New Year, New Challenges

Hey Mediadreamzers

Granted it is very much into the New Year and I have been hibernating for the last few months, but I can share as to why that is. I discovered back in Nov/ Dec that I was being made redundant from my role as a Production Assistant due to my place of work moving. So, part of last year and close to end of was spent job hunting and going for interviews and I won’t lie to you it was worrying as to whether I would succeed in getting a job by or before the New Year. The end result was.. SUCCESS I managed to get a job as a Replay Operator, something very different to what I previously was doing. With most TV Media going one of 2 ways, automated or technical I fell into the latter and I am always eager to learn new skills.

Explanation for being gone was spending my time locking this role down, going on training courses and I’ve recently started training some newbies. I have only been doing this role for a little over 2 months and I an learning a lot and so far so good. New things are being added to my role, so constantly on my toes. I am interested in going into the other Media departments to see and understand more of what they do everywhere from MCR to the other galleries. One of my New Year goals/ challenges is underway, there are others and one of them is learning how to ride a horse, just for the experience.

I do hope to go to and be involved in other Media related activities for 219 and see how things progress. Though one good thing to happen before the end of the year was that I got engaged.

You can call me corny but I see years as empty books with pages to be filled and chapters to be added to.

Numquam dedite

Chitty Chitty Wow Wow

Hi Mediadreamzers

My gosh it has been an age since I last posted, well since the Bond charity night in September. I confess that I need to amend a comment I made in the last post; I mentioned that there was going to be a Bond gala night in January. Well it has been discovered that the event was a con something unfortunately some of my friends were the victims of. It turns out that the person who was ‘organising’ the event had named dropped some well known Bond actors who were to be attending. Well the agents to the stars notified certain parties that they/ the actors had no idea of this event let a lone had been asked to attend. Top and Tail is as you can guess the event has been cancelled and to my knowledge people had managed to get a refunded on the non-existent event.

Now I will get round to sharing my latest event, and it involved going to my favourite place, Pinewood. Granted this was about 2 weeks ago, just been waiting on photos to be sent to me before sharing the day. This was as the title of the post suggests an event to do with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The event marked 50 years since the film hit the silver screen and it was a fun filled day from start to finish. I admit I thought I was going to have problems travelling down as the route I take to Pinewood was closed but managed to make headway on the M1.

Made it in good time and met up with familiar faces and friends before walking through the great doors to Heatherden Hall which has featured in many films that being Carry On and James Bond. Once inside, it was a tour of the garden and grounds with Dave Worral who imparted fun facts on the different parts and areas of the garden. I even saw a memorial stone dedicated to Desmond Llewelyn (as many know played Q). Whilst on the tour I got chatting to the son of the composer to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Robert Sherman.

Before going back into Heatherden Hall for the Q&A with the crew and special guests we all got a change to have our pictures taken next to one of the original cars used in the film (unfortunately we couldn’t drive it around the film lot). Whilst the photos were being snapped I got the change to chat to a few people and some of the special guests. One thing that was a hue surprise when the Q&A session started was the children actors from the film Adrian Hall and Heather Ripley. One interesting fact that I discovered was that Heather never really auditioned for the role of Jemima that the original child was ill and Heather’s mum put her daughter forward as she knew the lines, and from there things progressed.

 

      

After the Q&A lunch was served and I got chatting to one of the guys at my table who works for Universal channel and I also learned that another person was friends with a Danish composer, who knows, wait for it… Mads Mikkelsen. Hearing that I was in heaven. There was also a quiz about the film and other trivial facts and although it was an age since I saw the film I guessed some of the answers.

             

The highlight to end the day was going into the John Barry theatre and watching the film on the silver screen with well distinguished actors and crew members. Although it was great seeing it in the theatre it was bloody freezing. I couldn’t get over how quickly the day ended and it was a blast from start to finish and I felt that the security guys didn’t want any of us to leave as the barrier to let us in and out was on lock down. As much as I would loved to have spent the night at Pinewood studios that didn’t happen; security eventually let us out.

Made it back buzzing from such a fantastic day and I look forward to my next job or venture out into the world of Media.

Whether that is before or after Christmas who knows.

