My Friend, Max Hate

Editing Video - Single

2025

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

This project came with a unique challenge—ensuring the puppet felt truly sinister, not silly. In the edit suite, that balance became a major focus. Every gesture, every line delivery, every second on screen had to reinforce Max as a serious and threatening presence, not a child's toy. Music also played a key role in shaping Max's menace, adding weight and darkness to every appearance. By the time the final edit was locked, there was no mistaking it—Max Hate was no cuddly puppet.

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