My Friend, Max Hate

Editing Video - Single

2025

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

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

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.