Stills from Made in England

Made in England was made for Iain and Jane's first live art event of 1998, The Kids are Alright, at the ICA which featured a performance by a Who tribute band. The film was born out of the desire to create a support act to 'warm up' the audience. Exited by the idea of Karaoke films without ever having seen one, Iain and Jane set out to make a short film which could function in the same manner.

Having obtained the original master tapes for a recording of Substitute performed by the Who tribute band, a new mix was produced, minus the vocal track. Taking this as the soundtrack, the lyrics of the song were then produced as rolling graphics by young design team 'Pretty, You May Be...', forming one half of the 'split screen' film. Iain and Jane spent a day in London's Carnaby Street shooting footage which centred around Dan Howard-Birt walking the length of the street, cutting a strange presence dressed in authentic period Mod clothing previously used in the filming of Quadrophenia.

The resulting film was projected onto the stage backdrop at the event prior to the band's performance, provoking the entire audience to chant along with the on-screen lyrics.

 

Made in England
Single channel VHS PAL colour projection with sound. 4 minutes (1998)

First exhibited as part of The Kids are Alright at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London March 1998.

 

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