Association with Alex Usborne MBE at Picture Palace North and 104 Films Ltd. 1989-present
Alex Usborne is a Sheffield based TV and film producer who runs two companies Picture Palace North and 104 Films Ltd. My association with Alex started in 1989, researching and exploring Sheffield’s nightlife, boxing clubs and social housing estates, photographing both personalities and everyday characters who have stories to tell.
Alex and myself conducted recce photography and location scouting, months even years prior to filming. The photographs were used to create narratives that could be used to outline and construct these documentary films, pitch for funding and later be used to promote the finished film.
As the early documentaries progressed to higher budget feature films, I worked as the unit stills photographer.
A selection of photographs from these documentaries and feature films are included here.
Films for Picture Palace North and 104 films include: Brendan’s Boys (1990), A Band Called Treacle (1995), Tales from a Hard City (1995), The Acid House (1998), Large (2001), Fucking Sheffield (2006), Special People (2007), Smoking with the Hawk (2008), N.F.A. (No Fixed Abode) (2012), We Are The Freaks (2012), The Marker (2017).
Recce photography for Brendan’s Boys (1990)
Directed by Kim Flitcroft
A documentary film that follows the aspirations and careers of young and upcoming boxers from St Thomas’ Boys and Girls Club, located in the working class community of Wincobank, Sheffield. The club was run by the outstanding trainer Brendan Ingles (1940-2018) who is now regarded as one of the UK’s most influential trainers.
Winner of the International Film Award at the Palermo Film Festival 1992.
[PP 01] Ali Hamed and ‘Old Timer’. 1989. Ali Hamed is the younger brother of former professional boxing champion ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and is now a professional boxing coach.
[PP] 02 Ali Hamed and ‘Johnny’ Nelson. 1989. Johnny was known as ‘The Entertainer’ and became the longest reigning cruiserweight world champion, he retired in 2006.
[PP 03] Naseem Hamed, age 15. 1989. Later known as the ‘Prince’ he later held multiple world titles at featherweight. He retired in 2002 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.
[PP 04] Naseem and Ali Hamed celebrate Ali’s win at the Doncaster Dome. 1989.
[PP 05] Brendan Ingle coaching ‘young hopefuls’. 1989.
[PP 06] Old and young boxing club members take a break from training. 1989.
[PP 07] Old timer and young boy. 1989.
[PP 08] Brother and sister at the ringside. She is holding a postcard of Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham. 1989.
[PP 09] Boxing twins with their green grocer sponsor. 1989.
[PP 10] Boxing club member and his children in the changing room. 1989.
Recce photography for Brendan’s Boys (1990)
Directed by Kim Flitcroft
A documentary film that follows the aspirations and careers of young and upcoming boxers from St Thomas’ Boys and Girls Club, located in the working class community of Wincobank, Sheffield. The club was run by the outstanding trainer Brendan Ingles (1940-2018) who is now regarded as one of the UK’s most influential trainers.
Winner of the International Film Award at the Palermo Film Festival 1992.
[PP 01] Ali Hamed and ‘Old Timer’. 1989. Ali Hamed is the younger brother of former professional boxing champion ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and is now a professional boxing coach.
[PP] 02 Ali Hamed and ‘Johnny’ Nelson. 1989. Johnny was known as ‘The Entertainer’ and became the longest reigning cruiserweight world champion, he retired in 2006.
[PP 03] Naseem Hamed, age 15. 1989. Later known as the ‘Prince’ he later held multiple world titles at featherweight. He retired in 2002 and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2015.
[PP 04] Naseem and Ali Hamed celebrate Ali’s win at the Doncaster Dome. 1989.
[PP 05] Brendan Ingle coaching ‘young hopefuls’. 1989.
[PP 06] Old and young boxing club members take a break from training. 1989.
[PP 07] Old timer and young boy. 1989.
[PP 08] Brother and sister at the ringside. She is holding a postcard of Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham. 1989.
[PP 09] Boxing twins with their green grocer sponsor. 1989.
[PP 10] Boxing club member and his children in the changing room. 1989.
