A brand-new single documentary produced by Firecracker Films for BBC Three and BBC iPlayer will delve into the events surrounding the 2021 shootings in Keyham, Plymouth. The tragic incident, which occurred on August 12, 2021, resulted in the loss of five lives and marked the worst mass shooting on British soil in over a decade.
Uncovering Failures: A Catalogue of Missed Opportunities
The documentary will feature interviews with individuals closely connected to the case, as well as those who knew the perpetrator, 22-year-old Jake Davison. It aims to shed light on a series of systemic failures that allowed an unstable individual, already known to the police, to retain legal possession of a firearm.
Davison’s Digital Legacy and the ‘Incel’ Movement
In addition to examining the events leading up to the attack, the film will explore Jake Davison’s life prior to the shooting. His “digital legacy,” consisting of videos and social media posts, will be scrutinised. Notably, Davison had been drawn to the “Incel” movement—an ideology characterised by deep misogyny and linked to violent extremism.
Societal Reflections
Lindsay Konieczny, the Producer/Director at Firecracker Films, emphasised the documentary’s goal: “This film will attempt to understand why this tragedy happened, highlighting a series of societal failings. It’s a complex story, but ultimately one of missed opportunities.”
Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three, echoed the importance of this exploration: “The tragic events that unfolded in Plymouth during the summer of 2021 deserve careful consideration. Our approach has been thoughtful and respectful.”
“The Plymouth Shootings” is a 45-minute documentary commissioned by BBC Three and iPlayer. Sam Emmery, Firecracker’s Creative Director, serves as the Executive Producer, while Lindsay Konieczny takes on the role of Producer/Director. Holly Doyle is the Producer, and Julie Scott heads the production team. The program was developed by Kirsty Calvert-Ansari, Firecracker’s Creative Director of Development, and commissioned by Clare Sillery, Head of Commissioning for Documentaries, and Nasfim Haque, Head of Content for BBC Three. Fran Baker serves as the BBC’s Commissioning Editor. The documentary will be distributed by Passion Distribution.
