Joeleen and Michael Wedding Highlights 2009

After filming our first Gypsy/Traveller Weddings in 2006 and 2007 Shadow Films put together a Documentary Proposal and a three minute DVD taster clip on the subject in 2007. Between 2007 and 2008 BBC3 told us they loved the clip and the subject, but didn't commission us or us working in conjunction with a larger production company to make a one hour Documentary on Gypsy/Traveller weddings. In 2008 we proposed it as either a one off Documentary on the weddings or a series on the Gypsy/Traveller community including Weddings, Christenings, Communions, Funerals and the Culture. The Deputy Head of Documentaries at Channel 4 only partially read our proposal and judging by his response didn't view either the taster DVD or the web movie link. Two other commissioners at Channel 4 took ages to respond, but by early 2009 BBC3 invited me to pitch it for a series called Fresh. BBC3 then decided I should direct the film with a major London Indie, saying that previously they couldn't commission micro independent companies, but in a series of events more untimely, cruel and soul destroying than England's failed 2018 World Cup bid, Firecracker Films who themselves only thought of the idea in Autumn 2008 secured access to Thelma Madine (who we'd known for two years) the dressmaker who makes the vast majority of Gypsy/Traveller wedding dresses and thus most of the weddings themselves when they were commissioned by Channel 4 to make what turned out to be called "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". Despite a few weeks grace at a resurrection attempt, which came so close, we couldn't gain the necessary access and the plug was pulled on the project, whilst Firecracker Films completed their Cutting Edge film for Channel 4 and the forthcoming series. Our conclusion is that no matter how unique and popular one might know an idea to be, broadcasters will say it's too niche, doesn't chime with their current plans etc and only larger Independent companies will be taken seriously with their proposals, ultimately we didn't get the chance to make our film and receive the acclaim, but we were there first!

Category:

Entertainment

[Bailairma]

She does not look happy at all !

[mesquitemagic]

I don't think she smiled once, poor girl. Is she terrified, in pain, or both?

[Taxminia0311]

you can tell that she was forced to marry Mr.boney

[MsCaz007]

Very educational series. So sad that the girls have so little education but that would suit the male as they are no treat. Dress and dance like strippers but no sex before marriage. So thankful I have choices in life and an education. Dream about your wedding day for years and years and then it's over in 24hrs and then a lifetime of making babies and housework. No wonder they don't jump for joy. Sad really for these girls that deserve so much more. What country and century is this in?????.

[MsCaz007]

Loved the series. Very sad that these girls have so little education and are happy with being treated as a baby making machine & housemaid. They dress & dance like strippers but no interaction with males & no sex before marriage. Any sex education before wedding night?. Grabbing was probably more gropping. I'm so thankful for having choices in life & an education.Swanee & wife were only ones who showed affection to each other.Everyone else so cold. Sad really.Thanks for sharing your story,

[bpalaci09]

@bargainmom Looking happy and smile when you love someone is not different from one culture to another. If you're happy and in love, it shows. She does not look nervous; she looks UNHAPPY!

[bpalaci09]

Was she getting married against her will? Wow, I've never been a bride so unhappy in her wedding day. What a waste of money!

[woody21316]

this wedding would of cost thousands i shouldn't think no expense was spared the girl had one of the best,days ive seen well done my love dont take no notice of any thing bad written on here .age old saying if you cant say nothing nice dont say nothing at all,well done hope you and your husband are very very happy and best of luck to yous for the future xx love the dress and the bridesmaids outfits.

[maggiee49]

Is it just me or is he gorgeous?:O

[starbolt34]

Brides dress was ... ok actually not a fan of the bride madescould have been lessladybuggerish

and remember these dresses are heavy and leave scars on them so maybe she wasn't smiling cause her dress was hurting her or something. I've been to a Catholic non gypsy up scale wedding and the brides dress and shoes left blisters on her body

[starbolt34]

Brides dress was ... ok actually not a fan of the bride madescould have been lessladybuggerish

[fancyface459]

something is wrong with this girl

i could never be getting married and my face look like that