North West production house BWS has revealed its latest original film, The Man Behind the Monkey, headlined by acclaimed British actor Jonno Davies.
Known for his upcoming portrayal of Robbie Williams in Better Man, Davies attracted international attention this year when he became the first actor in AACTA’s 67-year history to win Best Lead Actor in Film for a motion-capture role.
BWS founder Ben Wild, moved by the emotional resonance of that achievement, invited Davies to participate in a project of a different kind. The Man Behind the Monkey is a stripped-back short film that examines the person behind the performance—a raw and moving tribute to vulnerability and transformation in the creative process.
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
