BBC Three will break into prison this November
David Farnor | On 29, Oct 2016
BBC Three will break into prison this November with a new documentary series.
The three-part show, produced by Antidote Productions, will see filmmaker Livvy Haydock take a look inside UK prisons. In the first film, she investigates the rise of contraband behind bars, and uncovers the links in the chain on both sides of the law.
She spends time with criminals who are making 10 times a drug’s street value by selling to prisoners behind bars, including a ‘networker’, a key link in the chain who sources goods on the outside and gets them to whichever inmate has made an order via the mule.
Livvy also meets a serial offender, currently on a tag, who admits he has “seen everything” inside – drugs, weapons, mobiles – and learns how drones and corrupt prison officers can be an effective means of getting contraband inside.
The film will reveal more than ‘how it’s done’ from the criminal perspective – posing questions about wider prison life, what really goes on inside, and how the rise in technology combined with the lucrative black market behind bars is driving serious violence between inmates, which is extending to the outside world.
Leila Monks, Director of the film and Co-Founder of Antidote Productions, says: “We’re really proud of this documentary as it reveals the complexities of an underground network that is hidden from view. Livvy is the perfect person to help navigate this world and we’re glad to be championing new female talent.”
Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, adds: “Livvy is a brilliant new talent and BBC Three is all about backing new talent. I’m confident these new films will open our audience’s eyes to the world around them.”
Episode 1 of Breaking into Prison will be available on BBC Three, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three’s YouTube channel from Monday 7th November 2016. For more on what’s coming soon to the online TV channel, click here.