| Tigers at Layer Road 21:11 - Sep 23 with 117519 views | SparkfilmsTV |
In a strange twist of events l found myself in conversation with a young lady who had attended Layer Road for a match against Hull City in our first season in The Championship. The 5-1 encounter.
We were attending a promo evening for a band called The Datsuns in North London in 2008.
During the evening she explained that she had been present at a party that made the national news due to the tragic death of someone by the name of Mark Blanco.
The incident occurred in December 2006.
This incident will be shown on Channel 4 on Monday night at 22.00 in an hour long documentary and several people known to me have made contributions.
It may be of interest to some.
I am very much hoping that the police will reinvestigate the death of Mark Blanco as a result of what will be included in the content.
I know that what l was told by this young lady 15 years ago has been instrumental in the making of this documentary.
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 08:51 - May 16 with 1586 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Peter Doherty has just released the single 'Pot of Gold'....hints of Ray Davies in a pop masterpiece with a quite brilliant accompanying video that features his daughter's selection of soft toys no less.
This appears to be a creative collaboration with his wife Katia who is an accomplished and creative film maker and musician herself.
🌜🌛 | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 11:44 - May 16 with 1543 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Work in progress...verse one....'Cardboard Citadel'.....please excuse the rawness of this as written in haste .....
We trekked across
The ocean bed
Then in our midst
Did appear a spectacle
Some dusty cardboard Citadel
With the windows boarded up
And a gothic doorway sprayed
Where a kiss & tell princess
Stares down in the ripples
Of a flat pack wishing well
But her image
Is rendered totally invisible
'Tis her aim
To make a claim
And demand
A full refund today .... | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 13:44 - May 16 with 1527 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Second bit ( even rawer than the first as keyed 'live' ).
Meanwhile a gypsy
Walking past a stream
Looks down for her reflection
But there's nothing to be seen
And the shadows on the wall
Are arabesque
Protesters on the streets
Dressed in burlesque
And the subway echoes
Sound grotesque
As another actress inhales
The emptiness
Across the landscape
The lights turn red
Sirens fill the air with fear and dread
There are figures on a bridge
On overloads of meds...
Then
In unison
Deliberation
Contemplating
A final act
While back at the Citadel
A magician pulls a rabbit
From a hat
It's just another
Hammer Horror
Flicking on the screen
Just like yesterday
And the day before that | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 22:01 - May 16 with 1496 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I wrote the two previous threads today between picking up the first batch of Monster magazines from the printer.
Monster features a load of rapidly written works that are equally raw and have virtually no fine tuning....every piece is illustrated in collage, there is no digital input on the word / images and a few people have seen some copies today.
The pages are ultra colour saturated...even l was quite startled when l saw the result.
It has become my recent mode to donate any book or magazine productions to galleries and bookshops and let them sell the stuff ( if they are able ) and keep any proceeds.
I will take a copy to Castle Park tomorrow for a member of The Usual to cast his eye over....
As for Cardboard Citadel I'll probably leave it in a raw state and include it in the next Monster release in a few months time.
If anyone reading this would like a copy of Monster and lives near Colchester Town / City centre l can arrange to leave some complimentary copies at a retail unit in Red Lion Walk.
🙂🙃 | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 22:52 - May 17 with 1424 views | noah4x4 |
I’ve received a copy of Monster.
It is a well put together publication that is as intriguing as the Tigers at Layer Road thread. Not Shakespeare or Keats, but bizarrely compelling. I probably need to be on the same medication as the author to enjoy it more, but it is a worthy read if you like considering lyrics without music. |  | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 17:22 - May 18 with 1353 views | SparkfilmsTV |
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Children under discretion of the nurse in charge
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STOP PRESS
Emergency ( stop )
Repeat Emergency ( stop )
Colchester central ( stop )
Police in attendance at incident ( stop )
Man on roof with horse whip ( stop )
Naked female appears to have arm caught in chimney pot ( stop )
Horse on the loose ( stop )
Ice cream van in collision with fire engine ( stop )
Keep us updated
Please report any change
in your circumstances
immediadiately | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 13:53 - May 19 with 1286 views | SparkfilmsTV |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 22:52 - May 17 by noah4x4 |
I’ve received a copy of Monster.
It is a well put together publication that is as intriguing as the Tigers at Layer Road thread. Not Shakespeare or Keats, but bizarrely compelling. I probably need to be on the same medication as the author to enjoy it more, but it is a worthy read if you like considering lyrics without music. |
Thanks Phil,
The 'Monster' has arrived safely in America and they seem to have taken to him.
