BWS, a leading creative studio based in Manchester, has unveiled The Man Behind the Monkey, a new original short starring award-winning actor Jonno Davies.
Davies, soon to be seen playing Robbie Williams in the upcoming biopic Better Man, made global waves after becoming the first recipient of the AACTA Award for Best Lead Actor in Film for a performance captured via motion technology.
That breakthrough inspired BWS founder Ben Wild to approach Davies for a more personal and introspective venture. The resulting short film, The Man Behind the Monkey, offers an unfiltered look at the craft of acting, emotional openness, and the artistic process behind the spotlight.
Ben Wild, founder of BWS said: “Jonno’s work in Better Man is phenomenal — vulnerable, dynamic, and completely absorbing. I wanted to build something that pulled back the curtain and revealed the actor, not the character. This film is honest, stripped down, and emotionally rich.”
Jonno Davies, reflecting on the experience, said: “When Ben reached out, I immediately loved the idea. It wasn’t about spectacle — it was about connection. I was really impressed with BWS’s visual storytelling — they’re always finding new ways to bring scripts to life. This short gave me the space to reconnect with why I love this craft.”
Known for standout roles in Kingsman: The Secret Service, Hunters (Amazon Prime), and his stage turn as Alex Delarge in A Clockwork Orange, Davies continues to establish himself as one of the UK’s most compelling acting talents.
Based in Manchester, BWS has earned a reputation for bold, visually rich storytelling — with a client roster spanning the Premier League, CBBC, New Balance, and Amazon Prime. With The Man Behind the Monkey, the studio reinforces its ambition to create original films that blend emotion, innovation, and authenticity.
The Man Behind the Monkey is available to watch now via the BWS YouTube Channel
