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A Life Unexpected: The Franz Stampfl Story is a landmark
docudrama currently in early pre-production for theatrical release,
written and directed by Sally McLean, produced by Melanie
Brunt & Sally McLean and Executive Produced by Robert L Galinsky.
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 nearly forgotton 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 docudrama 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 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), Writer/Director Sally McLean has been researching
this documentary since 2003, 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 current pre-production
period the project has gained the support of several prominent
athletes trained by Franz, as well as Franz's friends and some family.
As a result, this 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, Ralph Doubell, Roy Emerson, Bev Francis and Peter Bourke 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. |
The team at "A Life Unexpected" were
delighted to be acknowledged with a "Good Practice Recognition"
nod for fundraising practices at the 2012 AbaF Awards, Hamer
Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. We were also delighted to be the
only Individual Artist project to be included on this list nationwide, among such Arts lumiaries as the Melbourne Theatre
Company, the National Gallery of Victoria, Heide Museum of Modern
Art, Bell Shakespeare Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Adelaide
Festival, Museum Victoria and the Perth International Arts Festival,
among others.