It will be easier to print the next run out there.
🇺🇲🇺🇲 | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 21:27 - May 19 with 1240 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Was in conversation today with a young lady who was auditioning for a part in a West End Musical.
The audition was held in Fulham - West London. She was up at 4am to get ready and catch the first train out of Colchester.
Arrived at the venue around 7am for the 8pm start.
Girls all around the block. Hundreds and hundreds. No catering facilities and nothing offered by those arranging the audition.
Eventually did a short dance part around 12.30pm...after about a minute she along with a group of others are released.
Back at Liverpool Street for the 13.30 Inter City....which is late leaving and then further delayed at Shenfield en route to Colchester.
Eventually arrives home some 12 hours after she woke up.
This is quite standard. It's often a gruelling and exhausting experience.
The conversation turned to writing and l arranged to leave her some gifts in the shadow of a tree on a grass verge at a given time.
She has done some writing for current artists and several of them will be known to folk reading this. Some really exciting ones among them too!
A few hours before this l was speaking to a business owner in Colchester town / city centre. We spoke about television and he showed me some proposals he had sent to production companies.
He has some really interesting ideas and one in particular jumped out at me.
I emailed a production company l work with to see if they would take a look at his concept. It's not the kind of thing l would have considered but l realised it might be suitable for a car commercial....it's one of the best ideas l have heard in the past 20 years!
( Slight change of subject )
I was sent some viewing stats for 'The Piano' last night on Channel 4 at 9pm. In excess of two million viewers! It is produced by 'Love'...it's hovering around 12th place on everything currently going out on Channel 4 which is formidable and has an add on streaming value.
It's a wonderful concept and life changing for many of those who take part.
I need to live a bit longer.
It would be nice to help some of the talented people in Colchester by putting them in touch with people who will take the time to consider their work. | | | |
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 13:36 - May 20 with 1200 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Have been asked to write a dance track....not done one before but always up for a challenge....won't be able to post on here which should give folk a break....🇺🇲🇺🇲....an idea came through immediately....must be how my head works these days.... | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 21:13 - May 20 with 1155 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I think the word is out that there are some severe staff cuts on the horizon at ITV.
The schedules will be changing too running up to the lunchtime slot.
Lorraine will be initially cut and then phased out.
One of the reasons for this may be that when the commercials are on people are scanning their phones and distracted by a second wave of advertising rendering the first layer virtually redundant.
In fact, it would not surprise me if people were already engrossed in their phones when the commercials were not on screen.
Another reason could be that Lorraine is five years past it's sell by date ( some might think ten years ).
I recall working at ITV during 2007 when an entire floor of office staff who were in my view virtually disappeared overnight.
I remember saying 'Where have they all gone?' There was a two word answer - 'Laid off'.
There are some dramatic changes coming too that will affect staff at the BBC, the media scene is predicable in one sense - it is getting shredded. | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 21:45 - May 20 with 1144 views | SparkfilmsTV |
TV data ...GB News has taken massive chunks from BBC News 24 in the past two weeks! This alone could effect staffing numbers at the BBC....
It's also overtaken Sky News....
A little closer to home there is an interesting paper / report doing the rounds that cites Colchester having morphed from the capital of Roman Britain to the Cocaine Capital of Post Modern Britain. It's brilliantly written and will scare the xxxx out of Colchester City Council ( should they get the opportunity to read it ). | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 23:06 - May 20 with 1136 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I delivered a couple of 'Monsters' to my old school today and gave staff members a little insight into what happened after l left St Helena in Sheepen Road in 1969.
During the conversation l mentioned that l enjoyed my time at the school and would love to do it all again.
It occured to me that it would be nice to set a project at the school to mirror some of the projects that l have been involved in at Universities across the country....but not with anything l have written - using the module to team up young creative / poetic writers with illustrators, designers and multi media artists.
The concept came about from a design company in Sheffield in 2005 and spread across the country....there was a composite book produced by Victionary in Hong Kong ( Graphic Poetry ) and that led to introducing the project to uni's in Sheffield, Nottingham and Lincoln.
The results of the students work were stunning.
The Monster also made his way to Colchester Sixth Form College today.
Sometimes l find myself walking up North Hill with my dog - see students with what appear to be art folders and the like and think to myself - will they get a career further down the line?
I was lucky, worked alongside some inspirational people over many years. British, Spanish, Italian and Greek to name a few.
Wish l could do it all again. | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 17:12 - May 21 with 1096 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I wonder what is really going on with the fire bomb attacks on Sir Keir Starmer?
Are the Russians behind this?
Is anyone behind this or were those arrested working on it independently?