Nunquam Deditioneum

Licence to view Bond

Hi Mediadreamerz

OMG! I looked at when my last post was and saw it was back in May, how the time has flown by. Yes I have been hibernating or rather waiting and waiting for my next event or Media activity to come along. I would have shared an event back in August whee I would have met an executive Producer who works on animation shows, such as Dangermouse (work hindered me going). Nothing has hindered me for the events of last night. I will start by saying it is SO good to be back at a place where beautiful people create beautiful things. I am gonna be honest and say that I have lost track of the number of times I have been to my favourite place- Pinewood Studios. When I was driving to my accommodation I noticed across from the main site that Pinewood has extended its facilities across the road- I especially saw a Sir Roger Moore East stage has been built; really hope I can set foot in there in the future.

My reasons for heading down to the bottom of Buckinghamshire were to attend a charity screening night of On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. This is in aid of UNICEF, and it was a brilliant night. Only annoying thing is when fun things happen they end so fast that you don’t have enough time to take it all in.

Well I made it to Pinewood in plenty of time and its a good thing I did, security checks and all that, but I got through. Once at the John Barry Theatre- a place I have never been into when I have been on set but at least I have been inside now. Lots of people were there to support the nights funding raising and to see an all time classic. I was even more surprised to see some of my friends there that I didn’t know were gonna be there, so a really great chance for us to catch up.

We were all give the green light to go in the cinema where the Q The Music Bond Tribute Band were playing some of the great Bond songs. The cinema was a huge and spacious room and it really puts our typical cinemas to shame. Before the screening of the film started there was a Q&A with the special guest attending-Dickie Bamber, Peter Lamont, Terry Bamber, Terry Mountain (played a character called Raphael), Slyvana Henriques (the girl who ate Bananas at the dinner table scene) and Michael Redding. The Q&A was really interesting hearing about the experiences of crew and actors and all the funny stories from there time working on OHMSS. The Q&A was followed by an auction of James Bond merchandise ranging from t-shirts and hoodies to records and signed poster boards. It was immensely exciting when a bidding war erupted between a man and woman in the audience. I thought that that this was gonna turn into an event that was gonna last all night, but didn’t.

 

 

 

 

After sitting for nearly three hours there was a 10 minute break before the time started and I used that time to mingle and hobnob with the special guest. One of my James Bond Facebook friends had bought a programme so I asked if he was going to get his programme autographed. He said no because he didn’t think they would sign it, so I offered to try on his behalf and was given an o.k you can try. So I went round the room and managed to get several signatures and I got chatting to Terry M who was a really nice guy to talk to and asked me about myself even got a photo with Terry Mountain.

 

 

The film started and at the sound in the cinema was incredible crisp and clear. Many people have said and probably will continue to say that OHMMS is the Best Bond film and that George Lazenby was the Best Bond followed by Sean Connery. The time went by really fast and it was time to vacate the cinema and head off the production company site. I managed to say bye to lots of people and before I went the person who organised the whole event said that there is another Bond event in the New Year that I should come to and that it would be an all night glitz and glamour night, so I am hoping to attend that too. Would be something to look forward to come the New Year.

I am not sure what my next event will be before the 2019 event but I look forward to sharing with you all, I think I maybe hibernating for a bit at a guess well as I said earlier until my next event.

 

Nunquam Deditioneum

I feel it is my ‘Line of Duty’ to attend

Hi Mediadreamzers

I hope that if you are in the UK you have been making the most of the sunshine and hot weather; we’re actually getting a Summer. I certainly felt the Summer sun yesterday when I was heading to another Royal Television Society event, on as the title of my latest post was about the BBC Drama ‘Line of Duty’. Despite the trains being delayed, I made it to Millbank Tower out in Pimlico in plenty of time. Before heading the the venue I saw that MI6 was across the the water. Well, you can’t walk past MI6 and not take a picture; though I wonder if they got a picture of me over the bridge taking a photo, who knows.

