The film would begin
by introducing the area focussed on (fictional area of London) and its social
history. It would then go on to discuss poverty in the area and problems
involving crime that have arisen in the area due to this. During this time
shots of the area and interviews with its inhabitants would be used to
illustrate this introduction.
Attention would be
turned towards the estates of the area and the various gangs that are known to
‘represent’ each one. Interviews with various gang members would be used with
shots of violence and crime, creating an intimidating image of the gangs and
their members. Various ‘key players’ would be introduced including the two
primary gang leaders (‘main characters’), one of which seeming reserved and
shrew while the other bawdy and violent. Slowly the audience will get to know
these two characters and their communities more, and learn about their
involvement in the phenomenon of ‘street tennis’.
Street tennis is a
presented as a seedy underworld of wagers and unstable matches that are used to
settle gang disputes and are effectively organised.
The documentary will
learn from gang members of how the tradition evolved in their lifetimes and how
its values are upheld strictly.
Once everything has been
established the two main characters are shown developing separately as ‘street
tennis’ players whilst never meeting in the film. The first of the two is seen
to be maturing and learning whilst the other shown to be turning into a crazed
beast of the street tennis court who wishes to challenge the first gang leader.
The game is organised
by the powers at be overseeing street tennis and the date is set. The
exposition of the film consists of a build up of tension as both characters
prepare for this match. The film ends with the match taking place and the
police arriving, shutting down the match, arresting the second gang leader and
tragically killing the first.
We (as the
documenters) would not have planned to latch on to such a heartbreaking tale
purposefully but were more looking into the world of street tennis itself.
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