Debbie & Julie

Meeting Debbie & Julie was an unexpected filming pleasure. Subjects of our latest documentary in the East End Lives series they were a tremendous pleasure to meet. Our documentaries are always driven by the narrative that emerges from the interviews we record for each film. We interviewed Debbie & Julie twice and found (as often happens) their second interview the most expansive.

Julie & Debbie during their interview for East End Lives 3. British Estate, London 2010

Often people tend to be more relaxed during a second interview; this was the case with Debbie and Julie who I met for the first time during the second interview. Once they were relaxed a warm dialogue erupted between them as they spoke enthusiastically of their childhoods and forming the ‘Mint Juleps’ band. After a while it was as if we were listening in to an intimate conversation between friends. People in our East End documentaries always seem to surprise, engage and impress the viewer. Their personalities roll off the screen, break stereotypes, entertain and enrich our perceptions of East Londoners. Compulsive viewing!

Debbie shortly after the interview for East End Lives 3. British Estate, London 2010