 

           

 

 

Once inside Millbank Tower got chatting to a few people before the event started and the it was a very popular event, and luckily the air conditioning was on. The guests on the panel were the Creator, writer, director, Executive Producer Jed, the Executive Producer Simon, Script Executive Priscilla and one of the lead actors Adrian Dunbar. The cherry on the sundae was that the discussion was chaired by, wait for it, Anne Robinson. Yes THAT Anne Robinson; Watchdog and Weakest Link presenter, and I admit when I saw Anne I was very surprised. The event was a mixture of questions directed to each of the guests and in between this there were a series of clips played in between, chosen by each person who said that certain clips were their favourite scenes and shots and why that was the case. There were discussions on the next series and it hopefully being set for 3 more series.

        

 

 

For me it was interesting to hear that the series is filmed in Birmingham and not London; when you watch programs like this, it is a cliche that they are filmed in the capital, so it made a nice change. It was also interesting to hear about the time it takes to film so many minutes of scene and the process/ approach the actors use to their characters and that the rehearse of scenes and episodes would consist of anywhere to 8-12 hours that is some dedication. I confess I have yet to watch a whole series but I will eventually get there, looking forward to the story lines and issues explored.

After the sessions was opened up to the audience to ask questions it was time for everyone to head to the bar, as with all events like this they always end at the bar or a bar. Just as I wondered to one part of the room I ran into Anne Robinson and I thought you can’t end the day without a photo and I was glad that Anne was o.k with this. I apologise on the way I look in this photo; I look awful in photos, and this is why I very rarely posted pictures of me on my blog, saving everyone from the nightmares.

 I guess in this photo I’m the weakest link.

On my train journey home I thought was gonna have a boring journey back but it was a fun trip out of London as their was an enthusiastic train conductor named Marc getting the whole train to sing Happy Birthday to a passenger, whose Birthday was gonna be the next day, so today (Wednesday).

I have seen a few more upcoming events that I am hoping to go to provided I am not working so hopefully more to share in the next few weeks. Still keeping my skills and work as a Production Assistant sharp and up to date.

Nunquam Deditioneum

Production in Deep

 

Hey Mediadreamzers

OMG! Seriously how long has it been since I lasted posted on my blog. I feel like I have been on the Channel 4 show ‘The Hunted’, where you disappear off the grid. My reason for not posting for such a long time is one of my colleagues was signed off with stress a few months ago, so I have been working a lot of shifts in the production gallery. With working a lot I haven’t been able to attend networking events or do as much as other media work; my colleagues health is more important and was happy to hep out. With the amount of work I did in the gallery I think I was on course for getting a blue plaque, or even an OBE.

I digress a little, so back on track after so long I attended a RTS event in London and it was a lot closer to the main train stations in London and I shocked myself in finding it and not needing to resort to Google Maps.
The venue for the networking event was practically round the corner from Kings Cross so not far from Platform 9 3/4 shop for those who like Harry Potter. Made it to Kings Place in plenty of time and I also discovered that there are a lot of publishing houses not far from Kings Cross station, and I now know where The Guardian and The Observer are in London.

 

 

 

 

 

The event I was going to was ‘Diving beneath the Waves:The Making of Blue Planet II’. Yes the natural documentary series narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough (wish he could have been there too). However, the special speakers were an Assistant Producer called Sarah, Executive Producer James and the Natural documentaries Series Producer Mark with the event chaired by Torin Douglas.

 

 

Once we were in the hall, the whole place was illuminated with guess what colour light, o.k I’ll tell you-Blue. Once in Torin introduced the guests who said a little about themselves and their work background on projects and how they got involved in this area of media. The questions that were asked were things that I guess we have thought about when watching these types of programs how certain things are filmed, how production teams capture certain shots and clips; are they planned or is it just by sheer luck, locations, scripting, choosing music, the work relationship between the scientists and the media teams in creating the episodes etc.This was interspersed with clips chosen by the panel that they said where there favourite. One clip was Sharks enjoying seafood spoils, seeing a media sub and attacking it (Sharks thought the sub was a threat to the food they had and were constantly colliding with the sub) Luckily the people in the sub were unharmed and the Sharks then realised the sub was no threat (clip chosen by Mark).

The next clip was narrated by Sir David about a sea creature called the Bobbet, I admit I had never heard of a Bobbet and knew nothing about it. Well, a Bobbet is a sea worm that eats fish- yes there s=is such a thing. Seeing the clip made people jump when it went in for the kill. (clip chosen by Sarah).

