‘Rupauls Drag Race’ has provided many with the opportunity to not only be themselves but for a wider awareness of the art and importance of Drag.
Documentaries and films are on the rise highlighting the plight people have gone through in discovering drag and saving their lives. Writer Amy Clarke, who had the film idea before the drag explosion, has decided now is the time to get it made to reach a larger audience. Amy Clarke is setting out to get "Seaquins" out for the public to view.
"The Seaquins Club"
The plot focuses on teenager Paul who is constantly bullied at school.
One day he sees a man rushing for the bus where he spots sequin fabrics and gorgeous glittery heels poking out the bag. Paul sets off to see where this man goes, this leads him to The Seaquin Club, it is here he discovers his mentor. Sophie Le Purr helps him realize his real persona and the art of drag, the result is finding the real him through inner and outer confidence.
This story is one we see a lot after the Drag Race phenomenon, more people of all ages are discussing how incredibly important the show has helped them. Amy is fully aware of the impact Drag Race has had “We wanted to crowd fund this short because we know there's a huge drag community and fan base that has developed over the years since the launch of RuPaul's Drag race.”
Being set in 1997 it highlights how the gay community was still being outcast and teenagers had nowhere to express themselves to find like-minded people.
Luckily today thanks to social media and smartphones, teenagers have fandoms and more interaction connecting with who they can relate to.
Explaining the difference in technology from 20 years ago, Amy states the decision for the chosen time “I decided to set it in 1997 not just because I was a teenager then, but it was before having the internet at home, no mobiles, the Nokia 3210 wasn't even out then.
There was no outreach for teenagers at that time who wanted to find their tribe.”
Getting the project kickstarted
Shooting will be on location in Blackpool which holds dear to Amy. Amy although born in Blackpool time was split between the South of Ireland (West Cork) and St. Anne’s a nearby town next to Blackpool.
Earning the fantastic witty tag line ‘Frilly Elliot’, Blackpool and The Flyde college run a variety of performing arts projects and courses granting filming access to the premises.
Drag consultant Kevin Grogan A.K.A Veronica Green also attended Blackpool and The Flyde college is on hand to keep characters Paul and Sophie as true as possible. The college has also given film students work experience as runners, this fantastic project has gone onto becoming a local community project.
Director Michael Beddeoes will ensure both all characters performances will remain authentic and raw. Open casting will be held in Blackpool within the college, to search for the main role of Paul, the character is a talented singer so the role will require that extra special something.
Funding for the film has proven tricky for Amy “It's so difficult to get a foot in the door for feature films or successfully apply for funding, it was suggested that if I write a standalone short film focusing on its own complete narrative that could play at film festivals, it could then also be used to pitch for the commissioning of a feature.”
This film is a fantastic idea and highlights the journey on how drag has transformed over the years, through acceptance and allowing teenagers to express themselves.
"Seaquins" just goes to show how the art of drag unites and creates the perfect drag family even when your own family struggles to understand.
With a huge drag fan base out there donating just $1-$10 to the project can easily be fully funded and can bring this fantastic and much-needed film to the eyes of many.
