The world’s strongest man lifts for Reign Total Body Fuel

Production studio Kode and Reign Total Body Fuel have created The Gym Saved my Life; a four-minute short that captures the personal struggle, Tom Stoltman – the world’s strongest man – has had with autism. 

Directed by David Barr as a part of a trilogy of short films, each focusing on an authentic story about athletes overcoming barriers, either personal or professional, to achieve their goals.

Shot in one day, on location in Invergordon, Scotland; Stoltman is joined by his brother Luke, as they discuss the impact that autism has had on Stoltman's life. Beginning with the troubles he experienced as a child, his diagnosis, and the sanctuary that the gym and working out has given him.

Matt Fleming, Executive Producer at Kode commented, “To be able to go in-depth and spend more time with these two incredible brothers was a joy. Unpicking the strongman exterior and delving into the more fragile, human aspects of Tom’s battle growing up with autism was only possible through the brothers being so open and honest with us on camera. By letting their guard down and inviting us into their lives for a day, they’ve allowed us to tell a story that we hope resonates with, and reverberates through, the sporting industry and the Reign audience, inspiring those with seemingly unsurmountable obstacles in their way.”

“Tom’s autism means that he sees the world differently to most of us. Inspired by this, I wanted to create a stylised documentary that places the audience inside his head for a few minutes. Working with my long-term DOP Aadel Nodeh-Farahani, we created a visual language that combined portrait-style compositions, macro photography and ‘memory flashes’. Coupled with Mike Bovill’s sound design, this hopefully creates an immersive experience,” said Barr.