I would like to produce a series of photographs and videos to raise awareness of waste and rubbish in the sea and on our beaches. I want to aim to do these just before summer so the beaches are relatively quiet but still with a few people around as it might not work if there are too many spectators.
Main concept: A mermaid washed up on a beach tangled in fishing net and various plastic bottles and wrappers, as if she got tangled up and washed to shore, like many marine mammals do. Plain photographs of this, as well as photographs of peoples reactions to coming across this mermaid. If possible without seeing the photographer.
Underwater photographs of a mermaid swimming and enjoying herself, and photos of her tangled up in the net underwater (Just below the surface) To make a series of posters, to spread/ raise awareness. Photos with captions over the top referring to marine life getting tangled in rubbish and losing their lives unnecessarily.
A short underwater video of a mermaid getting tangled in a net and washing up on the shore. Find a safe way to do this with the net underwater (if it's possible)
The majority of the video: Mermaid swimming around, happy music and generally upbeat atmosphere.
Not paying attention, she swims into a discarded fishing net and gets tangled up. Music darkens and it all happens pretty quickly.
After a short black out, the video comes back with the mermaid lying motionless, washed up on the beach and then the caption 'Shocking?' 'Then why do we sit back and let it happen to marine life?'
Second concept: A mermaid covered in oil (soy sauce) on a rock, to resemble an oil spill. A series of photographs for posters. 'No myth, oil in sea water is dangerous for all marine life!'