Recce photography for Tales from a Hard City (1995)
Directed by Kim Flitcroft
A documentary/comedy film about a group of young people trying to make a brighter future for themselves in an economically depressed Sheffield where hard times are normal.
Winner, Grand Prix at the 1995 Marseilles Film Festival.
Best Regional Programme at the 1995 Indie Awards.
The New Yorker Film Review. September 9th 2020.
[PP 11] Sarah Smith and Wayne Chadwick. 1994. Sarah had recently made newspaper headlines after being arrested and jailed in Greece for ‘dirty dancing’. Wayne is a bar owner and ‘media mogul’ who wants to mould Sarah into a ‘celebrity’.
[PP 12] Glen Brodie at Home. 1993. Glen lives with his mother on the Wybourn Estate Sheffield. He is an ex car thief, an alcoholic and heroin addict who is attempting to break free from this life on the estate through Karaoke singing. He hopes to rid himself of his addictions, get a steady job and live a clean life. Sadly, Glen died from an alcohol related illness in 2014.
[PP 13] Glen in his mother’s kitchen. Wybourn Estate, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 14] Glen and his mates loiter at Park Hill Flats, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 15] Door Men at Millionaires Bar, Calver Street, Sheffield. 1994.
[PP 16] Bar staff and waitresses attempt a ‘high-kick chorus line’ routine outside Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.
[PP 17] ‘Miss Mini Meals’ waitress, Josephine’s Nightclub. ‘Chicken in a basket’ was the popular meal choice. 1992.
[PP 18] Revellers at Josephine’s Nightclub, Barkers Pool, Sheffield. The girls are drinking the drink of the day, ‘Pils and black’, (larger and blackcurrant). 1992. #1
[PP 19] Revellers at Josephine’s Nightclub, Barkers Pool, Sheffield. The girls are drinking the drink of the day, ‘Pils and black’, (larger and blackcurrant). 1992. #2
[PP 20] Girl with a condom on her nose, Josephine’s Nightclub, 1992.
[PP 21] Hen Night Bride and her Sister. The bride has been ‘accessorised’ by her friends with photographs of naked men, condoms and tampons. She is celebrating her so called ‘last night of freedom’ before her forthcoming marriage. Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.
[PP 22] Hen Night Bride and Male Stripper. During this traditional ritual, the bride-to-be is celebrating her ‘last night of freedom’ with her female friends and work colleagues. They have paid for a male stripper to strip for her, after which she is coerced into eating a banana protruding from his thong. Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.#1
[PP 23] Hen Night Bride and Male Stripper. During this traditional ritual, the bride-to-be is celebrating her ‘last night of freedom’ with her female friends and work colleagues. They have paid for a male stripper to strip for her, after which she is coerced into eating a banana protruding from his thong. Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.#2
[PP 24] ‘Miss Josephine 1993’ Swim Suit Lineup. Despite beauty contests being judged solely on appearance rather than any other qualities, ‘Miss Josephine’ was eagerly anticipated each year with a cash prize and contract from a local model agency for the winner. This over subscribed contest offered a rare opportunity of ‘escape’ from an economically depressed city.
[PP 25] A ‘Miss Josephine 1993’ contestant.
[PP 26] Disappointed Runners-Up at ‘Miss Josephine 1993’ contest.
[PP 27] Kissing Couple. ‘Rock Night’, Rebels Nightclub, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 28] Air Guitar Contestants. ‘Rock Night’, Rebels Nightclub, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 29] Air Guitar contest winner is being selected by the crowd, ‘Rock Night’, Rebels Nightclub, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 30] Men jeer and heckle a pub stripper. The Fountain Bar, Sheffield. 1994. #1
[PP 31] Men jeer and heckle a pub stripper. The Fountain Bar, Sheffield. 1994. #2
[PP 32] Men jeer and heckle a pub stripper. The Fountain Bar, Sheffield. 1994. #3
[PP 33] ‘Duckers and Divers’. Petty thieves at the Park Hill estate, Sheffield. 1994.
