All 4 Commissions Observational Doc on 'Prison Ink'

20 September 2017

 

All 4 has commissioned Studio Lambert to explore the culture of tattoos in Britain’s prisons in Sketch’s Prison Ink (w/t), it was announced today (WED).

Fronted by Tattoo Fixers tattoo artist Sketch, the 8x11’ observational documentary series will follow him as he immerses himself in the meaning and culture of prison tattoos. Sketch will meet people who were tattooists inside, others who got inked, and the guards who try to stop this dangerous practise.

Sketch began learning his craft at a young age and this series launches with an illuminating conversation between Sketch and his father who had many tattoos whilst in prison, one of which was Sketch’s first cover up.

Sketch will reveal the hidden meaning behind common prison tattoos, and ask why people are willing to take the huge health risk involved in self-inking to commemorate their most difficult moments.​ He will also meet people who have used their own prison ink as a source of inspiration to help them turn their lives around.  

Sketch said: “I’m really proud of the series. The subject is something I’ve been interested in since I was a kid and meeting all sorts of ex-prisoners for the show has given me an even greater understanding of how and why people get inked behind bars, and why my dad did the same.”

Daisy Mount, Editor, All 4 said, “The rich, illuminating world of tattoos and the meanings behind them is a fantastic new way in to the difficult subjects that prison life throws up. We’re thrilled to be working with Sketch and Studio Lambert on this exciting new series.”

Studio Lambert’s Creative Director Tim Harcourt said: “We’re delighted to bring this series to the All 4 audience, exploring tattoos and their relationship with prisons.  This impactful format takes the viewer inside a fascinating world, rarely caught on camera and I am pleased to report that these two popular television subject matters, tattoos and prisons, are able to reveal a lot about each other.”

Sketch: Prison Ink is produced by Studio Lambert and was commissioned by Thom Gulseven, Commissioning Editor and Daisy Mount, Editor for All 4. Jack Burgess and Matt J. Smith and Niall O'Driscoll are the executive producers for Studio Lambert.

 

Series 4 of Tattoo Fixers will return to E4 next month.