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ABOUT THE FILM
A Life Unexpected: The Franz Stampfl Story is a landmark
documentary intended for television broadcast written and directed
by Sally McLean and produced by Melanie Brunt & Jeffery Richards.
This is the untold, inspirational and true story of artist
turned world-renowned athletics coach - Franz Stampfl. Through
interview, re-enactment and archive material this documentary
shines a light on an unsung hero of the sporting and motivational
arenas, a man who inspired others to strive for excellence in
their own lives and careers with wisdom, laughter and by the
example of his own life experience.
Independently produced, this unique documentary explores the
extraordinary life and achievements of one of the greatest coaches
and mentors of the 20th Century. Beginning in 1930's Austria,
we follow Franz's journey through the Depression, WWII, his engineering
of the breaking of the Four Minute Mile record, the Melbourne
Olympic Games, his life-long commitment to promoting women in
sport and their invaluable and equal contribution to society,
onto the changing face of sport and fitness in the 1960s and
beyond up to his death in 1995 as a quadriplegic - tracing his
continuing influence not just on world-class athletics and the
modern health and fitness industry, but also his innate ability
to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life to pursue
and achieve excellence - no matter their field of interest or
expertise
As the daughter of one of Franz's 1956 Australian Olympians
(Margaret Woodlock), Director Sally McLean has been researching
this documentary since 2006, and she and the Creative Team are
now ready to fully bring this extraordinary story to the screen
for audiences to experience first-hand. Over the pre-production
period the project has gained the support of several prominent
athletes trained by Franz, as well as Franz's own family - in
particular, his son, Dr. Anton Stampfl, who is now an Associate
Producer on the project.
As a result, this is the only film to be officially sanctioned
by Franz's family, ensuring access to his personal documents,
films of training sessions, home movies and recordings of his
many public speeches - and is the only documentary ever made
about his life.
Through interviews with a selection of esteemed and fascinating
people from all over the world whom he knew and/or coached (including
Sir Roger Bannister, Sir Christopher Chataway, John Landy, Ulick
O'Connor, Ron Clarke, Herb Elliot and Ralph Doubell among others),
and the use of rare archive footage, audio and stills, this documentary
celebrates the remarkable talent, commitment to excellence and
inspirational personality of Franz Stampfl - brought to life
by the first-hand inspiring stories of some of the 22,000+ people
he coached over his long career, as well as friends, family and
colleagues.
A Life Unexpected: The Franz Stampfl Story tells the
tale of one individual's amazing and unexpected life - showing
all of us that anyone, anywhere can do anything if they just
believe in themselves. |
