"Nice Toytown" by Sharon Townson explores a housing and retail area in Bristol which was built in the late 90s, and how local people identified with this new residential area when strong historic local roots are absent. The film gives a glimpse behind the well manicured facade to show the differing viewpoints, aspirations and antipathies of the people, and their relationship to place.
It opens with atmos audio of birds, and continues with shots of a newly developed housing estate. Over the tops of these images, disembodied voices discuss suburbia and village, history, and community. When the topic of conversation moves on to the residents moving in and their experiences, the visuals change to inside of the houses, including shots of bedrooms, kitchens, and residents within these spaces (I particularly liked a shot of a dog led on a sofa wagging its tail, it added a quirky detail to the film). The people in the footage correspond to the voices in the vocal narrative.
Shots also include the interior of a pub, focusing on staff at work (preparing food, wait staff, sharpening utensils) and situational events (pots on the oven, etc); the church (the church youth group at work, shots of the bible and hymn books); estate agents (staff on the phone); the school (teachers at work, students in lessons, posters on the walls, wall displays, corridors); hair salon (staff working with hair, reception staff, advertising posters); and cafe (staff at work, the coffee machine, cakes and biscuits displayed, staff preparing food). An establishing shot of each establishment is shown before it is explored.
Moving image "portraits" of staff, customers, and residents are included.
The demographic of Emerson's Green is discussed - it seems to be mostly middle-aged people, and you can stereotype the residents depending upon their property. Residents also discuss the negative aspects to Emerson's Green: speed bumps and speed limits, parking, shelter from the elements at the skateboard park, no cinema, and lack of activities for teenagers is included in their list of cons.
There are also moments where residents tell small stories about certain personal events that have happened in Emerson's Green - these include a cyclist who was amazed that a newly built wall couldn't withstand a strong wind, a man whose neighbour had a problem with his dogs; an elderly man who finds his mobility scooter very handy now he can't drive a car; a father and son who work together to fix cars because they like to see how things work; and a skate park that was dedicated to the memory of a young skateboarder who died in a small aircraft accident.
The film ends with a shot of a house turning off its lights at night before it fades to black. This is the same house that opens the film, and it brings the film to a satisfying close. Credits include a thanks to the people of Emersons Green; directing, cinematography, and sound credited to Sharon Townson; colouring; and a long list of thanks.
The opening fade from the black title screen to the first clip is the only transition between clips. Each clip lasts between 15-20+ seconds. The whole film is 48 minutes long, and this time is utilised well to show in-depth the community of Emerson's Green. Imagery including establishing shots, closer details, landscapes, and people at work and play build a sense of place. Including peoples dislikes about the area makes the film unbiased, contributing to an equal and rounded view of Emersons Green.
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