MENTORN MEDIA TO CHART THE RISE OF THE HIPSTER FOR BBC FOUR
BBC Four has commissioned a one-off documentary from Mentorn Media, part of the Tinopolis Group, looking at the rise of the hipster, and how this culture has changed our lives today, it was announced today (THURS).
Presented by cultural commentator Peter York, the hour long documentary, The Rise of the Hipster: The Makers & The Fakers (WT), will focus on York’s thesis that the rise of the hipster reveals a society desperate for the authentic – and subsequently a commercial engine desperate to appropriate ‘authenticity’ so they can sell it back to us.
The term hipster has gradually become more widespread, as the movement towards a higher quality alternative to mass market consumerism has developed. Focussing on hipsters as ‘The Makers,’ York looks at the positive effects they have created, as they aspire to create a life alternative to the mainstream – which has become mainstream in itself. The principle of wanting our belongings, food and experiences to have a backstory derives from the hipster, who seeks out authenticity in this way. From beer brewed in a microbrewery, to artisan chocolate made in store, these products have an individuality that unites the affluent and the socially aware.
The documentary follows the journey of this movement that is now under threat, as the mass market reclaims these ideals and sells this aesthetic life without concern for the ethos behind it. With artificially aged jumpers with ‘Made in Hoxton’ emblazoned on the front and an Oscar’s red carpet filled with bearded Hollywood actors, the hipster ideal has shifted beyond its initial principles.
York will delve into the complexity of the authentic versus the inauthentic, and how hipsters battle with the mainstream to reclaim the values and trends they have created.
The Rise of the Hipster: The Makers & The Fakers (WT) has been commissioned by Mark Bell, Commissioning Editor BBC Arts and will be executive produced by Emma Cahusac, Executive Producer BBC Arts & Music; Mark Roberts, Creative Director Mentorn Media; Tayte Simpson, Director of Programmes Mentorn Media, and Geoff Moore, Moore Television. The programme is a co-production with Moore Television.
Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four, said: “I want BBC Four to be the place to come for singular, authored pieces that are rich in ideas and what better guide to the hipster is there than the brilliant Peter York bringing his wit and insight to the channel.”
Tayte Simpson, said: “This is a timely documentary on a topic so current and relevant with what’s happening today. We’ve been able to hone in on a social movement that has become more and more widespread, as while the social scene, trends, and styles are constantly adapting around us, the hipster has been sticking around. It’s a fascinating idea, how individual style can suddenly be reclaimed and then resold to a mass market. While many of us hope to be as authentic as possible, people can be just as happy to buy something that replicates this – taking them even further away from authenticity. Peter York was the perfect person to guide us through The Rise of the Hipster: The Makers & The Fakers (WT), as this goes way beyond the clothes we choose, but into how cultural shifts can have such a great effect.”
-ENDS-
Note to Editors
About Mentorn Media
Mentorn Media produced Alan Johnson: The Post Office and Me; John Simpson Stories from the Frontline and Culture Club: Karma to Calamity for BBC Four. In addition it also produces Question Time and The Big Questions for BBC One and recently announced that it will be making a new series of Robot Wars for BBC Two.
Other Mentorn Media credits include The Jihadis Next Door and Angry, White and Proud both for Channel 4 and the Laugh Out Loud series for Channel 5.
Mentorn Media can be followed on twitter: @MentornMedia
