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Oscar® Nominee, Best Documentary (Feature), 1982

After the Axe

1981 56 min
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This full-length drama depicts the reality of managers getting fired and the emergence of a new industry specialized in handling executive terminations. The film was made with the cooperation of the business community, which helped script some of the scenes and provided authentic locations. The central figure, D.R. "Biff" Wilson, 44, is a composite figure based on extensive conversations with fired executives.

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This work contains scenes of nudity and/or sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.
After the Axe

Details

This full-length drama depicts the reality of managers getting fired and the emergence of a new industry specialized in handling executive terminations. The film was made with the cooperation of the business community, which helped script some of the scenes and provided authentic locations. The central figure, D.R. "Biff" Wilson, 44, is a composite figure based on extensive conversations with fired executives.

This work contains scenes of nudity and/or sexuality. Viewer discretion is advised.
  • director
    Sturla Gunnarsson
  • producer
    Sturla Gunnarsson
    Steve Lucas
  • executive producer
    Arthur Hammond
  • script
    Steve Lucas
  • photography
    Andreas Poulsson
  • sound
    Bryan Day
  • editing
    Roger Mattiussi
  • sound editing
    Roger Mattiussi
  • narrator
    Roger Mattiussi
  • re-recording
    Mike Hoogenboom
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
  • music
    Patricia Cullen
    Sharon Smith
  • cast
    James Douglas
    Anne Christison
    Janine Manatis
    Randy Solomon

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Education

Ages 15 to 18
School subjects

Warnings: Nudity

Describe the reason(s) for Biff’s termination. What steps are taken to try and support Biff following his termination from the company? Are these the same means utilized today? Research the history of relocation counselling. Contrast this with the role of life coaches or headhunters today. Describe the roles of “consultants” in this film. What type of consultants exist in business companies? Describe the relationship between physical fitness, mental health and stress using examples from this film. What surprises you about workplaces while watching this film? What do you expect would be different about these workplaces today?

After the Axe
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Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.