Recce photography for Tales from a Hard City (1995)
Directed by Kim Flitcroft
A documentary/comedy film about a group of young people trying to make a brighter future for themselves in an economically depressed Sheffield where hard times are normal.
Winner, Grand Prix at the 1995 Marseilles Film Festival.
Best Regional Programme at the 1995 Indie Awards.
The New Yorker Film Review. September 9th 2020.
[PP 11] Sarah Smith and Wayne Chadwick. 1994. Sarah had recently made newspaper headlines after being arrested and jailed in Greece for ‘dirty dancing’. Wayne is a bar owner and ‘media mogul’ who wants to mould Sarah into a ‘celebrity’.
[PP 12] Glen Brodie at Home. 1993. Glen lives with his mother on the Wybourn Estate Sheffield. He is an ex car thief, an alcoholic and heroin addict who is attempting to break free from this life on the estate through Karaoke singing. He hopes to rid himself of his addictions, get a steady job and live a clean life. Sadly, Glen died from an alcohol related illness in 2014.
[PP 13] Glen in his mother’s kitchen. Wybourn Estate, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 14] Glen and his mates loiter at Park Hill Flats, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 15] Door Men at Millionaires Bar, Calver Street, Sheffield. 1994.
[PP 16] Bar staff and waitresses attempt a ‘high-kick chorus line’ routine outside Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.
[PP 17] ‘Miss Mini Meals’ waitress, Josephine’s Nightclub. ‘Chicken in a basket’ was the popular meal choice. 1992.
[PP 18] Revellers at Josephine’s Nightclub, Barkers Pool, Sheffield. The girls are drinking the drink of the day, ‘Pils and black’, (larger and blackcurrant). 1992. #1
[PP 19] Revellers at Josephine’s Nightclub, Barkers Pool, Sheffield. The girls are drinking the drink of the day, ‘Pils and black’, (larger and blackcurrant). 1992. #2
[PP 20] Girl with a condom on her nose, Josephine’s Nightclub, 1992.
[PP 21] Hen Night Bride and her Sister. The bride has been ‘accessorised’ by her friends with photographs of naked men, condoms and tampons. She is celebrating her so called ‘last night of freedom’ before her forthcoming marriage. Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.
[PP 22] Hen Night Bride and Male Stripper. During this traditional ritual, the bride-to-be is celebrating her ‘last night of freedom’ with her female friends and work colleagues. They have paid for a male stripper to strip for her, after which she is coerced into eating a banana protruding from his thong. Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.#1
[PP 23] Hen Night Bride and Male Stripper. During this traditional ritual, the bride-to-be is celebrating her ‘last night of freedom’ with her female friends and work colleagues. They have paid for a male stripper to strip for her, after which she is coerced into eating a banana protruding from his thong. Josephine’s Nightclub. 1992.#2
[PP 24] ‘Miss Josephine 1993’ Swim Suit Lineup. Despite beauty contests being judged solely on appearance rather than any other qualities, ‘Miss Josephine’ was eagerly anticipated each year with a cash prize and contract from a local model agency for the winner. This over subscribed contest offered a rare opportunity of ‘escape’ from an economically depressed city.
[PP 25] A ‘Miss Josephine 1993’ contestant.
[PP 26] Disappointed Runners-Up at ‘Miss Josephine 1993’ contest.
[PP 27] Kissing Couple. ‘Rock Night’, Rebels Nightclub, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 28] Air Guitar Contestants. ‘Rock Night’, Rebels Nightclub, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 29] Air Guitar contest winner is being selected by the crowd, ‘Rock Night’, Rebels Nightclub, Sheffield. 1993.
[PP 30] Men jeer and heckle a pub stripper. The Fountain Bar, Sheffield. 1994. #1
[PP 31] Men jeer and heckle a pub stripper. The Fountain Bar, Sheffield. 1994. #2
[PP 32] Men jeer and heckle a pub stripper. The Fountain Bar, Sheffield. 1994. #3
[PP 33] ‘Duckers and Divers’. Petty thieves at the Park Hill estate, Sheffield. 1994.
