One Last Spin

The Challenge

With gambling addiction impacting thousands of lives across the country, the film sought to bring attention to the often-overlooked struggles of those caught in its grip. The goal was to create an emotionally compelling and factually grounded documentary that would engage audiences, raise awareness, and contribute to the ongoing policy discussions surrounding gambling regulations.

One of the greatest challenges was ensuring that the portrayal of individuals with lived experience of gambling addiction was handled with the utmost care and respect. The team at Reverie Films was committed to "getting it right," and as such, they spent an extensive pre-production period conducting research, having discussions with advocacy groups, and building trust with the interviewees. It was crucial that the documentary not only told their stories accurately but also did so in a way that was ethical and empowering for those involved.

The Production Process

Pre-Production

The pre-production phase was critical in shaping the film’s direction. The team engaged in weeks of discussions with experts, addiction counselors, and advocacy organizations to ensure that the stories would be told with sensitivity and accuracy. Building rapport with interviewees was a key priority, as these individuals were sharing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. A great deal of care was taken to ensure they felt comfortable, understood, and in control of their narratives.

Extensive planning also went into crafting the visual and narrative style of the documentary. The team wanted to strike a balance between the stark reality of gambling addiction and the cinematic storytelling that would draw audiences in. Locations, interview setups, and the overall aesthetic were carefully considered to reflect the gravity of the subject matter.

Production

• Interviews

  The interviews were the heart of the documentary, providing firsthand accounts of the toll gambling addiction takes on individuals and their families. Given the sensitivity of the topic, these interviews had to be conducted with immense care. The team created a controlled, comfortable environment, ensuring that the subjects felt at ease when sharing their experiences. Every question was carefully considered, allowing the interviewees to tell their stories in their own words without feeling pressured or exploited.

• B-Roll Footage

  The b-roll portion of the production played an equally important role. While the interviews told the emotional core of the story, the b-roll footage was used to visually immerse the audience in what it’s like to live with gambling addiction on a daily basis. From empty betting shops to isolated individuals staring at screens, the cinematography captured the loneliness, despair, and repetition that often accompany problem gambling. Carefully selected shots and locations helped reinforce the themes of the documentary, adding depth and visual storytelling to the personal testimonies.

• Crew and Logistics

The production was a significant undertaking, requiring a large and dedicated crew. In addition to the director and editor, the team included producers, cinematographers, hair and makeup artists, wardrobe stylists, sound engineers, music composers, colourists, camera assistants, and focus pullers. Each member of the team played a crucial role in ensuring the film was executed to the highest standard.

The sound design and musical composition were particularly important in shaping the emotional impact of the film. The subtle, evocative score underscored key moments without overwhelming the testimonies, allowing the raw emotion to take centre stage. The cinematography and colour grading further enhanced the film’s visual impact, creating a stark yet compelling aesthetic that mirrored the highs and lows of addiction.

Post-Production

The post-production phase was an intensive and meticulous process, spanning several months to ensure the final film was as impactful and cohesive as possible.

• Editing the Narrative

  With hours of interview footage, the editing process required careful selection and structuring to condense the material into a concise 30-minute documentary. Every effort was made to include each participant—ranging from recovering addicts to experts—while ensuring the story remained engaging and informative. The challenge was to strike the right balance between emotional storytelling and factual analysis without losing the core message of the documentary.

• Incorporating B-Roll

  Once the core narrative was shaped, the b-roll was integrated to create a seamless visual flow. The goal was to ensure uniformity across all elements of the film, reinforcing the themes and emotional weight of the interviews. Each shot was carefully matched to the corresponding dialogue, enhancing the storytelling while maintaining consistency in style and tone.

• Final Touches

  To bring the film to completion, a range of specialists were brought on board:

  • Poster Design – A compelling visual identity was created to represent the film’s themes and attract audiences.

  • Colour Grading – The film’s visual tone was carefully refined to maintain consistency and heighten the emotional impact.

  • Sound Design & Mix – The soundscape was crafted to subtly enhance the storytelling, ensuring clarity and resonance in both dialogue and background elements.

  • Musical Score – A carefully composed score provided an additional layer of depth, complementing the raw emotional intensity of the interviews and visuals.