The
History of Breaking Venus
Commissioned
by Break-Out Youth Project and GCHS, Breaking Venus is a drama about
same sex domestic violence. To be used as an educational resource
the film tells the dramatic story of the abusive relationship between
Joanne and her girlfriend Sally. The film deals with the ramifications
and outcomes of this kind of relationship.
Breaking Venus was filmed over six very hectic days on high definition
video, with a core crew of four. Due to the low budget and the ambitious
nature of the project this meant that most of the crew doubled up
on various jobs. It wasn't unusual to see the assistant director holding
the boom pole for example.
The film's
script was written after a long period of consultation with members
of Breakout Youth Project and Mary Lukins who manages the project.
Through out the shoot Mary, her team and members of the Breakout Youth
Project supported the production. The Edge Night Club, local business
and private residences all provided us with free locations.
The
cast of Break Venus ranged from new talent to an established professional
in a supporting role. The four main leads all came from the Performing
Arts Course at Southampton Solent University. The casting of these
talented actresses was enabled by the course leader John Barlow and
the University who gave City Eye the space and opportunity to hold
auditions and rehearsals. City Eye gratefully acknowledges the Universities
and John's support of the project.
A long
period of post production followed. Breaking Venus is a fifty minute
drama, a form and length that City Eye normally does not get the opportunity
to work in. This meant that editing, sound design and mixing was crucial
to the outcome of the film. In keeping with the crew doubling up on
various roles to keep with in the small budget the director of photography,
Simon White, also undertook all of the sound design and mixing for
the final film.
The film
has been well received by Break-Out Youth, GCHS and all that have
seen it and on November 3rd 2006 at Harbour Lights Cinema in Southampton
it will be had it's official launch.
All the
cast, crew and production staff at City Eye hope that the film goes
on to raise awareness of same sex domestic violence and that the film
in part goes a little way to starting the debate over the issue.
This project was commisioned and funded by
