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Ultimate Thunder, a Leeds-based group of musicians with learning disabilities and autism, is campaigning to raise new funds for their behind-the-scenes documentary, which they have been working on for three years, after their original funding was cut.
The documentary about the punk band was made by independent filmmaker Ben Brown, who was first introduced to the band through Leeds arts charity The Pyramid of Arts.
The charity initially approached Ben to make a short film about Ultimate Thunder’s frontman and lead singer, Matthew Watson, focusing on his life as an artist supported by the organisation and national learning disability charity Hft.
With hundreds of hours of footage captured, the film’s future now hangs in the balance as post-production costs loom.
Ultimate Thunder gains wider attention
Ben believes Ultimate Thunder’s story is too important to be left unfinished. He added, “They wanted a film about him as an artist. But a huge part of Matthew’s life was his role as lead singer of Ultimate Thunder. The band means everything to him. So I started going along to rehearsals, just filming what was happening.
“The film challenges stereotypes about disability and neurodiversity by celebrating individuality, creativity and community.
“It’s not about labels. It’s about musicians chasing their dream — and refusing to be silenced. This is a film about the power of music to break barriers, bring people together and give voice to those too often left unheard.”
Just as Ultimate Thunder began gaining wider attention, The Pyramid of Arts announced that funding for the band would be cut. Suddenly, the band’s future was uncertain. A crowdfunding appeal was launched to keep it alive, covering essentials such as travel, accommodation and rehearsal space.
After hearing their plea for help, fellow musicians rallied behind them, including Tim Burgess of The Charlatans and acclaimed Leeds band Yard Act.
The campaign raised £20,000 and opened new doors. Ultimate Thunder was invited to perform at the Kendall Calling festival and went on to support Yard Act at Millennium Square, playing to a crowd of 6,000.
Personal portrait of band members’ lives
The unfinished documentary follows Ultimate Thunder as they record their first album, prepare for major festival stages, and confront repeated challenges, including Matthew losing his voice and not being able to speak for months, and drummer Scott Anderson undergoing open-heart surgery.
Alongside Ben’s footage, the band members themselves filmed moments of their own lives, creating a raw, personal portrait of the last three turbulent years.
The band is made up of Matthew as lead singer, Alex Sykes on synth, Kenneth Stainburn on bass, John Densley on synth and Scott Anderson on drums.
Matthew said: “I love being in the band. I feel good and happy when I am on stage. Music helps me express myself. I want people to donate so we can finish the film, and the story of Ultimate Thunder can be told.”
A new crowdfunder has now been launched to raise £20,000 to complete the final edit, pay for post-production costs and allow the film to be shared with the world.
The aim is to finish the film by February 20 so it can be premiered at the Sheffield Doc/Fest, one of the biggest documentary festivals in Europe. The Crowdfunder ends on January 20.
