The idea for a Film came about following widespread Press Coverage of Asa's trip around the world with his Dad Paul. Their story was covered in national newspapers and the pair appeared on GMTV's "This Morning" and NBC's "Live for Today".
When film companies offered money for the story and ITN NEWS and CHANNEL 4 both enquired about making programmes, the family sat down to decide what to do. Despite the offers of cash, Asa was reluctant to be filmed by strangers, but the answer came when close family friend Simon Higgin offered to help.
SIMON HIGGIN (Producer/Director)
Simon has known Asa and his family on a personal level for nearly 10years. A self employed Roofer by trade, ex- Paratrooper Simon first had thoughts about making a film whilst trekking in Peru with Asa's father Paul, to raise money for Asa to have specialist treatment in Los Angeles.
When the offers to make a film came flooding in Simon asked to be given the chance to make an upbeat film that would really show Asa's true character. The family agreed and Simon borrowed the money to buy equiptment before setting about the monumental task of making a film!
With no formal training or experience Simon looked to current "Real Life" Documentary trendsÉBefore throwing out the rulebook to make a thought provoking and uplifting film that breaks the Documentary mould!
PRODUCTION
Filming began in June 2005 and with unlimited access to Asa's day to day life, over 60hrs of homevideo, 100's of photos and interviews with family and friends, Simon set out to discover why Asa has such a positive influence on the people who know and meet him.
The film was then Edited in his mother's spare room on a home PC and despite lack of funding and lots of setbacks was completed in just under 18 months. Original music was composed and performed by friend and musician Rick Stanbridge and Narration provided by local actress Gwen Glover and Asa's close friend Martin Bradley.
The resulting 50minutes of film is truly a "Documentary unlike any other!"
AIM OF THE FILM
THIS IS ASA is a NON PROFIT film and our hope is to raise much needed awareness of Asa's condition. We are positive that Asa and other children will benefit from this significantly.