It could explode into the biggest political scandal since Christine Keeler or just blow out....but before it does, it's likely the entire nation will get to hear the rumours. [Post edited 22 May 15:48]
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 18:51 - May 21 with 1078 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I've just received a long email from a Channel 4 production company with an up to date report on where we are at on two documentaries.
They are smashed out on workload and l really appreciate them taking the time to keep me in the loop on stuff.
I don't think any of the teams l am speaking to in Leeds and London come within 35 years of my age - and there are a lot of them. I must seem like a distant dinosaur to some of them but so far it's run quite smoothly. | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 21:21 - May 22 with 990 views | SparkfilmsTV |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 17:12 - May 21 by SparkfilmsTV |
I wonder what is really going on with the fire bomb attacks on Sir Keir Starmer?
Are the Russians behind this?
Is anyone behind this or were those arrested working on it independently?
It could explode into the biggest political scandal since Christine Keeler or just blow out....but before it does, it's likely the entire nation will get to hear the rumours. [Post edited 22 May 15:48]
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For anyone interested in the Starmer fire bombings check out Roman Lavrynovych....has registered a start up business at Companies House in the time leading up to the fires.
MSM may be restricted in reporting this?
That is, if they are aware. | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 13:13 - May 23 with 944 views | SparkfilmsTV |
I have been reunited with a CD that l discovered again this morning - 'A Rough Outline' - The Singles and B - Sides 95 - 03, by The Bluetones.
It is playing in the background while we are putting together the front cover for Monsters 2.
This is a joint effort between a British Street Artist and myself....and it is looking absolutely xxxxxxx mad!
Magazine production comes as a welcome change from putting together books....
The piece we are working on was an acrylic portrait painting on canvas in pink, black and blue. It was hanging in a gallery in London but the artist 'stole' it and ran away down the street with it and onto the Piccadilly Line.
When we have scanned it the work will be put on a bonfire and filmed ( l think we stole that idea from the KLF ).....🙃🙂
Suffice to say....l have ruined the original with my input. | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 14:22 - May 23 with 938 views | thrillseeker |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 13:13 - May 23 by SparkfilmsTV |
I have been reunited with a CD that l discovered again this morning - 'A Rough Outline' - The Singles and B - Sides 95 - 03, by The Bluetones.
It is playing in the background while we are putting together the front cover for Monsters 2.
This is a joint effort between a British Street Artist and myself....and it is looking absolutely xxxxxxx mad!
Magazine production comes as a welcome change from putting together books....
The piece we are working on was an acrylic portrait painting on canvas in pink, black and blue. It was hanging in a gallery in London but the artist 'stole' it and ran away down the street with it and onto the Piccadilly Line.
When we have scanned it the work will be put on a bonfire and filmed ( l think we stole that idea from the KLF ).....🙃🙂
Suffice to say....l have ruined the original with my input. |
Bluetones played in Three Wise Monkey a few weeks ago and provided an excellent performance.
I also saw them in Oxford circa 1995 or 96 [Post edited 23 May 20:12]
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 18:14 - May 24 with 854 views | SparkfilmsTV |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 20:48 - Feb 18 by SparkfilmsTV |
POISON
( This is spoken by Katie, AKA 'Dirty Blonde at the Cash Machine' who next appears in IPSWICH ZERO 6 and forms part of the soundscape / audio in the draft for the stage production script ).
She called me mummy
They called me druggie
They stole her from me
My world went empty
I am poison
I am scum
I am not worthy
Of anyone
I run with the foxes
I walk with the vagrants
I watch the snowflakes
Make patterns on the pavement
I am poison
I am scum
I am not worthy
Of anyone
Don't ask me round
Don't know this frown
I'm a single noun
I'm out of town
( I am poison etc )
And if you dare
To let me in
I'll promise you
One thing
I will destroy
Everything
I will be your ruin
Your undoing
I will take all your stuff
And sell it for drugs
They cut out my heart
Took me apart
They froze my mind
They made me blind
I came from the womb
I'm headed for the tomb
Someone cry for me
At my funeral please
Am l poison?
Am l scum?
Cry for me
Someone
A little more clarity on what IPSWICH ZERO 6 consisted of.
Section 1 - Mediascape
A rapidly written journal about working for Sky News on The Suffolk Serial Murders. Sky News kindly gave me copies of all the pieces of film we made and gave me permission to use screen grabs in the book.
Section 2 - Voices
Transcripted interviews with 'working girls' recorded at various locations.
Section 3 - Soundscape
An idea for a possible stage production with narration and recorded street sounds with footage from our film archive that could be used as a backdrop.
