A behind-the-scenes film about the band Ultimate Thunder celebrates disability, but risks remaining unfinished without financial support.
Over the last three years, a Leeds-based band called Ultimate Thunder, whose members are comprised of people with learning disabilities and autism, has been filmed for a behind-the-scenes documentary.
Image: Ultimate Thunder
Hundreds of hours of footage have been captured, but rising post-production costs mean the film’s future hangs in the balance.
The documentary is being made by independent filmmaker Ben Brown, who was first introduced to the band through Leeds arts charity The Pyramid of Arts, which supports artists with learning disabilities.
The charity initially asked Ben to create a short film about the band’s frontman and lead singer, Matthew Watson, focusing on his life as an artist supported by the organisation and national learning disability charity Hft.
Ben said: ‘They wanted a film about him as an artist. But a huge part of Matthew’s life was his role as lead singer of Ultimate Thunder.
‘The band means everything to him. So I started going along to rehearsals, just filming what was happening.’
Image: filmmaker Ben Brown
That project became Apron or Hairdryer – The Matthew Watson Experience. Following its release, Ultimate Thunder launched their debut album, receiving praise from The Big Issue and The Guardian, who described them as ‘the most punk rock band in Britain’.
Ben continued filming as the band – whose music is entirely improvised – rehearsed and performed across Leeds.
However, as their profile grew, funding used by The Pyramid of Arts to support the band was cut. Against this backdrop, a crowdfunding appeal was launched to cover essentials such as travel, rehearsal space and accommodation.
The appeal drew support from fellow musicians, including Tim Burgess of The Charlatans and Leeds band Yard Act, raising £20,000. The band later performed at Kendall Calling festival and supported Yard Act at Millennium Square, playing to a crowd of 6,000 people.
The unfinished documentary follows these milestones alongside significant personal challenges, including Matthew losing his voice for several months and drummer Scott Anderson undergoing open-heart surgery.
Matthew, 58, has been supported by Hft for more than a decade and lives in supported accommodation in Leeds. The charity said this support has helped him gain confidence, independence and pursue his creative ambitions.
‘I love being in the band,’ Matthew said. ‘I feel good and happy when I am on stage. Music helps me express myself.
Image: lead singer Matthew Watson
‘I want people to donate so we can finish the film, and the story of Ultimate Thunder can be told.’
Ben said the film highlights the role of creativity and community in disabled people’s lives.
‘The film challenges stereotypes about disability and neurodiversity by celebrating individuality, creativity and community,’ Ben added. ‘It’s not about labels. It’s about musicians chasing their dream – and refusing to be silenced.’
The new crowdfunder, which can be found here, aims to raise £20,000 to complete the film, with a deadline of 20th January.
Images: Ultimate Thunder/Ben Brown
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