      

The final clip shown was again narrated by Sir David and it showed a cluster of small fish were forced to clustered together by dolphins and how this attracted not just dolphins but birds, swordfish and other bigger fish to eat the smaller fish and how in less than 20 mins they are gone.

        

The audience was then invited to ask questions and there was a mixed bag of things people were asking the panel and it was interesting to hear and learn more about. Before this ended we were treated to clips featuring other members of the production crew and their contributions to creating the series. One clip really amazed me; how crew manage to get the cameras onto the animals in order to capture footage of what they see and where they go and how the footage is used in the series.

  

  

 

Afterwards, the bar was open and time to network was everyone. Before leaving to head home, I got the chance to chat the the people on the panel and was a great evening.

 

 

I am happy to say that the next event will be in about 2 weeks and I am happy to say that I am off work on that day so more to follow. Hopefully there will be more events coming up to share, and it won’t be a long gap before my postings.

Nuquam Deditionem

Back to the Film Industry

Hey Mediadreamzers

The follow-up to yesterdays media/ film related fun that I had; yesterday the activity today the film work. It was an early rise for me, in order to make a 2 1/2 hour journey down to Dover for my next film product. I got to work with a Director who I worked with last year on a film called ‘Borstal’ (post dated round about October time). Driving to Dover was long and lengthy and I got to do something I have never done before; drive over the Dartford crossing and I confess seeing the height of the bridge does make you think oh my God this is enormous; one thing I made sure not to forget to do once I got back was to pay the toll. Word of advice pay the toll either in advance or as soon as you get to a computer otherwise you have the fine to contend with.

I digress, I made it to Dover in good time and got a marvelous view of the castle, breath-taking, and did I see the white cliffs of Dover; I did as I drove home 8 hours later. The location a boxing venue, the film a hard-core action adrenaline pumping Brit spit and grit film, the title Red Army Hooligan. I will not share the plot yet, but the focus is on fighting. One thing that was handy about the location was that it was across the street from 2 supermarkets so no-one went hungry or thirsty on the day. Once inside it was hugs and hi’s from those I have worked with before and I got started on my Production tasks, well that was after I bought in the baked treats I promised the crew I would bring and they were VERY happy after that and got everyone through working on a Sunday. I got high praise for thinking ahead and being on hand to the usual things and I was surprised when the Director referred to me as the Production Coordinator, usually I go along with assistant but coordinator is even better.

We got most of the scenes shot at different angles, and the extras were brilliant with what they needed to do. Managed to mark all the scenes and ensure that we stayed on track with time and thanks to Gaz the D.O.P got a lot of great photos, which will appear soon. There was a moment where I was asked by JP one of the actors and Producer on the film asked if I minded being in the film as a hooded faceless character. So I made my faceless debut just before we wrapped for the day, which was both a surprise and a fun thing to be a part of. Hopefully I will see myself on screen when the film premieres next year in London. We then wrapped at a good time and I was happy to see that the containers that I had bought the baked treats down in were nearly empty. And what was left I made sure that the crew took what was left home to get them through the long journeys home. Driving out of Dover was fine and one little tip to anyone, makes sure you pay the Dartford toll as soon as you can. It is a shame that I can’t help out on additional days but it was fun and great working with crew I have worked with before, and I look forward to the next series of films that are in the pipeline in the next 2-3 months.

 

Nunquam Deditioneum

You Only Drive Twice

Hey Mediadreamzers

This latest post is about the day I had with a James Bond group I am part of going all around Staines/ Buckinghamshire. This weekend of activities was organized months in advance and split over two days. I joined the group for the events of today, would join them on Sunday but I am in Dover working on a film. Up early to meet everyone in Wraysbury for a briefing and to meet everyone. I decided to go in somewhat disguise in when I say that I mean that I wore a wig for fun, was nice to be a red-haired again.

