Creator/Producer Statement - Annie Lees-Jones​

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"This production won the Best In-House Pitch Award for an Original Television Series at Bournemouth University." 

 

Inspired by true events...... Transcript “... we now live in a digital way of life where everything is reduced to like or dislike, yes or no, black or white... don’t think digitally, don’t become predictable, don’t become the algorithm that these machines work on, don’t become a barcode.” Glyn Maxwell, guest speaker at the 2022 Arts University Bournemouth Graduation.

 

After graduating, Jack finds himself struggling, despite his best intentions to succeed in chasing his goals. With his next blank page ready to be written with new innovative adventures, Jack becomes desperate to break through the current work systems in place to be someone whose existence feels more than just a barcode, trapped in a mundane job. Living with his eccentric, agoraphobic flatmate, whose negative view of mankind speaks the truth to our everyday struggles, he encounters a chance opportunity in an unlikely destination only for it to slip through his fingers. In the end, with the help of his friends, Jack becomes determined to understand the true meaning of success and soon discovers if you can't knock on the door anymore you have two choices; either break it down or build your own door. Luck is more than chance. Luck is opportunity meets preparation.

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Barcode is a series that explores a humorous look at quite a serious situation. This digital age of ‘computer says no’ and the current work systems in place prove a struggle for most graduates seeking careers in their chosen profession. Through the lives of a recent graduate and his agoraphobic flatmate, the series addresses the gap between education and the employment market. Ultimately the comedy points to serious issues such as economic depression, regional inequalities, anti-social behaviour, mental health, and the growing lack of care and emotional intelligence.