Official Press Release: James Hyde – The Very Thought of You
London, UK – October 1st, 2024 – David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus, Rye Lane, Industry) stars as Warrant Officer James Hyde in James Hyde – The Very Thought of You, a powerful short film based on the true story of a Trinidadian RAF fighter pilot who gave his life during World War II.
The film, also executive produced by Jonsson, showcases hisability to combine action and emotion, culminating in powerful sequences that strap the viewer in the cockpit of a real Spitfire MKIX. During the role, Jonsson took control of the aircraft for parts of filming, offering audiences an authentic experience of aerial combat and the emotional weight of war, all filmed in breathtaking 8K resolution for an unparalleled cinematic experience.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
David Jonsson to Soar in Untold WWII Story
London, UK – October 1st, 2024 – David Jonsson (Alien: Romulus, Rye Lane, Industry) stars as Warrant Officer James Hyde in James Hyde – The Very Thought of You, a powerful short film based on the true story of a Trinidadian RAF fighter pilot who gave his life during World War II.
The film, also executive produced by Jonsson, showcases his ability to combine action and emotion, culminating in powerful sequences that strap the viewer in the cockpit of a real Spitfire MKIX. During the role, Jonsson took control of the aircraft for parts of filming, offering audiences an authentic experience of aerial combat and the emotional weight of war, all filmed in breathtaking 8K resolution for an unparalleled cinematic experience.
Directed by Benjamin Uttley and co-written with brother Simon Uttley, whose previous writing credits include Cleaner, starring Daisy Ridley and directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, GoldenEye). The film blends historical facts from squadron records with a deeply emotional narrative, bringing Hyde’s sacrifice to the forefront.
David Jonsson as James Hyde in "James Hyde – The Very Thought of You." ©Stamp Productions/ Tom Shaw
“Taking control of the Spitfire was an experience I’ll never forget. It put me in the shoes of James Hyde in a way that felt incredibly real.”
About the Film:
James Hyde—The Very Thought of You is a visually stunning and deeply moving short film based on true events. It highlights the many forgotten war heroes from the Caribbean who travelled voluntarily and often at their own expense to fight in WWII.
David Jonsson & Margaret Clunie as James and Mary Hyde dancing during filming. © Stamp Productions / Credit Tom Shaw
Warrant Officer James Hyde was one of those volunteers, and he flew 71 missions as a Spitfire pilot.
He finds love in the UK and marries an English woman, Mary, played by Margaret Clunie (Victoria, Andor, Endeavour).
Sadly, James did not return from battle, being shot down on 25th Sept 1944, 3 months after D-Day. He gave his life defending freedom against the Nazi war machine and saved the life of at least one other pilot, Flight Officer John Caulton, who went on to survive the War.
Filmed in an original 1944 two-seat Spitfire in flight, James Hyde—The Very Thought of You brings to life the terror of a WWII dogfight and the poignant moments between Hyde and his wife, Mary.
The film, set for a theatrical release and festival circuit in 2025, offers an immersive experience of action and heartfelt romance.
The press release is being issued a week after the 80th anniversary of James Hyde’s death, 25th September 2024, in honour of his legacy at the start of Black History Month. www.jameshydefilm.com
Warrant Officer James Hyde, RAF, whose heroic story inspired the film. Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum (IWM), © IWM (CH 11978).
“While researching Silver Spitfire, I discovered the story of James Hyde, his love, sacrifice, and heroism, and it has stayed with me for years. Bringing James Hyde’s journey to life was both an honour and a creative challenge.”
Further Details:
The film's editor and producer is Col Goudie BFE (known for Star Wars: Rogue One, Tetris, and Argylle), a highly regarded editor in the UK film industry.
Executive Producer Matt Jones, founder of Spitfires.com, provided aviation expertise and access to vintage Spitfires, ensuring the film's aerial sequences were as authentic as possible. Jones, a world-record-holding Spitfire pilot, brought unparalleled realism to the production.
From Left: Matt Jones, David Jonsson and Benjamin Uttley briefing the aerial filming.
“The story of James Hyde is not just a tale of individual heroism but highlights the many untold stories of WWII and those who volunteered from the Commonwealth to protect and serve in an act of selfless sacrifice and courage.”
Produced by Tamana Bleasdale, whose credits as an Assistant Director include Band of Brothers, 28 Weeks Later, A Gathering Storm and Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
The short film also includes an original orchestral score by Benjamin Hollway and the timeless music of Al Bowlly who himself was killed by a Luftwaffe bomb in WWII.
Bringing a WWII Dogfight to Life with technical expertise and support
“James Hyde – The Very Thought of You” goes to great lengths to capture the raw, real experience of flying a Spitfire—with David Jonsson literally taking the controls and pulling real G-forces in flight at 3,000 feet. The one-take action scene delivers an authenticity rarely seen in film. However, recreating the intense WWII dogfights requires extraordinary VFX expertise. Cutting-edge technology was used in filming to ensure the highest visual quality for theatrical release.
Marty Waters, the film’s VFX Supervisor (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Thor: Ragnarok), is creating incredible visual effects to blend seamlessly with the visceral real footage captured from within the vintage Spitfire, offering audiences an immersive experience of high-stakes aerial combat.
Post-production is being handled by Molinare Creative Group, with Richard Pryke (Gravity, Slumdog Millionaire) delivering world-class 360 sound, and Glen Gathard, Molinare’s Chief Creative Officer and Supervising Sound Editor (The Dark Knight, 1917), enhancing the immersive soundscapes of war.
Ross Baker (SAS: Rogue Heroes, The Missing) will handle the colour grading, ensuring the final look perfectly complements the film's visual and emotional tone.
To match the British icon of the Spitfire, it was only fitting to use another British icon—Cooke Optics. Known for their famous "Cooke Look," the lenses provided the highest optical precision, capturing both the breathtaking flight sequences and the intimate emotional moments between James Hyde and his wife with signature British craftsmanship and cinematic style.
About Stamp Productions
Founded in 2008, Stamp Productions creates high-quality content for some of the world's best brands, working across a variety of mediums, including film, commercials, and branded content. With a commitment to storytelling excellence, Stamp Productions’ motto is "Imagination, Inspiration", highlighting stories that shine and inspire. As a certified B Corp, Stamp Productions is dedicated to social and environmental responsibility, bringing these values to every project, including James Hyde – The Very Thought of You. www.stamp.productions
David Jonsson as James Hyde ©Stamp Productions / Credit Tom Shaw