This documentary explores the lives of two prolific graffiti writers, BIG and QUIR, from their childhood introduction to graffiti through to their arrests and reflections later in life. It will be 5-10 minutes long and divided into three sections: an introduction to the writers and their relationship/work; their attitudes towards getting caught; and their reflections after being arrested. Through interviews and footage of the writers, the film aims to give viewers insight into graffiti culture from the perspective of those involved to help viewers form their own informed opinions. The cinematography will evolve from lighter daytime shots to darker night shots that reflect the changing tone of the stories being told. The target audience is those aged 18-35 who will be able
1.
TITLE
Writers
Log line
Exploring and documenting the life of a graffiti writer. From beginning to
end. From childhood to adulthood and documenting how and why their
graffiti career has come to an end
Synopsis
Focucung on two prolific graffiti writers. One called BIG one called QUIR
both have years of experience and have made big impacts on the scene. Our
documentary goes to explore what they do, why they do what they do,
whilst unveiling their lives from personal lives to their graffiti writing night
lives. Discoving their rise to their capture and analysing there lives from
careers and dreams to graffiti and graffiti culture. One of the main goals of
this documentary is to open the minds of viewers watching who may not
have any knowledge of the subject. Not done in a way to form opinions for
them or to impose a certain idea but rather to help the viewer form their own
informed opinions and viewpoints this is done through the personality of the
interviewees and there personal stories.
Themes and Concepts
The film is aiming to adress the personal aspects of the two writers QUIR
and BIG. To expose there how there attitudes to life and graffiti intertwine
together. With the main focus on the relationship between them both and
exploring there different outlooks the graffiti culture and getting an insight
into their ambitions as graffiti writers. How that relates to what they have
achieved. Also to document the reasons that inspired them to do what they
have done over the years. These themes are induced by the story of them
getting arrested and sentenced. This allows for an overview of there career
and allowing them to reflect on the consequences of there lifestyle choices.
The main focus is the personal insight into their lives which is done to
achieve a piece of work that the general audience will be able to relate to.
The subject is a quite inaccesable one for most people so the film work to
break down that barrier for the audience to fully enjoy and be informed
whilst offering stylistic filming that reflects the subject and the stories that
are being told. The style is aiming to start of calm and relaxed with lighter
shots in day time at the beginning when they are discussing there childhood
and growing up with graffiti. Then progressing to the stage with the story of
getting caught and the paranoia that come with it. By this time the shots will
graduate to a dark more subdued style. With the final shots in general
becoming more light and open to show the reflection of the characters
2. One of the opening shots
Shot near the end of the film
3. Technical details
The project will be between 5-10 minutes long. roughly split into 3 equal
sections. First the introduction of QUIR and BIG and their relationship how
they met and documenting the extent of the damage they have done.
Displayed by personal interviews and cut away shots of them exploring and
painting. This sets up the next stage which is there attitudes to the prospect
of getting caught. This is done by them talking about the risks of graffiti and
then the stories of how they got caught with dramatical recreation of the
events. Then the final stage is the reflection on what has happened,
exploring their attitudes to graffiti after they were caught and showing what
they are doing now and how this has changed from before to after their
capture. By this point of the film the tone will have changed to a reflective
look on the previous events in the film. With a conclusive ending that raps
up the film and fully satisfies the audience and finishes the story that is
being told. The filming will be done in HD digital format with added in
archive footage and photographs, including news cuttings and personal
photos. Sound will be recorded with a stereo hand held Zoom Mic. All
audio recorded at the time of shooting.
Target Audience
From similar already published films I have established that the general
target audience is 18-35 year olds. 18 is the projected minimum age because
the content of the film involves people drinking, moderate swearing,
smoking and a theme of criminality. Although this is the predicate target
audience i do believe people of both genders and most ages over 18 will be
able to enjoy this film due to the accesability of the story that is achieved in
the way it is presented. Also because it is a relatively short film it allows for
people who may not have an interest in the subject to watch without
committing to a full-length feature documentary. A similar film i have found
is Infamy
http://youtu.be/mcUMl5ohKN4
This is a much longer film but explores the same subject area as my film. I
think my film is differentiated from this because it displays the personal
aspect more and is a lot shorter. This is why i think my film has a wider
target audience than Infamy. I think this film is suitable to be shown at short
film festivals because of the stylistic filming aspect. As well as being
4. suitable for online platforms. Most likely Youtube and Vimeo because of
the wide audience base that access these sites.
Contact Details
Stephen Latchem
18 Glisson Road Cambridge CB1 2HD
Stephenlatchem@hotmail.co.uk
07732893883