Launch (1974)
The launch at the end of a Wallsend Street of World Unicorn, one of a series of oil tankers built by Swan Hunter: it opens up on the epic experience of shipbuilding communities.
Despite its short length and minuscule budget (£400) the film was very important in the development of Amber. With a commitment to documenting working life in the North East, the scale and visual drama of shipyards were immediately attractive. The budget eased, when Murray Martin arranged to be paid in film stock for some lectures at Newcastle Polytechnic.
Amber Films, 10 mins, 1974
Watch an excerpt