Once I met with everyone there were a few props and symbolic items the balloons from the living daylights, the milk bottles, top secret envelopes and anything to do with Spectre. After everyone had had there breakfasts at McDonald’s it was on to the first location; RK Leisure park, which featured in A View to a Kill. The second location was to Bedfont Park which was an industrial corporation site that featured in Tomorrow Never Dies, and of course we got a few shots of the buildings before driving to Ashford FC which was fun watching a amateur match and everyone had tea, coffee and breakfast baps. The best location that followed this was, wait for it….. Pinewood Studios. This is my 10th visit and it is always good going back to my favourite place. We took advantage of the nice weather to get what pictures we could get, before it rained and in areas that security didn’t have a problem with; thought at one point security said to us to get behind the lamp post and that we were only allowed to take pictures of the Pinewood sign. I even got into the spirit of Bond by humorously doing a Bond Girl pose on a Bond car, and an assassinated pose.

         

We then took a break from location scouting and taking pictures to have lunch and the pub we went to had some brilliant art on the wall of Ian Fleming book covers and pictures of Sean Connery, the Carry On Crew and other well known people.

We also took time to do a Picture Quiz before heading out to an auspicious Golf Club; Stoke Poges. All I can say is that it took my breathe away seeing it, and thinking about Goldfinger being shot there. One thing that we did was re-enacted a scene where someone’s hat is used pretending it’s odd-jobs hat when he throws it at a statue, whereas in this case it is thrown at me and I fall to the ground. Was a fun scene to be in.

We were originally going to be to various parts of the course but because there was a wedding on but we still got to explore. And we went into a part of the golf club where the walls are dedicated to posters from Goldfinger and Tomorrow Never Dies as well as DOP shots and call-sheets and casual shots of the actors relaxing. I am taken aback that you need a Pin to access the visitors restrooms; something I have never done before- was like trying to break into Fort Knox bank, and the restrooms are so fancy that there a 6 types of Golf magazines.

 

We then moved onto the final location which was St Giles Church which is the opening scene in For Your Eyes Only where Roger Moore is laying flowers at a grave before jumping into a helicopter. This is where this scene was re-enacted before the heavens opened up a second time before we said our goodbyes and head out of Buckinghamshire to hotels, homes and temporary accommodation.

It was a challenge getting back home as monsoon rain came down non-stop and traffic was bad that I was crawling for about 30mins. It was a great day and I have photos to share; will be added later, one of which I am on the hood of a car that was covered in James Bond logos. Tomorrow will be a long day going back and forth to Dover, so wish me luck on my filming there.

Nunquam Deditioneum

Let Me Go Premiere

Hey Mediadreamzers

When one media event ends, another event begins and one must as promised share it. It is nice to be back sharing experiences, and getting involved in different projects. This one involved getting all dressed up for as mentioned in my latest posting going to the premiere of a film called Let Me Go. This is based on a true story written by Helga Schneider. Before I even got to London I thought it was ‘gonna be one of those days’; I had originally booked a taxi via an app for what I thought was to take me to the train station, only for me to tell the app that I wanted to be picked up FROM the train station. Only a brief moment of panic in thinking that I was gonna miss my train, and be late. Thankfully, that did not happen, and I made it to Leicester Square 25 minutes early, whilst stomping around on the underground in nude coloured heels to get to the Vue, and it was great that so many people turned up to the screening.

            

       

I got chatting to a mum and daughter and managed to get a few snaps taken against the backdrop and tweeting #LetMeGo. It was great seeing my friend Ross, the man behind the Production company in partnership with in trust productions who filmed the project. Once upstairs, champagne in hand, it was taking more snaps and seeing a few famous faces and I managed to get my picture taken with Douglas Henall  and talking to others before staff asked everyone to take their seats. My seat was Row C Seat 3 and although I had no idea what I would be in store for booking this, it turns out I chose a seat where no one blocked my view I was close to the open floor area where the Q&A session and within feet of one particular actress, JULIET STEVENSON, who starred in the film, but said a few words before needing to leave due to being on stage in a play and needing to leave. One thing the audience was given was bags of popcorn and bottled water; I took mine with me and gave it to my colleagues to enjoy on Friday.

  

  

 

Encase you come across this film I avoid giving away too much of the plot but the structure of the film focuses on mother and daughter relationship, which explores not only the relationship Helga Schneider (Juliet Stevenson), had with her mother Traudi (played by Karin Bertling) who has a dark secret, but also the relationship Helga’s daughter, Beth (Jodhi May), has with her daughter Emily (Lucy Boynter).  Hearing that Traudi is dying, Helga travels with her granddaughter to see her to confront her about how her actions had serious consequences.

