Nottingham’s shining talent highlights the controversy over the BBC TV License fee in The Licengoons.
With the rising controversy surrounding the BBC TV License fee – including the scrapping of free licenses for over 75s – Nottingham based director and NTU Alumni Miles Anthony releases this black comedy showing the possibility facing the over 75s and asking the question, what would you do if you were approached about a possible petty criminal act. Would you let officers in? And what measures will they go to maintain the law?
The film takes place in 1970s Nottingham, but no matter what location you’re in, the themes and story would still be the same. Reith Trethowan (played by Alexander Greensmith) is a young TV Licensing officer whose bumbling attempts to get an old woman Sybil Barnett (played by Evadne Fisher) to pay her TV License fee always fail. He starts taking drastic changes to try and get her to pay her license, including hiring another officer.
This film is a comedy with all the various characters fitting different stereotypes. The funniest character was the Licengoon John Null (also played by Miles) – a hardcore officer who goes to any means to ensure the license is paid, even if it means taking the law into his own hands. He takes nobody’s shit.
Our protagonist Reith – despite his job – still comes across as a likeable guy and has a Bohemian style look very reminiscent of Tom Baker and a guy with morals unlike John. Another character seen is the Colonel, possibly representing the old school BBC World, despite only having one scene.
Although a comedy, there is definitely an uncomfortable feel communicated, reminiscent of 1984 and the classic TV License advert involving vans which detect if people are watching without a license which are used for scene transitions.
Ultimately this film is both funny but also terrifying, especially if you consider that your Grandparents or even you could be targeted, and it’s not just those pesky letters you get at the start of term asking for you to play the License fee. Despite only being 19 minutes long, the message is as clear as day. There are still some laughs to be had as well with this film. its not all doom and gloom…
The Licengoons is available to view on YouTube and Antho. You can also follow them on social media.
By Stuart McComb
Feature image: British Comedy Guide