Deep Fusion is starting production on its feature documentary about rebellious British racing driver James Hunt, HUNT: We Need to Talk About James.
Made with the full support of the Hunt Estate, the feature will include untold stories from family and close friends and colleagues, as well as newly discovered unseen and unheard archive material.
Its release is planned to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Hunt’s historic 1976 Formula 1 World Championship victory – clinched at the Japanese Grand Prix on 24 October 1976.
After retiring from racing, Hunt found a second career as a BBC pundit before his death from a heart attack in 1993, aged only 45.
The film features contributions from some of the most significant figures in the racing world, including, 1996 World Champion Damon Hill and F1 mogul Bernie Ecclestone.
The feature is directed and produced by Benjamin Field, produced by Ewan Atkinson with the Hunt estate, John Gore and Jamie Anderson acting as EPs with Richard Wiseman as archive producer. It will be scored by Sam Gale.
Benjamin Field said: “This film aims to do for James Hunt what Senna did for Ayrton Senna, delivering a rare treat for F1 and motorsport fans globally as well as for classic documentary enthusiasts who love a great story! HUNT: We Need to Talk About James is a very human story, painting a complete picture of a man who was definitely flawed, totally driven but also an unexpectedly private figure. The film presents a rounded picture of a very human being. Hunt remains one of the most beloved British sporting icons and this film means a great deal to me personally. Growing up listening to his commentary made me into the F1 fan I am today, so directing this documentary is a real honour and a privilege.”
Freddie Hunt, James Hunt’s son, said: “Dad has so often been painted as something of a caricature. I’m hugely excited that, for the first time, the world will see both sides of the man – and already during filming, stories have come to light that have never been spoken about before.”
Field’s track record in feature biopics includes his film about legendary Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson, who was responsible for some of the UK’s most popular children’s TV shows of the 1960s. In Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted (Britbox UK/Abacus Media Rights), AI technology was used to repurpose intimate audio archive footage and bring Anderson back to the screen to discuss his life and career.
Pippa Considine
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