The Tennessee State Prison is rich with history – a storied institution as many of the penitentiaries across the country built to be modeled after the “Auburn” system. The original design is what I wanted to capture as a filmmaker – not only the ornate, majestic Victorian architecture, but I also wanted to capture the feeling of the prison. The penitentiary concept was about reflection, solitude, and work – toward enlightenment to get beyond human flaws. This is why a visual narrative documentary style was used – it is more of a meditation than a true historical documentary. The purpose is to inspire others to value and appreciate the prison. I hope viewers will be motivated to research the history and learn more about this institution as a result of watching this film.

The title, On the Inside, is clearly based on the term that a correctional officer or inmate would use about being “inside” the walls of the prison. I thought it was an apt title in a deeper sense as well - since the prison was designed to affect change in people - from the inside out. During the course of filming I pondered the inmate experience. While walking the yard, I imagined inmates contemplating what their life had become. Their imaginations may have wandered to thoughts and dreams of freedom - getting beyond the walls. Those daydreams likely erased as they were pulled back to their reality of being incarcerated.

I shot this piece with all of this in mind. Drones are the perfect tool to not only explore behind the walls but to capture this feeling with immersive, transcendent views. The film was made from sunrise to sunset in one day – the spine of the piece is doing time. I wanted to make something unprecedented – views and perspectives that have never been seen by anyone before.

Critical to this piece was honoring all of the people who have been involved with the Tennessee State Prison. Administration, Correctional Officers and inmates have all passed through these doors. I wanted to make sure that I focused on the conflicted beauty of the complex, while also honoring those that passed away on these grounds.

I must note that this project would not have taken place except through a unique partnership with the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC). This partnership allowed me to access the normally off-limits property. Without this partnership, the piece would not have been created.

Finally, I must also note that the historic Tennessee State Prison is not an abandoned property. The Tennessee Department of Correction still actively utilizes the grounds and due to the secure nature of their business, it is off limits to the public. This site is actively patrolled by officers and anyone caught trespassing will be prosecuted. Please enjoy the film but do not venture out to the property.

- Brian Siskind
Those Drones, LLC | Creative Drone Works

Nashville, TN October 2016

Update March 2, 2020:

The prison has been decimated by the Nashville tornado of 2020. Much of what you see here in the film is no longer. The walls have come down. The radio tower is gone. The Victorian architecture is ruined irreparably. This document from 4 years prior to the tornado will now serve as the most comprehensive visual document of this historic building and property. The community is as divided about the structure in it's demise as much as it's presence before. Some are happy to see it go. Others feel an opportunity to preserve it is forever lost. I live 1/4 mile from the site, and am simply grateful to be alive, and have my home intact. The weight of the loss of this building will be felt for many as it was a tie to their past, in darkness or light. I am honored to have contributed in any small way to the legacy, and this document will live on.