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Thanks so much!

XD

This is only a very begining idea BUT I was wondering -

If you could make a documentary film about ARRG what would you want in it?

I know loads of folk come to film us and that:

1. This is amazing exposure and promotion of ARRG/roller derby

but

2. Sometimes its a little uncomfortable wondering what they're going to focus on and how they are going to present us/roller derby, like it is going to be a bit rubbish making out we're all sex-crazed, tattooed, bad-ass, agressive women in fishnets (errr nothing wrong with being a sexed-crazed etc. person but yeah, just saying roller derby is more complicated than that probably!) who are LIBRARIANS BY DAY etc. etc.

I am vaguely thinking about making a film as part of my phd but would like it to be as much as possible 'the story of ARRG' as we, collectively, would like it told.

Errr so what do you think something like that should include?

Before doing any filming (if it even happens) I'll get everyone's permission AND I might buy a helmet-cam.

The story of ARRG would be long!

interviews with both new and old members (not age wise just like longevity wise - often two completely different perspectives of ARRG and roller derby)

profiles of team skaters, NSO's, refs and volunteers to get a good feel for the ARRG family?

A focus on where we were, what we've achieved and where we're heading?

This is a good idea...but my brain is totally mashed right now.

I'll just put a love heart here.

When people make projects like this, they never seem to put ARRG in the greater context of Uk/EU/World wide Roller Derby. We're actually quite a big deal...

For example, you could go to ANY UK team practice and film it, and ask the same questions, but it wouldnt show how high profile and important our league are. We are probably in the top 5 UK teams, which is a HUUGE deal! We're also leading the way in terms of WFTDA membership, which will make ARRG GLOBAL!

Lots of interviews with Ciderella, obviously.

But mostly coming at it from the DIY angle and the sports angle, rather than the "LOOK AT THESE REBELLIOUS WOMEN, TATTOOS AND BRUISES, A SEXY FIGHT ON ROLLERSKATES, ON TRACK PERSONA" blahblah.

My most hated phrase re: roller derby: "it is a sport for people who don't like sport" auuuuggghhh.

I also think it would be nice to have more refs in these documentary things. maybe some insight into how derby is actually tactical and intelligent not just a big radge rollerball type scenario....

I really like Tartys ideas! Arrg are different from other leagues in so many ways. I think it would be nice to have something about the interpersonal dynamics of arrg and how we keep that. I guess what I mean by that is that I've been in various women-only groups, organisations and work places and is sometimes difficult to mange conflict with the combination of lots of strong personalities. The total friendliness of arrg is something ive Never experienced from a group of random very different people and it's something that's not necessarily shared by all derby leagues. It would be nice to capture that if poss.

I think the suggestion about refs is good too; when i talk to people about derby they are surprised about how regulated it is in terms of rules and this is really important in showing derby to be a professionally organised sport rather than a bunch of peeps freestyling it on wheels

I definitely want to do this now.

I'm going to buy equiptment and go on a course.

Thank you for input - I want to do all of this!

If you ever need a perspective from an ex-arrg person whose essentially whored herself around as many other leagues as poss. in the pursuit of keeping roller derby in their life, then I am your gal

Fay! I have a button sized spy cam with transmitter that you can hook up to a tv and directly record if you wanna get some different types of footage. Just a suggestion, but i have it there in case. I also have old 8mm cinematic camera's there too...the latter probably not helpful at all.

Woah Blaze are you a secret agent?

What is a spy cam?!