| Project Background |
| The history of tattoo can be traced back 12,000 years and is as diverse as the cultures who chose to adorn their bodies with them. Although the art is said to have its roots in ancient Egypt, some believe it can be traced much further -- to cavemen themselves. The cave dwellers likely used charcoal, burning their skin to tattoo various symbols onto their bodies. |
| History reveals that tattoos were used worldwide in many, many cultures -- from the Polynesian islands to the Maori Tribe, the indigenous people of New Zealand. On the other side of the Earth, the Aztec and Inca (especially warriors) adorned themselves with tattoo. Celtic knot tattoos became very popular and most common designs, featuring endless loops, symbolizing a never-ending cycle of death and rebirth. |
| In 1891, Samuel O'Reilly invented the first tattoo machine, based on a piece of equipment originally designed by Thomas Edison for engraving hard surfaces. Ouch. But, of course, that took the hard graft out of the craft and by 1900 it was estimated that 90% of US Navy sailors were tattooed. |
 |
 |
| Tell the World your story! |
| “The cultural status of tattooing has steadily evolved from an anti-social activity in the 1960s to that of a trendy fashion statement in the 2000s.” reports TatooArtist.com. Perhaps that’s an understatement. The tattoo industry has seen explosive growth during the past decade. (Some say a ten-fold increase) The evidence is in plain view on any city street, the workplace, televised sporting events…even church. |
 |
| Our film will dispel the common belief that “tats” are reserved for the seedier folks within our culture. The simple fact is that the body art -- although shocking at times -- is generally accepted by mainstream North Americans. |
| "It's not just a kid thing anymore," says Erin Fauble, of the Alliance of Professional Tattooists. "We see middle-class suburban women, doctors, lawyers. It's not specific to one group of people; it's every-body now. You see a lot of celebrities, rock stars, athletes with tattoos—and that kind of media really can drive our society." (NationalGeographic.com) |
| Fauble adds that women now make up about 60% of those seeking to be inked. Studies of tattoos worn by “career-oriented” individuals reveal the most popular designs to be small crosses, butterflies, hummingbirds, ladybugs, flowers, Celtic rings and arm and ankle bracelets. |
| Philly club-goers may recognize Eileen Jantz, who first went under the gun at the age of 18. Click here to view Eileen's most interesting tattoo. |
| Film Synopsis |
| The film begins with a brief history of tattoo and discusses the various tribal forms that emerged over the centuries. We also focus on the growing trend toward body art by interviewing men and women who have chosen to be inked (or pierced). But most importantly, this story is about the art and artists. Individuals like Wilmington, Delaware’s “Tommy Rabid”, whose storefront is located in one of the most affluent sections of the city. |
| The resulting film is designed to be both informative, humorous and entertaining – and perhaps shocking at times. The DP is shooting in 1080i HD with editing being conducted on Sony's Vegas 8.0 Pro. The film also contains an original music track and is produced in SurroundSound 5.0. |
 |
| Learn more about the director, Lou Angeli on the Internet Movie Database |
 |
 |
| Do you have a tattoo or piercing that you'd like to share with the rest of the World? If so, please contact our production staff. Include a photo and take a few moments to answer the question..."Why do you tattoo?" |
| This film is designed for HD cable broadcast and DVD HD release. It appeals to a broad-based audience with a demographic of 18-70 years and is yet unrated. |
| Technical Advisor: Tommy Rabid AgaruTattoos.com |
| Original Music Score:: Will Musser |
| Finally, our research shows that taboos once associated with body art are slowly being dispelled. Even Uncle Sam has relaxed previously stringent guidelines regarding body art. Is the current tattoo trend simply a fad, or are we seeing a once misunderstood artform that is finally emerging toward the forefront? We'll answer these and many other questions in this film. And we'll show you some of the wildest body art imaginable. |
 |
 |
| Now in prduction |
 |
|
| Why Do You Tattoo? -- An HD Documentary by Lou Angeli -- Tattoo, Piercings and Body Art |
 |
|
 |