Section 4 - Poetics
About 40 pieces written as the words entered my head and virtually unedited to keep them raw.
Section 5 - Filmscape
A draft filmscript that was presented to The UK Film Council. They considered a dark British made film to be unlikely to recoup the required revenue at box office, but it was a close call being voted 2 for and 3 against. Things could be different now.
Section 6 - Reflections
Included in this section is a reference to the death of 'Dirty Blonde at the Cash Machine'.
I possess a copy of her death certificate.
Hope this clarifies what the project entailed.
Thanks due to anyone following this, it can't be an easy read. [Post edited 18 Feb 2024 20:53]
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Here is POISON....someone has asked about it.
I think l added a few lines to what appeared in 'Ipswich Zero 6' when l keyed it into this forum over a year ago. | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 11:50 - May 25 with 785 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Somewhere at the beginning of this thread l mention birthdays and how mine has strangely been on the same day as people l have had an association with ( or sometimes not ).
I won't list them all again ( but l have written to one of them this week who resides on the French coast )....but, last night l was watching the documentary about Liza Minnelli on BBC 2 and had the strangest feeling that we too may have been born on the same day.
Checked out the Wiki page - and there it was - 12th of March!
My correspondence over to France introduced the concept of a joint writing project 'Born on the 12th of March'.
Well, a little more than writing, as we have to use our own art as a backdrop to the words.
The French resident produces the perfect art for such a project! | | | |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 22:39 - May 25 with 753 views | SparkfilmsTV |
It's Sunday 25th of May....around 10.30pm.
I am banning myself from posting anything on here for a week initially.
Folk can have a rest ...maybe take a moment to reflect on the slaughter that is going on in Gaza.
I appreciate people reading what l put on here but it's of no relevance in the world we live in right now. [Post edited 25 May 22:43]
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 17:44 - Jun 2 with 340 views | SparkfilmsTV |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 22:39 - May 25 by SparkfilmsTV |
It's Sunday 25th of May....around 10.30pm.
I am banning myself from posting anything on here for a week initially.
Folk can have a rest ...maybe take a moment to reflect on the slaughter that is going on in Gaza.
I appreciate people reading what l put on here but it's of no relevance in the world we live in right now. [Post edited 25 May 22:43]
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So, it's around 5.30pm on the 2nd of June 2025 and l have served my self imposed one week ban.
The ban has created a little more time in my day and l am tempted to repeat it....having said that, it's quite incredible how many thousands of views have accumulated over the past seven days and nights when l have made no contribution. 🙃🙂🙃🙂
It's kind of folk to interrupt their day by diving into 'Tigers'.
It's been great fun releasing 'Monster'....he has made both the East Coast and the West Coast of the USA.....and the fine city of Bristol!
I had another idea this morning for a written release of new poetics / random works and that is to illustrate and hand write the entire production.
It might be produced on multiple sheets of coloured paper that l have stockpiled.
Sending peaceful vibes to all.
🙂🙃🦮 [Post edited 2 Jun 17:46]
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 19:48 - Jun 5 with 129 views | SparkfilmsTV |
Sounds as though Eamonn Holmes has completed a hat - trick....his second strike came 'live on air' at 6.15am during GB News when his chair somehow shot backwards...he is not the first to end up on the floor in the GB News studio.
l had a similar experience last night while taking a call from San Francisco....my dog got way too friendly and as a result l knocked a cup of coffee over some artwork that we were discussing ...🙂🙃🙂🙃🦮🦮
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| Tigers at Layer Road on 20:37 - Jun 5 with 101 views | SparkfilmsTV |
| Tigers at Layer Road on 19:48 - Jun 5 by SparkfilmsTV |
Sounds as though Eamonn Holmes has completed a hat - trick....his second strike came 'live on air' at 6.15am during GB News when his chair somehow shot backwards...he is not the first to end up on the floor in the GB News studio.
l had a similar experience last night while taking a call from San Francisco....my dog got way too friendly and as a result l knocked a cup of coffee over some artwork that we were discussing ...🙂🙃🙂🙃🦮🦮
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An extended ad break that stretched to six minutes was required while the sponge man ( and woman ) attended to the injury....this footage is unlikely to be released but the 'live' reactions from the other two panelists are worth checking out....with no sub on the bench Eamonn managed to recover....
There is a morning presenter who has on occasion read the news in his underpants and with odd socks on....I'm not sure if he ever did this on his previous channel but l did see him throwing a paper aeroplane during an ad break one night ( and taking a string of text messages too ). | | | |
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