BBC Fresh Profile: Matthew Kay

Director of short documentary Hair and Now, Matthew Kay tells BBC Fresh how he hopes his documentaries will bring about positive change.

Hair and Now by Matthew Kay captures life in a barbershop in Hackney where a group of young people talk about life in London in 2013.

They discuss their local neighbourhood, their life and their plans and fears for the future - all whilst getting the latest trim.

Watch: Hair and Now on BBC Fresh

How/why did you get started in documentary film-making?

I kind of fell into making documentaries. A friend invited me to go on an amazing trip to document a group of London footballers on their tour through the Middle East. I love filming and travelling and so agreed but I was always more fiction orientated.

"It wasn't until I began the process that I realised documentary making was what I wanted to do. The locals saw the camera as a gateway to the outside world and so hearing their opinions was a real privilege.

"It was great seeing the players develop and transform from the events and get the chance to document their different experiences from the demonstrations in Tahrir Square to night raids in a refugee camp.

"By the time I returned from that journey in 2011 I had been converted. I thought there's so many incredible things happening in real life that I wanted to document these stories about real people, real events and real issues.

"After the trip me and my friend - the one who had originally asked me to make the documentary with him - set up our own small production company.

"We dedicated the next six months of our lives to making our first documentary Over The Wall. It got picked up by a distributor and some film festivals and we haven't looked back since."

Why did you pick this subject for Fresh?

"I thought the themes Hair and Now address are important for the up and coming generation and are issues that affect all of us.

"As it is about young adults from London I thought many people could either relate to their situation or be interested by what they have to say, learning from the different experiences and perspectives."

What motivated you to make this film?

"Presently 50 percent of black males between the ages of 16 - 24 are unemployed.

"I was trying and shed light on a particular generation who have been poorly represented in the wake of the London riots and give some kind of platform for young adults to allow them to express their opinion about issues they are affected by - the same kids that some people cross the street to avoid just want to be greeted in the mornings.

"I wanted to try and give a voice to people who are often stereotyped and dismissed to allow them to explain how they actually feel."

What camera did you use to shoot your film?

"It was shot on a Sony HVR-Z7"

Who/what inspires you?

"I'm inspired by people and their stories."

What are your plans for the future?

"I have three documentary ideas I am currently developing and hope to get commissioned.

"My aim is to carry on making films that transport people into a world that they can learn from and then use their knowledge to bring about positive change."

What is the most important thing you have learned so far?

"Trust your instincts, always be over-prepared and never underestimate the importance of sound!"