The Acid House (1998)
Directed by Paul McGuigan
A surreal triptych adapted from Irvine Welsh’s collection of short stories.
“Combining a vicious sense of humour with hard-talking drama, the film reaches into the hearts and minds of the chemical generation, casting a dark and unholy light into the hidden corners of the human psyche”.
[PP 34a-d] Publicity screen grabs featuring Ewen Bremner, Arlene Cockburn and Michelle Gomez from Irvine Welsh’s novel ‘The Acid House’. (1998).
The Acid House (1998)
Directed by Paul McGuigan
A surreal triptych adapted from Irvine Welsh’s collection of short stories.
“Combining a vicious sense of humour with hard-talking drama, the film reaches into the hearts and minds of the chemical generation, casting a dark and unholy light into the hidden corners of the human psyche”.
[PP 34a-d] Publicity screen grabs featuring Ewen Bremner, Arlene Cockburn and Michelle Gomez from Irvine Welsh’s novel ‘The Acid House’. (1998).
Recce photography for Fucking Sheffield (2006)
Directed by Kim Flitcroft
A documentary feature film from the dark underbelly of Sheffield. Focusing on the lives and aspirations of three Sheffielders, each facing different obstacles in their lives and careers as they chase their dreams. The premise of the film is that Sheffield once one of the great industrial cities in the world, is now finished . Pitiful regeneration or ‘resuscitation’ schemes are not working and are not going to work. Steel City and South Yorkshire is fucked.
“One of the highlights of the International Doc & Film Festival, Paris. 2006.”
Three characters from the film are featured here.
Cassi is the ‘top girl’ at the Blue Minx Pole and Lap Dancing Club, Rotherham. She keeps the ‘punters’ in order and teaches the new girls how to pole and lap dance. However, her days as a pole dancer are numbered as she is pregnant and now aspires to a career in the music business as a singer.
[PP 35] Natasha, Cassi, Kizzy and Chardonnay prepare for the evening.
[PP 36] Cassi and Natasha wait for lap dancing customers to arrive.
[PP 37] Cassi, Natasha and Chardonnay pose outside the club.
[PP 38] Cassi and Chardonnay wait for customers at the front door. #1
[PP 39] Cassi and Chardonnay attract customers at the front door. #2
[PP 40] Cassi attempts to entice passing motorists to the club by pretending to thumb a ride.
[PP 41] Cassi pole dancing.
[PP 42] Kizzy and Cassi with 9.30pm ‘early door’ punters.
Mick is an unemployed heroin and crack addict from the Wybourn Estate, Sheffield. He has lost everything because of his drug use, but is trying to rid his addiction so he can repair his Vespa scooter and ride it one last time it to a mod rally in Cleethorpes.
[PP 43] Mick #1
[PP 44] Mick #2
[PP 45] Mick #3
[PP 46] Mick #4
Stevlor is a Sheffield based photographer. He uses his council high rise flat near London Road as a photographic studio and particularly the flats lift to photograph aspiring glamour models he meets on the street. His mission is to improve Sheffield’s image by showing the world Sheffield is full of beautiful women.
[PP 47] Stevlor photographing aspiring local glamour model Laura in his high rise flat at night.
[PP 48] Stevlor and Laura. He regularly uses the flats lift as a location for photography, much to the inconvenience of other residents.
[PP 49] Stevlor and Laura attempt to recreate the iconic poster image from the 1966 film ‘Blow-Up’ starring David Hemmings.
[PP 49x] The original 1966 film ‘Blow-Up’ poster starring David Hemmings.
Recce photography for Fucking Sheffield (2006)
Directed by Kim Flitcroft
A documentary feature film from the dark underbelly of Sheffield. Focusing on the lives and aspirations of three Sheffielders, each facing different obstacles in their lives and careers as they chase their dreams. The premise of the film is that Sheffield once one of the great industrial cities in the world, is now finished . Pitiful regeneration or ‘resuscitation’ schemes are not working and are not going to work. Steel City and South Yorkshire is fucked.
