MSI UK is working with a BAFTA and Emmy-winning production company who are making a sensitively crafted documentary film for a major UK broadcaster that follows both the stories of the team members at MSI’s Bristol clinic and the women they are supporting as they consider a surgical abortion.
Top Hat Productions is looking for people based in the South West, who are interested in sharing their story and being featured in the documentary.
On this page, Top Hat answers questions about being involved in the documentary.
Interested in taking part?
If you think you might be interested, you have questions or would like to know more, please click the button to get in touch.
What is the documentary about?
This will be a sensitively crafted documentary film made by a female director who is working with the approval of MSI, to film within their Bristol clinic. Though MSI is facilitating the project, Top Hat will be producing the documentary independently. Your decision to take part, or not, will in no way impact your access to MSI’s services.
This film will follow the clinic’s team members as they support people considering or seeking a surgical abortion. This will be a balanced film that captures the nuance within each of the stories, and gives a platform for people seeking an abortion to talk about their personal experiences within this area of healthcare.
Why is Top Hat asking those accessing MSI’s services to take part?
This film will be shaped by the diverse personal experiences and testimonies of people considering and seeking abortion care with MSI. This is a film about human experiences, so Top Hat wants to make sure the voices of those personally involved are at the centre.
What stories are Top Hat hoping to film?
Top Hat is not seeking specific stories. We are interested in covering the entire spectrum of why people might need or consider a surgical abortion. Maybe you think your story is one that really needs to be heard or maybe you’re not sure your story is right. It’s always worth having a chat with us if you’re open to the idea of being part of a documentary film.
More information
Top Hat Productions is a multi-award-winning production company, and we make premium documentary films for all the major broadcasters and streamers. Please see https://www.tophat.tv/ for information about us. We always work with compassion, providing an empowering platform for people to have their voices heard.
At the heart of all we do is integrity, and we are very proud to say that our work has been recognised by the most prestigious awards in broadcast journalism – from institutions such as BAFTA, the Emmys, Peabody, Foreign Press Awards, to name a few.
Top Hat has extensive experience making documentary films that explore sensitive stories and subjects. It is always our priority to centre the voices of those directly impacted and make sure the process of working with us is handled with care and respect.
Top Hat and the broadcaster will ensure the highest level of duty of care towards anyone who chooses to take part in the film (or simply wants to have a conversation about it) – from the very first contact right the way through to post-broadcast. We all appreciate that it’s a big ask to potentially take part in a film like this. We are experienced in protecting and supporting everyone taking part.
Absolutely not. Your access to the clinic or MSI’s services will not be impacted by whether you want to be in the documentary or not. You do not have to be in the documentary to access MSI’s services, in any of their clinics.
If you speak to us and decide the documentary is not for you, your wishes and privacy will be respected and care at MSI will continue as planned.
No, you are not required by Top Hat Productions or MSI to be in the documentary.
Yes. Top Hat will be in contact with you throughout the process and you will be fully aware of when the film is airing.
No, Top Hat will only feature people who have given signed consent to being in the documentary.
Will my treatment be affected depending on if I take part or not?
Absolutely not. Your access to the clinic or MSI’s services will not be impacted by whether you want to be in the documentary or not. You do not have to be in the documentary to access MSI’s services, in any of their clinics.
If you speak to us and decide the documentary is not for you, your wishes and privacy will be respected and care at MSI will continue as planned.
Do I have to be in the documentary?
No, you are not required by Top Hat Productions or MSI to be in the documentary.
If I am featured in the documentary, will I be notified before it airs?
Yes. We will be in contact with you throughout the process and you will be fully aware of when the film is airing.
If I don’t want to take part and the film crew is at the clinic is there any risk that I could be filmed?
No, we will only feature people who have given signed consent to being in the documentary.
Who are the production company?
We are a multi-award-winning production company called Top Hat Productions, and we make premium documentary films for all the major broadcasters and streamers. Please see https://www.tophat.tv/ for information about us. We always work with compassion, providing an empowering platform for people to have their voices heard.
At the heart of all we do is integrity, and we are very proud to say that our work has been recognised by the most prestigious awards in broadcast journalism – from institutions such as BAFTA, the Emmys, Peabody, Foreign Press Awards, to name a few.
What experience does Top Hat have in making stories that cover sensitive issues like abortion?
We have extensive experience making documentary films that explore sensitive stories and subjects. It is always our priority to centre the voices of those directly impacted and make sure the process of working with us is handled with care and respect.
Top Hat and the broadcaster will ensure the highest level of duty of care towards anyone who chooses to take part in the film (or simply wants to have a conversation about it) – from the very first contact right the way through to post-broadcast. We all appreciate that it’s a big ask to potentially take part in a film like this. We are experienced in protecting and supporting everyone taking part.
