The New Zealand filmmaker’s family wants an industry change after his sudden death in Canada

WARNING: THIS ARTICLE IS ABOUT SUICIDE

The family of a Wellington man who took his own life in Canada says he was struggling and under enormous pressure in a “toxic” work environment, and they are calling for urgent change to prevent more deaths.

Malcolm Angell, who would have turned 47 today, died in Montreal on May 20.

He had tried to kill himself a month earlier and was hospitalized, but returned to work two days later and did not tell his family.

His death came shortly after discovering that his mother had a brain tumor and did not have long to live.

He died on the day of his funeral, held in Wellington after his body was repatriated and his brother Ivan returned from London and completed a period in controlled isolation.

Angell had worked in the film industry for about 20 years. He began his career with Weta Digital in the production of The Lord of the Rings.

Last year he moved to Montreal to work for the renowned visual effects studio Mill Film.

Ivan Angell told the Herald that his brother was talented and hardworking.

But the pressure from the industry became too much for him, he believed.

After Angell’s death, his brother learned that he had been working up to 80 hours a week, something his colleagues said was common in the industry, and he felt intimidated and “humiliated” by some managers.

He emailed a friend to say that his job “sucks a bit” and that he was “doing two people’s jobs.”

But he was unable to resign due to a penalty clause in his contract, which means he had to pay $ 35,000 if he left his position.

The contract stated that for “certain very exceptional and serious reasons” the company could decide to waive the severance clause.

But Ivan Angell said his brother would never have left a project unfinished.

“He was worried that he would not deliver on time and would be blamed,” he explained.

“Malcolm was known for his integrity and for doing the right thing, so he wanted to go down with the ship.”

Technicolor provided the Herald with a statement regarding Angell’s death and the claims made about the workplace.

“Malcolm Angell’s passing in May was a traumatic and tragic event for his family, friends and for our team. We mourn his passing and continue to express our deepest condolences to his family,” the statement said.

“Technicolor has strong and long-lasting anti-harassment policies, whistleblower resources, and complies with all labor laws.

“We take all complaints made through our channels very seriously, thoroughly investigate allegations and address violations of our policies.

“We did not receive a formal complaint from Malcolm or witnesses on his behalf.

When we learned of Malcolm’s situation at home, we offered him additional support and resources, including encouraging him to take time off, as well as looking for and offering to pay for a flight home, which he declined. We had also informed him that we would waive the indemnity clause. “

The statement said the company would take any toxic workplace claim seriously.

“As a company, we are committed to learning and doing more for mental health.”

Ivan Angell said that he knew his brother was going through a difficult time, but that he had no idea how bad things were.

London-based Kiwi learned of Angell’s death through a phone call from a detective.

He was then informed about the previous suicide attempt and that Angell had asked the police not to tell his family or his employer.

“Obviously Malcolm was in a dark place when he took his own life,” Ivan Angell said today.

“Mental health is a complicated subject and I am not saying that everything depends on his employer. Malcolm had his problems and you are never sure about these things.

“But there is so much evidence that his work environment was toxic … that it twisted the
knife.”

Ivan Angell was trying to get more information from Technicolor, owner of Mill Films, and the Montreal police about his brother’s death.

Specifically, he wants to know who found out about the first suicide attempt and why his brother returned to work two days later, which he said was “ridiculous.”

He has spoken to colleagues who said Angell and others were under great pressure to complete projects, often with little time and resources, and were too scared to speak out against the conditions.

“Visual effects is a really tough industry for workers … but they can’t talk about it because they are afraid of being blacklisted,” said Ivan Angell.

“There is no union, there is nothing they can do, they just have to move on.

“Malcolm mentioned to me how difficult he was finding it, but he was a really stoic person, he didn’t give much more but he was starting to speak in a way that felt like his career was over.”

Ivan Angell made the decision to speak up about suicide because he wanted things to change in the industry his brother worked so hard to be a part of.

“There is so much pressure … there is a lot of this happening,” he said.

“We need to shed light on this, this is just the beginning of a conversation. I don’t expect major changes, I just want people to know.

“We don’t know when we watch movies, the work involved, we don’t know how difficult it is
and what these people go through.

“All I want is for Malcolm’s death to not be in vain, and to help other people, that’s all I hope.”

Angell’s friend Claire Murdoch wrote her an obituary that her family said was brilliant and summed it up perfectly.

She said that he was “the best of friends to an astonishing number of people” and that he lived his life “having as much fun as possible without hurting anyone.”

“Mal’s superpower was friendship,” he said.

“He had the gift of not only making friends and keeping them, but of being a true good friend, remembered by those closest to him as someone who showed his love and care, rather than talking too much about his feelings, but always alive for others ’emotions, always there for deep things and quiet moments too “.

She said she had the ability to “always find the funny side of things” and a deep commitment to social justice.

He worked hard and others in the industry “loved him for his collegiality, competence and professionalism and appreciated his no-nonsense, drama-free demeanor.”

“Mally somehow managed to maintain an exquisite sense of humor even, especially when the going got tough, keeping others sane and focused, not breaking a sweat what she didn’t need to sweat and maintaining a deep calm in seas of chaos.” , said.

“Making movies is not for anyone who can’t collaborate, learn fast, work hard physically and mentally, meet impossible deadlines and handle downright insane levels of pressure, and Malcolm thrived,” he said.

“Malcolm was never seen for so long without his famous smile or his inevitable companion, as thunder follows lightning, his silly helium laugh.

“It’s fair to say that no one thought they would stop laughing.”

WHERE TO GET HELP:

If you are concerned about your mental health or someone else’s, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call the police immediately at 111.

OR IF YOU NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE:

• 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline
• YOUTH LINE: 0800 376 633
• I NEED TO TALK? Toll Free or Text 1737 (Available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (from 1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111757 or TEXT 4202
• NATIONAL ANXIETY HELP LINE 24 HOURS: 0800 269 438