“One of the highlights of the International Doc & Film Festival, Paris. 2006.”
Three characters from the film are featured here.
Cassi is the ‘top girl’ at the Blue Minx Pole and Lap Dancing Club, Rotherham. She keeps the ‘punters’ in order and teaches the new girls how to pole and lap dance. However, her days as a pole dancer are numbered as she is pregnant and now aspires to a career in the music business as a singer.
[PP 35] Natasha, Cassi, Kizzy and Chardonnay prepare for the evening.
[PP 36] Cassi and Natasha wait for lap dancing customers to arrive.
[PP 37] Cassi, Natasha and Chardonnay pose outside the club.
[PP 38] Cassi and Chardonnay wait for customers at the front door. #1
[PP 39] Cassi and Chardonnay attract customers at the front door. #2
[PP 40] Cassi attempts to entice passing motorists to the club by pretending to thumb a ride.
[PP 41] Cassi pole dancing.
[PP 42] Kizzy and Cassi with 9.30pm ‘early door’ punters.
Mick is an unemployed heroin and crack addict from the Wybourn Estate, Sheffield. He has lost everything because of his drug use, but is trying to rid his addiction so he can repair his Vespa scooter and ride it one last time it to a mod rally in Cleethorpes.
[PP 43] Mick #1
[PP 44] Mick #2
[PP 45] Mick #3
[PP 46] Mick #4
Stevlor is a Sheffield based photographer. He uses his council high rise flat near London Road as a photographic studio and particularly the flats lift to photograph aspiring glamour models he meets on the street. His mission is to improve Sheffield’s image by showing the world Sheffield is full of beautiful women.
[PP 47] Stevlor photographing aspiring local glamour model Laura in his high rise flat at night.
[PP 48] Stevlor and Laura. He regularly uses the flats lift as a location for photography, much to the inconvenience of other residents.
[PP 49] Stevlor and Laura attempt to recreate the iconic poster image from the 1966 film ‘Blow-Up’ starring David Hemmings.
[PP 49x] The original 1966 film ‘Blow-Up’ poster starring David Hemmings.
Special People (2007)
Directed by Justin Edgar
A comedy/drama about a group of disabled teenagers, played by disabled actors who learn how to make a film.
The critical consensus states “Low budget British comedy which is sharply written and nicely acted whilst confounding disability misconceptions and prejudices on the way.” On its release The Guardian hailed Special People as “A milestone in mainstream cinema” for its use of disabled cast. The Radio Times called it ” A triumph of understated, heartfelt humour” and the Daily Mirror “A little gem”.
[PP 50] Jason Maza, Sasha Hardway, Dominic Coleman, Robyn Frampton, David Proud.
[PP 51] Sasha Hardway.
[PP 52] David Proud at the barre. He is an actor, presenter, producer and was the first disabled actor to appear in EastEnders.
[PP 53] Sasha Hardway and David Proud rehearse a dance routine.
Special People (2007)
Directed by Justin Edgar
A comedy/drama about a group of disabled teenagers, played by disabled actors who learn how to make a film.
The critical consensus states “Low budget British comedy which is sharply written and nicely acted whilst confounding disability misconceptions and prejudices on the way.” On its release The Guardian hailed Special People as “A milestone in mainstream cinema” for its use of disabled cast. The Radio Times called it ” A triumph of understated, heartfelt humour” and the Daily Mirror “A little gem”.
[PP 50] Jason Maza, Sasha Hardway, Dominic Coleman, Robyn Frampton, David Proud.
[PP 51] Sasha Hardway.
[PP 52] David Proud at the barre. He is an actor, presenter, producer and was the first disabled actor to appear in EastEnders.
[PP 53] Sasha Hardway and David Proud rehearse a dance routine.
Recce photography for Smoking with the Hawk (2008)
Clyde is a pool hall hustler, power lifter and jailbird from Sheffield’s Wybourn estate, who gains ‘karma’ from his Harris hawk.
[PP 54] Clyde Broughton and his Harris hawk.
