You are here: Home | Resources | Articles | DFG Graduate Success Story: Where Angels Fear to Tread

DFG Graduate Success Story: Where Angels Fear to Tread

Other articles in "Articles"

by Frances Harper
Where Angels Fear to Tread is a 30-minute documentary about an Ipswich sex-worker filmed and produced by Frances Harper in the wake of the murders last year, which was broadcast in February 2008 on BBC 1 East.

In Where Angels Fear To Tread, Frances Harper looks at the circumstances that led a young woman to prostitution and tries to find a way of helping her towards a better life - one away from squats, drugs and working the streets.

Since last May, I have been on an incredible journey which has taken me along a route that I have never been on before. One where I have gained so much from my time spent with Lou, seeing first hand how a young woman copes with life as a heroin user, and prostitute.

When I met Lou during May 2007, it was the first time I had ever spoken to a prostitute – I was not sure what to expect, and what my reaction might be!  We had arranged to meet at a café in Ipswich.  Lou arrived, with a couple of friends; one had previously been a street worker, the other – a best friend, drug user, and prostitute.

I asked Lou if she was happy for me to make a documentary about her, to help her make a fresh start.  I said “it’s not going to be easy, and it will not happen overnight.” She said she’d had enough.  Her friends were dead.  She wanted to come off the streets.  I had set out in my mind a number of objectives, but, how could I achieve this single handed?  It sounds bizarre as I have no training as a journalist, but I decided that the way to do it was to make a programme.  I decided to make a documentary to show people Lou’s world. Lou was living in a cupboard - she now has a flat, and is in touch with her Mum again.

Initially, I showed my proposal to a production company, they tried a few contacts, all interested, but, as I had not been able to make contact with Louise, a commission was not possible.  
 
Through my determination, and because I felt it was a good idea, I decided to go ahead and see what I could achieve. I met Louise and for me this started an incredible journey.  I started filming and put together a taster tape, but I felt it was important to find someone to professionally edit the film for me.  I called the BBC and outlined my idea to an experienced researcher.  She thought the Commissioning Editor would be interested, and I then received a call to attend a meeting with BBC 1 East.
 
I later realised that the Head of the region was also at the meeting.  It was decided there and then to commission the programme, and the Commissioning Editor said she would like to produce it with me.  I was able to carry on with my filming, and was involved throughout, with two weeks editing (which I found fascinating), and I also narrated for the programme.  I would add however, that there is always compromise, and you cannot have it all your own way!

Most people think of retirement at the age of 60, but for me, it is only the beginning.  I already have the BBC looking at my next proposal, and I am now outlining a proposal for a series on the many issues that have come about since filming Where Angels Fear to Tread.

Related Pages

Read more about the Writing and Pitching Your Proposal workshop in DFGDocs/Training

Back to Articles