Rough Narrative (Whole Film)

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.