Changing Spaces
My film will explore how old, ordinary spaces that were once used for a certain purpose have been transformed into extraordinary places with modern uses. I will delve into how the owners of these spaces found bland, insignificant buildings and individualised them into unique, memorable spaces whilst retaining their old facade. The spaces explored are in Brunswick and Coburg, my film will inspect how these locations play a part in the characterisation of the space; moreover how feasible this new phenomenon is and where its future lies…
Minute Film: Kines
In order to start thinking systematically about my contention, I went to one of the proposed sights of interest, Kines, and shot a short one minute film on my phone. The study focus is on the nature of change within a space. It explores this through visual imagery of its current layout with shots of coffee machines, patrons, art and vinyl records. My mothers dialogue runs audibly over the top, describing what the space used to look like when it was a warehouse shoe store some odd years ago. The reason that my mother is heard and not seen is a conscious decision; her voice represents a past that is not visually present anymore, only a fading memory.
It was after piecing this short film together that my contention was clear in my mind and a variety of places that fit the description sprung to my mind…
Places
All of these businesses have integrated the old facade to fit with the new purpose of the space.
Kines Cafe
Located on Hope St, a street laden with car manufacturers and warehouses, there used to be a shoe wholesaler. Inside it was old and slightly decrepit but was frequented by the locals. It was used for this purpose for many years until it shut down and was empty for a very long time. There was a sale sign on the front up until 2016, when it began renovations and was converted into a coffee shop, Kines. The structure and facade is still the same yet something unique has taken its place inside, breathing new life into the space.
Mesma Studios
Above a stock warehouse on Nicholson was, I assumed empty space, as I never saw anybody enter its door for many years. Then, 6 months ago up until now, on every other Friday, I’d see people littered outside the doorway with music pumping from the space above them. I inquired about the situation to one of the revellers and they informed me that it was a gig and advised me to check it out, so I did. It was hard to move around due to the many people dancing and enjoying the music. I googled their title, Mesma, to find out that they are an all inclusive space filled with small businesses. They also hire out their space to artists and locals to use in their own personal way.
I have already contacted an employee there and they are happy to be interviewed!
Noir Darkroom & Galley
For years there was a store outside my local tram stop with its fronts boarded up. I had never seen anyone enter or leave its front door and had no clue what it had been before it was empty. Then one day around a year ago, I saw the door open and curiously stuck my head in with excitement. I met the owner who told me she was making it in to a local art gallery, darkroom and art school and it remains that way still.
I have emailed the owner and hope to hear a response from her very soon.
Rough Action Sequence
Introduction:
Introduce and define the revolution of utilising unconventional space. Set it in Coburg and Brunswick.
Sequence 2:
Introduce interviewees and delve into the positive and negatives of this new phenomenon.
Sequence 3:
Showcase the transformation of the space.
Sequence 4:
Explore the future of these ideas.
Closing Sequence:
Summarise above sequences, give possible answers to proposed questions.
Why is it important to me…
I feel as if I have been gearing up my entire life to make this film. My life, living in these two suburbs and frequenting its quirky businesses have been preparation, I just didn’t know it yet. I believe I have an affinity with these suburbs and hope I can do it justice.
Quote
The process of choosing a quote that I felt best described my contention, would anchor me through the production of this film and remind me of what I truly want to create, was hard to find… When I finally came across this quote by Edgar Allan Poe:
It is unusual, it is obscure and initially I didn’t necessarily think it aligned with my ideas… yet there was something within its obscurity that intrigued me. The idea of changing places, starlight emanating from pale faces… To me it means beauty in change, getting on through pain and that places can either remain the same or change. So, in my own little way it aligns perfectly.
In summary, the heart of my film lies in discovering the transient nature of spaces in time.
