A short presentation for a documentary pitch about Sheffield's independent quarter store Rare & Racy, which faces closure by the council.

1. D O C U M E N TA R Y
P I T C H T W O
R A R E & R A C Y :
A G A I N S T T I M E

2. 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.

3. 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?

4. THE INSPIRATION
Comic Book Heaven
Released in 2014
Directed 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 Archive
Released in 2009
Directed by Sean Dunne
A brief look at the world's largest
vinyl record collection and the current
state of the American record industry.
(IMDB)

5. THE TONE

6. THE END
Q U E S T I O N S ?