Midge the Cat, a locally produced film about a man who had running races against his cat, which captured the hearts and minds of the British public, media and Cannes Film Festival 2009, was the result of a staff incentive scheme created and implemented for a major client by incentive and motivation agency AYMTM.
Staff at a leading telecoms company were encouraged by the employee engagement programme to put forward their dreams and desires. The most original ideas were chosen and brought to life.
Martin Humphreys of Wrose, West Yorkshire put forward his dream to make a film about how his cat, Midge, would race him to his local shop every day. The faster Martin runs, the one-eyed cat runs faster, and will never let him pass. Their battle for supremacy began after Midge, now 12, began following him to his local shop and waiting outside on a wall, ready to race her master home.
This phenomenon inspired Martin to ask to make a film about Midge as his dream reward. AYMTM, which implemented the incentive helps to made the funding, logistics and support available for Martin, allowing the film to be made.
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Rachel Buller, account director at AYMTM, commented: “Making the story of Midge the Cat is something about which the incentive industry should be proud. Beyond a holiday or reward, our industry has the potential to make life-changing events if people are given the flexibility and motivation to make it happen. We’re delighted at the way this has turned out for Martin Humphreys, especially since he now has Hollywood in sight!”
