Magazine Article

There’s no hiding it video games are huge! In 2014 Video Games sold more than video and music growing by +7.5% to reach £2.5bn (ERA). Video Games are now dominating the entertainment market, which is incredible to think as they where a generally niche thing 20 years ago! But surely with 8 out of 10 homes in the UK owning video gaming consoles (The Telegraph) this would influence anti-social behavior? Well that is the topic explored by Tom Hogan and Scott Dickinson in their new hit documentary ‘Who’s Complaining about Video Gaming”. Following the success of the duo’s prior documentary ‘The Social Net-twerk’ this documentary follows suit with a wacky sense humor and an interesting take on quite a large issue in modern day society. We got the chance to sit down with the twosome to chat about their upcoming documentary, which will air Friday 13^th February at 21:00 on BBC 3.

So Scott, Tom, tell us what inspired you to create this documentary?

Tom: I’ve always been a fan of video games, I grew up playing Sonic the Hedgehog on my Dad’s SEGA Megadrive and they really did take up a massive part of my childhood. I wanted to create a film that explored how they can affect anti-social behavior, as they are more prominent now then they have ever been.

What made you take the approach you did when creating the documentary rather than a more serious take?

Scott: Well, when researching into our target audience we found that a more comical approach would draw in a wider audience.

Tom: We also wanted to entertain our audiences and I feel having comedy in our films really makes them memorable rather than another panorama style documentary with a very serious tone

You say you grew up playing Video Games, did you ever feel it made you more anti-social personally?

Scott: When I was growing up I did miss some family events due to playing games, however I never let it priorities over going out with my friends.

Tom: I wouldn’t say it really made me more of an anti-social person; I’ve always been quite a social guy. I feel however a lot of my friends would rather have a game of Fifa or something then play football in the park. And I would feel left out if I don’t go online and join them.

How do you feel this documentary compares to your last endeavor ‘The Social Net-Twerk?

Scott: I feel that this documentary is far superior to our last, for one it’s a topic we are both interested in. We still have the unique humour that our last documentary was praised for but I feel a lot of the jokes and banter found in our newest film is really genuine.

Tom: Yeah we really did enjoy making this film, it’s often people say that but the amount of laughs and jokes we had creating this film was truly astounding.

We really see some of that shine through in the documentary was it all scripted or was some of the dialogue improvised?

 Tom: Actually yes a lot of it us off the cuff, I feel the best humor comes from what’s said at the time

Scott: Yeah most of the time it was just Tom winding me up really

Well chaps is there anything you want to say to entice people to watch this documentary

Scott: If your interested in video games and like a bit of humor tune in

Tom: Yeah I would just say it’s a fun, and interesting documentary that might surprise you.

Thank you Gentlemen

Scott: Thanks

Tom: Cheers Chaps!

Well there you have it, if your interested in watching ‘Who’s Complaining about Video Gaming’ tune in next Friday 13^th February at 8:30! You’d be a fool to miss it!