Manchester’s BWS Studio has released its latest original project, The Man Behind the Monkey, featuring acclaimed British actor Jonno Davies in a powerful lead role.
Davies—who will soon portray Robbie Williams in Better Man—recently made cinematic history as the first performer in 67 years to win AACTA’s Best Lead Actor in Film for a motion-capture role, capturing worldwide media attention.
Following that landmark performance, BWS creative director Ben Wild invited Davies to explore a different side of his craft. The result is a minimalist and emotive short film that delves into the reality of being an actor—the personality beneath the persona, captured in The Man Behind the Monkey.
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