HeadsUpGuys unveil new mental health campaign
New mental health campaign The Candle launches in partnership with HeadsUpGuys.
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Today marks the launch of The Candle, a powerful new commercial spot created in partnership with HeadsUpGuys, a leading mental health resource for men.
Directed by Oleks Herasymenko, the piece explores the emotional struggle men face when trying to articulate their feelings, and the courage it takes to reach out for help. Rooted in his personal experience with therapy, the spot was inspired by a simple but evocative image: a candle standing against a storm. It’s a symbol of quiet resilience in the face of chaos, a reflection of how vulnerability, often seen as weakness in men, is in fact a profound form of strength.
“This project started with a feeling I couldn’t name,” Herasymenko shared. “Therapy helped me find language through symbols, stories, and myth. I wanted to create something that spoke to that experience, and to challenge the outdated idea that men must suffer in silence.”
The crew behind The Candle rallied around the message from day one, drawn to its emotional honesty and cultural urgency. The partnership with HeadsUpGuys brings that message full circle, offering tangible tools and resources to men navigating mental health challenges.
Credits
View on-
- Production Company Revolver Films
- Director Oleksandr Herasymenko
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Credits
View on- Production Company Revolver Films
- Director Oleksandr Herasymenko
- Executive Producer Richard Cureton
- Producer Lisa Kannakko
- Editing Outsider Editorial/Toronto
- Editor Michael Barker
- Assistant Editor Outsider Editorial/Toronto
- Executive Producer Kristina Anzlinger
- Executive Producer Kayan Choi
- Post Producer Kelsey Dale-McGrath
- VFX Pinky Swear
- Color RedLab
- Executive Producer Luc Frappier
- DP Mat Barkley
- VFX Artist James Andrews
- Executive Producer Airees Angellakis
- Colorist Abe Wynen
- Sound Designer & Mix Yuzhi Yan
- Composer Jakub Pietras
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Credits
powered by- Production Company Revolver Films
- Director Oleksandr Herasymenko
- Executive Producer Richard Cureton
- Producer Lisa Kannakko
- Editing Outsider Editorial/Toronto
- Editor Michael Barker
- Assistant Editor Outsider Editorial/Toronto
- Executive Producer Kristina Anzlinger
- Executive Producer Kayan Choi
- Post Producer Kelsey Dale-McGrath
- VFX Pinky Swear
- Color RedLab
- Executive Producer Luc Frappier
- DP Mat Barkley
- VFX Artist James Andrews
- Executive Producer Airees Angellakis
- Colorist Abe Wynen
- Sound Designer & Mix Yuzhi Yan
- Composer Jakub Pietras
Says Dr. John Ogrodniczuk, Founder, HeadsUpGuys: “In brilliant and dramatic fashion, Revolver Films has captured the essence of what it’s like to face depression, feeling alone in a relentless storm, fighting to hold onto that last glimmer of light in your life. At HeadsUpGuys, we know that a lot of men are weathering these storms alone, not knowing where to turn to for help. That’s why our partnership with Revolver Films means so much. Together, we’re shining a light through the darkness, reminding men everywhere that help is here, and hope is real. You don’t have to weather the storm alone.”
Says Luc Frappier, Executive Producer at Revolver: “We are incredibly proud of director Oleks and how he masterfully handled this delicate topic. We are also very grateful to the wonderful people over at HeadsUpGuys and the support they gave this project and the hard work they do all year round to help men open up about their struggles.”
Says Richard Cureton, Executive Producer at Revolver: “This film is a very timely reminder to men that in an era of global political chaos, increasingly questionable role models for young men, social media’s algorithm driven version of what success looks like and increasing financial pressures, they don’t have to suffer depression and related mental health issues in silence. Thanks to our amazing clients at HeadsUpGuys for providing an incredible platform for men to get help. This was a real passion project for Oleks and it shows in the level of care and craft he put into it.”
Revolver is proud to stand behind a project that invites men to feel, to speak, to heal. To remind them that softness is strength, and silence doesn’t have to be the answer. Grateful to have helped bring this vision to life, and even more grateful for what it stands for.
