Manchester video production company Studio 91 Media has announced its latest original project, which it calls “a love letter to Greater Manchester.”
One thing that seems certain before we even click play is that the film’s title might not be universally taken as a love letter by the population of Studio 91’s hometown.
‘Ode to Manny’ has bravely opted to use the divisive ‘Manny’ nickname for Manchester that regularly has Mancunians fuming on social media.
Brief anecdotal research among the many long-running online debates over the term variously attributed its history to seventies hippies, the early 2000s Manchester rap and grime scene and “Yonners counting their fingers,” among others. The nickname certainly seems to have grown in popularity over the last 10 years or so, attracting Marmite-like polarisation in the process.
Etymology notwithstanding, the film was written and produced by Jamie Swaby, one of a team of video producers at Studio 91, and captures the essence of his personal relationship with his home town.
Ben Horrigan, managing director of Studio 91, said: “One of our goals for 2024 was to make more space for the stuff that doesn’t pay the bills. The voluntary work and passion projects that excite us and flex our creative muscles. Ode to Manny is the perfect example of that, showcasing our talents and personality and making use of footage we had on the cutting room floor, alongside newly shot material.”
Based on Jordan Street near Deansgate Locks, Studio 91 Media produces video content that is “good for people, good for platforms and good for the planet.” Clients include organisations whose purpose is to make a difference to the people of Greater Manchester, including St Ann’s Hospice, Chetham’s School of Music and Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.
