sounds proved perfectly complementary to my tendency to think in images, which in turn enabled the creation of this film we are so proud of.​​
Lea Tönnis - Runner
Whilst Lea Tönnis is an artist and reiki healer in her usual life, she volunteered to join the team as a runner for this project. We only had a single day to shoot a great deal of footage onboard the plane and Lea's presence and help proved invaluable. ​The film involved numerous props, set dressing materials and technical equipment. Having Lea's extra pair of hands made all the difference in enabling our shoot to run as close to time and with as little stress as possible. ​Whether it was to run and charge camera batteries, help fit 102 headrest covers onto the plane's seat or prepare props for upcoming scenes, Lea was key to our success. In fact Lea seemed to be the only person who could get the pink curtain at the rear of the plane stay in position. And let's not forget her using a broom handle and a roll of gaffer tape to make the suitcase pop out of the overhead locker or her hiding behind the airplane door to open it unseen!​
Chris Fenton - Director of Photography
Chris Fenton of Dream Team Television has broad and extensive filming experience ranging from sports and adventure to theatre, television and arts festivals. His aim is always to tell the story and bring it to life through beautifully shot pictures, which capture the tone and pace of the narrative. Having worked together once many, many years ago, when the time came to find a director of photography, I immediately knew Chris was the person for the job. Fortunately for us he was keen and available. As expected, Chris' skill at adapting to each projects' needs in terms of feel and message proved a godsend for our film. His keen eye for composition, movement and colour allowed him to make full creative use of the airplane we were shooting in. This, in turn, mad the vision of Chemotherapy Airways a reality. His never ending energy and positivity were inspirational. So were his stamina and strength. On several occasions he ended up in strange positions due to the limited space on the aircraft, holding heavy lighting and filming equipment still for considerable lengths of time. All this in order to create the beautiful shots that form the film.
Scott Tyrrell - Animations
When I decided I wanted animations for the Chemotherapy Airways in-flight games, Scott Tyrrell was the perfect choice. Not only is he an award-winning designer, illustrator, 2D animator and creative lead with over thirty years’ industry experience, he is also a writer and poet himself. This meant he could fully understand the experience of taking a piece of writing and turning it into something for the screen. In addition, he has worked across all sectors with an emphasis on social consciousness, cultural heritage and making complex and important topics accessible through compelling visual narratives, the latter being exactly what I wanted to achieve. I instinctively felt I wanted the animations to have a pixellated, retro-feel. We discussed my vision and not only did Scott produce animations with the exact vibe I had in mind, but he also tied the game character in with the character of the film and the safety card. The final result is a brilliant addition to the film and further helps illustrate my experience of receiving chemotherapy, in an unusual and unexpected way.
