Frank Whittle: A Genius in the Family started life by trying to answer a simple question: what is it like to have a genius in your family? Exploring this question could only have been achieved properly because of the time and patience shown by Frank Whittle’s son, Ian. His dedication and testimony have formed the foundation of this film.
From this we were then able to pay close attention not only to Whittle’s astounding aviation achievements – bringing in experts from the fields of aviation, history and innovation - but also to the man himself, in terms of his mental and physical health and the toll his work had on him and those around him. And because times have changed vastly since the 1940s, in ways Whittle could hardly have predicted, we wanted to explore what his legacy means for those involved in reducing aviation’s impact on climate breakdown.
This new Frank Whittle film has taken a lot of love, hard work and more than four years to produce, taking in locations from across the UK including Yorkshire, Gloucestershire and Cambridgeshire. We hope that we have done a good job and brought up-to-date the story of one of the World’s greatest aviation engineers. Below are some of the highlights from our journey.
Arif Gardner and Nick Horrell filming with Max Asseily and Ian Whittle at Cambridge University
A reverse angle shot with Max and Ian Whittle
A walk-and-talk shot with Max and Ian Whittle along The Backs at Cambridge University
Arif Gardner filming Ian Whittle during an engine test run at The Whittle Laboratory in Cambridge
Nick Horrell, Producer and Director, preparing Professor Robert Miller for interview at The Whittle Laboratory, Cambridge University
Ian Whittle tells the Frank Whittle story with Nicholas about his father's life and work
Ian Whittle and Nicholas discussing the Frank Whittle story during filming for the new Frank Whittle film
Filming with Richard Noble - the former Land Speed World Record Holder - in front of two jet engines
Aviation Historian Dr Victoria Taylor during filming at The Humber Bridge, Kingston upon Hull
Nick Horrell, Producer and Director, with aviation historian Dr Victoria Taylor
Nick Horrell filming through the reeds below the Humber Bridge, Kingston upon Hull
Nick filming the Humber Bridge
Kerissa Khan - President of The Royal Aeronautical Society 2023-2024 - being interviewed for the new Frank Whittle movie
Nick Horrell, Producer and Director, viewing the set up for Kerissa Khan's interview at The Jet Age Museum in Gloucester
Nick Horrell filming Kerissa Khan and Ian Whittle in front of a Whittle jet engine and the replica E28/39 at The Jet Age Museum
Nicholas, Kerissa and Ian in discussion at The Jet Age Museum, Gloucester
The crew and cast for the Jet Age Museum filming: Kristine, Kerissa, Ian, Nicholas and Nick
Nick Horrell, Producer and Director, filming Ian Whittle (Frank Whittle's son) arriving in his aircraft at The Jet Age Museum
Ian Whittle (Frank Whittle's son) and Nick Horrell, Producer and Director, during interview filming at The Jet Age Museum
Nick Horrell, Producer and Director, Ian Whittle (Frank Whittle's son) and Nicholas Jones (co-director)