I’m currently devising a new current affairs documentary format with an alternative voice that I will present, utilising my investigation and interviewing skills as a police detective.
Naturally, I have my own ideas on issues I would like to tackle and production companies have hinted at where they see me but this is all irrelevant if I don’t make the films that YOU want to see.
Next month marks the 2nd anniversary since I began my arts and equality work, with a lot happening during this time.
However, one thing I have learned is the audience I seem to appeal to from analyzing the data from my blog, Twitter and Facebook interaction and the comments on the articles I’ve had published within newspapers and magazines among others.
My own experiences of discrimination have shaped my new career, with me having a genuine passion for social justice and equality. This though, appears to have not limited my reach to others.
Of course, I have a connection with the black and LGBT communities being someone just like them but others who don’t necessarily identify with me and my differences have been interested in my work.
From my research, I’ve identified the following three categories of people who like my style –
Mum’s – I seem to be very popular with mum’s, maybe because I adore mine and write often about her love for me?
Straight men – Predominantly white too, maybe because they like the underdog?
Teenagers – They seem to be interested in what I have to say, maybe because I’m an uncle to many and still ‘fairly’ cool?
My northern English roots as a Scouser have played a big part too, with many seeing this part of the UK as saying what you mean. That said, I don’t seem ‘too northern’ for southern Britain – although, I’m not exactly sure what this means 😮
And finally, my public battle with depression because of racism and homophobia has connected on a personal level with many especially those suffering in silence with mental health illnesses.
People have said I’ve been/am brave with ‘coming out’ about this, but the truth is I had no choice after being outed due to fighting discrimination so maybe I wouldn’t have on my own steam as I was a private person.
That said, I can’t change history only help to improve the future. Equally, I too am not immune from mental health discrimination and stigma – but, that’s for another blog.
So, giving that I seem to appeal to a wide non-description market what documentaries should I front?
Ideas I’ve thought of, and put to me include:
- Investigating Miscarriages of Justice
- The effects of Institutional Discrimination
- How Racism Ruins Lives
- Helping to End Homophobia, by Empowering People
- Cancer, and the effects it has on families in particular children
On a side note, I’ve always tried to be inclusive and not exclusive without forgetting who and what I am.
I’d really like to know WHAT documentaries YOU would like to see?
Please tweet me your ideas via Twitter @kevin_maxwell, or message me on Facebook at Kevin Maxwell.
Hopefully, you’ll see me soon on TV – WIDE-SCREEN, no doubt!
This has been a… non-narcissistic, ‘View from the Bottom’.
Take care, Max x.
Live Healthy, Laugh Often & Love Yourself!
Published by My Mum. Copyright © Kevin Maxwell Film, Media & Performance 2012.