[PP 55] Gaolhawk: Forged in Sheffield, book cover illustration. A biography about Clyde Broughton written by author Rob Brenton. Published in 2019.
Recce photography for Smoking with the Hawk (2008)
Clyde is a pool hall hustler, power lifter and jailbird from Sheffield’s Wybourn estate, who gains ‘karma’ from his Harris hawk.
[PP 54] Clyde Broughton and his Harris hawk.
[PP 55] Gaolhawk: Forged in Sheffield, book cover illustration. A biography about Clyde Broughton written by author Rob Brenton. Published in 2019.
N.F.A. (No Fixed Abode) (2012)
Directed by Steve Rainbow
A dark thriller starring Patrick Baladi.He appears to have the perfect life, until he wakes up one day to find he has lost everything, with no memory, living in a hostel for homeless people. It’s a story that deals with loss, homelessness and mental health issues.
[PP 56] Patrick Baladi #1
[PP 57] Patrick Baladi #2
[PP 58] Patrick Baladi #3
[PP 59] Patrick Baladi #4
N.F.A. (No Fixed Abode) (2012)
Directed by Steve Rainbow
A dark thriller starring Patrick Baladi.He appears to have the perfect life, until he wakes up one day to find he has lost everything, with no memory, living in a hostel for homeless people. It’s a story that deals with loss, homelessness and mental health issues.
[PP 56] Patrick Baladi #1
[PP 57] Patrick Baladi #2
[PP 58] Patrick Baladi #3
[PP 59] Patrick Baladi #4
We Are The Freaks (2013)
Directed by Justin Edgar
A comedy/drama set in1990, it follows three teenagers at a pivotal point in their lives. A surreal and anarchic anti-teen film about three misfits having the night of their lives.
[PP 60] Poster and DVD wrapper image. Actors were individually photographed then composited to make the final image.
[PP 61] Mike Bailey, Sean Teale and Jamie Buckley.
[PP 62] Rosamund Hanson.
[PP 63] Skill-set trainee with Sean Teale. During filming aspiring disabled film makers were invited to train and observe during the films production.
We Are The Freaks (2013)
Directed by Justin Edgar
A comedy/drama set in1990, it follows three teenagers at a pivotal point in their lives. A surreal and anarchic anti-teen film about three misfits having the night of their lives.
[PP 60] Poster and DVD wrapper image. Actors were individually photographed then composited to make the final image.
[PP 61] Mike Bailey, Sean Teale and Jamie Buckley.
[PP 62] Rosamund Hanson.
[PP 63] Skill-set trainee with Sean Teale. During filming aspiring disabled film makers were invited to train and observe during the films production.
The Marker (2017)
Directed by Justin Edgar
Described as a dark urban thriller, it was nominated for the Michael Powell Award for Best Film and Performance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2017.
“A noir thriller about a criminal seeking redemption by tracking down the daughter of the woman he killed. Along the way he is haunted by his guilt in the guise of the woman’s ghost”. Daily Screen.
These stills were taken at HM Prison Shrewsbury known as The Dana, which closed in 2013.
[PP 64] Frederick Schmidt. Duotone publicity image #1
[PP 65] Frederick Schmidt #2
[PP 66] Frederick Schmidt #3
[PP 67] Frederick Schmidt #4
[PP 68] Ana Ularu.
The Marker (2017)
Directed by Justin Edgar
Described as a dark urban thriller, it was nominated for the Michael Powell Award for Best Film and Performance at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 2017.
“A noir thriller about a criminal seeking redemption by tracking down the daughter of the woman he killed. Along the way he is haunted by his guilt in the guise of the woman’s ghost”. Daily Screen.
These stills were taken at HM Prison Shrewsbury known as The Dana, which closed in 2013.
[PP 64] Frederick Schmidt. Duotone publicity image #1
[PP 65] Frederick Schmidt #2
[PP 66] Frederick Schmidt #3
[PP 67] Frederick Schmidt #4
[PP 68] Ana Ularu.
All images are Strictly Copyright © Bill Stephenson All Rights Reserved