Collaborator Profile BTV Productions - Sutton STEAMS Ahead
Collaborator Profile: BTV Productions
BTV Productions are a group of three Sutton-based creatives who worked with us on the ‘Then, Now, Next’ project. They created a film all about the past, present and future of Sutton, inspired by Sutton’s archives and interviews with the local community.
Tell us a little bit about your group.
BTV Productions are three local creatives that have worked with the council before. We are set up as a multimedia production company, to explore projects surrounding, but not exclusive to, communities, local history, local issues and exploring a sense of place.
How were you involved in Sutton STEAMs Ahead?
‘Talking Heads, Living History’ was a video film and public projection project that mixes interviews of residents of Sutton with the images, text and sounds that they are speaking about. We aimed to bring local history alive, and take a glimpse into the future in three, five-minute films that focus on the PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of Sutton. The interviews were processed through the science of Artificial Intelligence software and the photographic process of double exposure. Projections onto buildings on the High Street in Sutton unfortunately could not happen in October due to poor weather, so Sutton Library was used.
BTV Productions filmed Sutton residents, capturing real view points, for a series of short films.
Were there any highlights and/or take-aways from being part of Sutton STEAMs Ahead?
We all learnt hugely from collaborating together. We also took great joy working with Sutton archives as it gave us visual inspiration for our project. The biggest highlight though was the community itself, their narrative and their joy at being involved.
What does STEAM mean to you?
We are all hugely passionate about STEAM. All these fields are combined within our work but also within our lives. The concept of STEM was always flawed as it leaves us with no creativity. The use of STEAM within the cultural year has been such an achievement and has pushed many artists to re-think their practice in terms of this.
What’s up next for you?
Next? - we are open to all offers! But some of us will be working on individual projects surrounding the Wandle and AI. We are committed to working together again, on what? We don't know just yet!
Have you worked with us as part of the Sutton STEAMs Ahead programme? Contact us to potentially feature in a Collaborator Profile. Send an email to suttonsteamsahead@sutton.gov.uk.
