Beyond Measure
A film by Nick Quinn.
Beyond Measure follows Dr. Terry Quinn, a retired, eminent physicist (and also my father), in the 8 months leading up to his collaborative historic mission to redefine the kilogram. We travel with Terry as he engages, enchants and explains this process across the globe. The story celebrates both a scientific and soul searching mission… redefining the kilogram while also redefining Terry. The film touches upon genetics, academics, socio- & religio-politics, family dynamics and love. It is a unique documentary where the world of physics is juxtaposed with family history and self-discovery… a Science (non)Fiction Film.
Beyond Measure is produced by Raoul Films & C'est What Studio, with the support of the Région Île-de-France and Brouillon d'un Rêve from the SCAM, and is represented by LaScam.
- Directed byNick Quinn
- Written byNick Quinn, Anne Villacèque
- Picture byAlexis Kavyrchine, Nick Quinn, Richard Ranken
- Edited byVéronique Brique
- Sound bySteven Ghouti, Nick Quinn
- Music byClovis Schneider
- Produced byNick Quinn, Lauren Zarelli Renaud
Director Statement
Soon after starting this project, I realised I would never be able to explain to the general public how the kilogram is being replaced by fixing the numerical value of the Planck constant. However, I knew that there was a more important science story to tell.
How science operates. Why science is not merely an opinion. How science is a collective endeavour spanning generations. How we use this knowledge to manipulate our world and to solve the problems we face.
At the same time, I wanted to craft a unique science film narrative by adding the personal story of someone working in this field.
And what a story it is! Like something out of Downton Abbey. A young Irish chambermaid comes to London in the 1930s and becomes pregnant. Her employer promptly dismisses her. Being a single mother is not an option, so her child is given to a family. The story is her relationship to that family and what becomes of that child.
I hope and believe this juxtaposition of knowledge and emotion will result in a truly original documentary that surprises and captivates audiences.