 

With having a degree in History, and the subject area being one that is a favourite of mine I found the film very moving and heart-felt. The score to the film was something you that was in the same field as Schindler’s List. The Q&A with the Producer Polly Steele, the composer Phil Selway, Karin Bertling and Jodhi May and once all questions had been answered I would have loved to stay for some of the afterparty but I had a train to catch. One thing I wondered during the evening was when I saw Richard Wilson at the event; as many of you know he is famous for his phrase ‘I don’t believe it’, would our paths across and prior to me leaving they did as I was getting ready to leave the Vue, we walked past each other and Richard said Hello and smiled, so that was a cool highlight to end the evening.

I was impressed by how I made it to London Euston in heels and that my feet weren’t hurting at all, once on the train I got chatting to a guy called Bradley who had been out with his work colleagues to the Hippodrome casino to celebrate success at work, and the thing I discovered was that he is a graphic web designer for the Hippodrome Casino. One thing I have learned and I hope you agree with me on this is that the best conversations you have are with strangers on a train, you learn so much. My conversation with Bradley ended at Watford Junction which was his stop, for me I had about 6-7 more before getting home. I was still wide awake even at 2am, and even more when at work when I got up at 5.30am.

Next activity/ work related opportunity is in 2 weeks so that will keep me busy, I do love working in Media and networking with others.

Nunquam Deditioneum

Milton Keynes & Me 50 Years in an evening

Hey Mediadreamzers

God it has been practically years since I lasted posted. I have been waiting and waiting for my next media related event to happen, and now it has.

Some of you many have seen on BBC 4 a few weeks back the film titled Milton Keynes and Me by Director Richard Macer. I admit I was kicking myself for missing it when it was on TV, but had a second chance to see it when a screening of it was arranged, followed by a Q &A session with the Director himself.

For those of you haven’t seen Milton Keynes and Me the story is told and see through the eyes of Richard Macer who grew up in MK and left when he was 18 to go to University. With it being 50 years in 2017 that MK was created, Richard returned to his hometown to look back into to how MK was created and established as a New-town place, the Fred Roche Foundation which was responsible for the planning and constructing and houses, shopping centre and sculptures depicting the creativity and uniqueness of MK. And yes that includes reference to the cow sculptures created by Canadian Liz Leyh. It was cool that Richard was able to track Liz down and ask her what she thought 50 years on from when they were placed in MK.

The beginning of the film looked at the memories of MK through the eyes of his mum and dad and how MK was the UK’s equivalent to the American Dream when it came to the housing crisis that hit London in the 1950’s and 60’s. One other aspect of MK that was shown and talked about was when people think of MK besides the cows that they comment on the number of roundabouts and there is one thing I discovered whilst watching the film and that is that there is a roundabout appreciation society, something I never knew existed until that night. Following on from that there the society has given certain named roundabouts and one of the roundabouts in Fox Milne is known and named as a bonking roundabout because it was a roundabout where people used to make love and have rendezvous. One thing that is being added to Fox Milne roundabout soon is a sculpture, commemorating 50 years.

I also discovered that years ago a commercial was created advertising MK as a New-town haven and what was memorable about the commercial was that there was a boy carrying a red balloon and how everyone at the end had balloons and let them go. I admit when I saw the red balloon at first my mind immediately ran to thinking of Stephen King IT. It also got my thinking whether to not it would be possible or a good idea to make an updated commercial on what MK has for people to see. There was a generation aspect to the film where Richard headed to his old school where he talked to the current students at Stantonbury Campus. I did not know that there was something called ‘Day 10’ where students spent to entire day focusing on one subject. Would be interesting if schools today could bring that back, might make a difference.

Granted there was some negative moments in the film, that was probably down to when it was shot (Jan/ Feb) when it isn’t exactly scorching like Ibiza. But you need somewhat of a place in a film to make it work.

At the end there was the Q&A with Richard with the help of his friend and many people got to share their views, saying whether they liked it, hate it, what they thought would have been nice to have included. One thing that was somewhat annoying was that a member of the council was there and I felt that he was using it as a self promotional platform on what he could do to make things better or changes to bring about if we/ people get in touch with their local Councillors. At the eventual end I got the chance to meet and speak to Richard and share my thoughts on the film itself.

