My Friend, Max Hate

Cinematography - Single

2025

Bensimon Byrne / Narrative XPR, Toronto, ON
e: letschat@bensimonbyrne.com
w: bensimonbyrne.com

Cinematography was carefully crafted to pull viewers directly into the disorienting world boys face online. The camera moves with a restless, almost voyeuristic energy—floating between moments to create a sense that the audience is right there with our young protagonist, witnessing his descent in real time. Intimate close-ups capture his vulnerability, while stark, high-contrast lighting casts deep shadows that reflect the darkness closing in around him.

Chief Creative Officer: Joseph Bonnici
Executive Creative Director: Debbie Chan
Creative Director: David Mueller
Associate Creative Director: Ana Segurajauregui Sanchez
Art Director: Zoë Gray
Writer: Nate Houseley
Agency Producer: Michelle Pilling
Senior Strategist: Pat Martini
Program Director: Oliver Glover
Account Director: Cole Douglas
Senior Account Manager: Samantha Sartor
Account Manager: Kanishka Punjabi, Aaron Short
Executive Producer: Amanda Morrison
Director: Angie Bird
Director of Photography: Mat Barkley
Line Producer: Kailey Shanque
Offline Producer: Sam McLaren
Offline Editor: Michelle Czuker
Offline Assistant Editor: Matt Blakely
Online Producer: Andrew Tavares
Online Editor: Saba Zahir, David Whiteson
Colourist: Eric Whipp
Shoot/Edit (Social): Marco Libretti
Audio Producer: Julia Vasiliev
Audio Director: Jared Kuemper
Engineer: Jared Kuemper, Marcel Hidalgo, Tyler Young
Client: White Ribbon

Winning Entry: youtu.be/SQHztQBinvA?si=Qmp3ctgAnNXvHvMC