D O C U M E N TARY P I TC H

T W O

R A R E & R A C Y: A G A I N S T T I M E

THE STORY• The story of Rare & Racy; the independent shop that faces closure and demolition due

to Sheffield Council’s decision to forward a scheme to renovate and ‘re-new’ the Devonshire Quarter.

• Rare & Racy is an independent book and record store, located on Devonshire Street, by the Devonshire Green and the infamous night-life crawls of Division and West Street.

• In early 2015 Sheffield Council voted for plans to move forward on demolishing independent street stores in Sheffield’s independent quarters to be refurbished, reinforced and replaced with apartments and other large chain stores. This was approved despite an opposing petition signed by 20,000 people and after vocal and mass gathering’s outside of the town hall, in which protests where made at the time of voting.

THE PITCH• Rare & Racy makes up part of the culture of Sheffield, a city known for its art scene and thriving

independent quarters. It has drawn famous attention from the likes of Jarvis Cocker to Steve Davis who have been in open support of the store staying open.

• We would like to explore the historical and cultural impacts that Rare & Racy has had upon the local community and the wider city of Sheffield itself, from its opening in 1969 to the modern beacon for uniqueness and independence it has become today. What does it offer that is so important for it to remain open? Has it been a struggle to keep it going for the staff/owners? Why is it a target for demolishing? Will it give in? What would happen to all of the treasures it stocks? What dreaded corporate replacement awaits?

• The store next to Rare & Racy, Syd and Mallory’s Emporium also faces closure. Does this spell a message to other independent stores that they may also be under threat?

THE INSPIRATION

Comic Book HeavenReleased in 2014Directed by E.J. Mcleavey-Fisher

This short documentary follows 81 year old Joe Leisner, owner of Comic Book Heaven in Sunnyside, Queens, NY as he cantankerously assesses the status of his business, the comic book industry, and his future. (IMDB)

The ArchiveReleased in 2009Directed by Sean Dunne

A brief look at the world's largest vinyl record collection and the current state of the American record industry. (IMDB)

THE TONE

THE ENDQ U E S T I O N S ?