It is nice to be back on the grid of sharing, and the good news is that there will be a follow up as tonight I am off to a red carpet premiere at the Vue, Leicester Square. So I am getting all dressed up and hopefully get the chance to meet the actors and catch up with some of my media friends.

My work as a Gallery Production Assistant is going very well, and my next series of freelance opportunities are happening in the next few weeks that I am looking forward to.

Nunquam Deditioneum.

Taking Pride by storm in Media

Hey Mediadreamzers

 

When Summer arrives, make the most of being out and about, and I did just that. Headed to London yesterday to attend the Royal Television Society event that addressed the issue of LBGT portrayed in TV soap storylines. Made it to London without any delays; it’s S’s-Law and I’m sure you will agree with me that when you are traveling to events, something usually happens; delays, cancellations, stormy weather the list goes on. Either way, made it to the Hospital Club and was early, so waited until the event was open to attendees. Found a seat in the gallery room and others started arriving and there was a group of 3 who sat next to me and we got chatting and I learned that they worked for ITV & BBC. So for me, that was a good surprise and we all chatted on what areas of media we work in, how we found out about the event and what our passions are.

 

Soon the speakers on the events panel arrived and took their seats on stage. The speakers were, wait for it, Oliver Kent- Head of Continuity in Drama series, BBC Studios, Pete Lawson Writer on EastEnders, Bryan Kirkwood- Executive Producer Hollyoaks, Iain MacLeod- Series Producer Emmerdale, and some of the actors from the soaps; Daniel Brocklebank- Corrie, Annie Wallace & Krupa Pattani -Hollyoaks. The panel was chaired by June Sarpong MBE- who is known for being a presenter on ‘Loose Women’, and also a panelist on Sky’s The Pledge program.

The topics discussed and questions asked, combined with a series of clips depicting LGBT storylines made the event as a whole really interesting and also a huge eye opener, with the actors, characters, and impact, they have on society as a whole. One story that was shared was Daniel mentioning an encounter he had with a lady in a supermarket saying very hurtful things, to which he gave a response that totally shut this woman up.  Other issues that were discussed were the Ofcom complaints, watershed time showings, relationships, cultural communities and the about individuals in the series and in real life coming out to their parents and loved ones and the psychological effect and the fear they have, especially with family traditions, religion, and social acceptance. Other areas that haven’t or have been touched on briefly were discussed and how there is still time in the future to create and develop those ideas for television audiences to see.

     

 

              

 

The floor was then open up to questions from the audience, followed by thank yous to the guest speakers, June and the CEO of the Royal Television Society Theresa Wise. Then, of course, the networking started and people started walking up to the guest speakers saying how much they enjoyed the discussion and topics/ opinions they felt about the series, storylines and their perceptions on certain issues. I admit for me it was really cool getting to speak to Annie, Krupa and Bryan and I asked him a question about one of the characters in Hollyoaks and his response was ‘I’m glad you didn’t ask that question on the mic’ as that character is still being developed. Also speaking the Emmerdale and EastEnders Producers was great too, meeting the people behind these soaps is one of those moments in life where you think ‘I never thought this would happen to me, meeting you’. I say that because although I work in this industry I sometimes think that there is a line or a barrier I am one side and those well known and established are on the other side and there is a ‘Do Not Cross this line’ sign in the middle. But every once in awhile it is nice to step over even if it is for a minute, an evening or a day to talk to individuals and say who you are.

Soon the numbers started to diminish as people left and I decided to head back out of London, had a fun evening and I learned a clever lesson when traveling to Euston station if you are going somewhere don’t get a tube train going the opposite direction. my trick getting on the wrong compass bound tube and ending up in Kensington. No matter, a simple walking over to the other side fixed everything.

 

I have also heard back from a director I worked with last year who mentioned a production that is being filmed in September, so I am hoping I am free to help out even if it is for a few days. He has also put in a requested for baked treats, moral booster for the cast and crew, well it helps when filming in the sticks and it’s cold and people have been working long days. September will soon be here.

 

Nunquam Deditioneum