Missing People flips the script on true crime

Created in partnership with BBH London and Merman for charity Missing People, this stark yet subtly humorous short film directed by Rachel Stubbings confronts audiences’ growing appetite for real-life tragedy. 

Brought to life through a satirical script and sharp performances from an all-star cast, including Paterson Joseph, Anna Crilly and Rosie Cavaliero, the film unfolds as a group of writers brainstorming their next big true crime series. While the discussion exposes the writers' and audience’s biases based on race, gender and age, the rug is pulled to reveal each case is a true story with real victims and devastated families left behind. 

BBH and Merman worked closely with people with lived experience of the issue throughout the development of the film and wider campaign, ensuring the work remained grounded in authenticity and respect. 

Stubbings adds: "Directing this film for Missing People brought up such a huge range of emotions. The real stories behind the script were deeply harrowing, and the pain experienced by families of missing people was something we wanted audiences to feel. To make the message land, we chose an unexpected approach: humour. By drawing viewers in with genuinely funny dialogue even while wrestling with the risks of trivialising trauma, we aimed to create a powerful contrast."