Hum – so it’s been a while since I’m blogged anything I notice. I’ve not gone away. Or at least I did go away, had a baby (yes, another one!) then got back to the business of making more lovely films, albeit on a part time basis. Fellow travellers in the world of creative and freelance work will know that time is precious when small people enter the equation, so I’ve been head down in work when I’ve not had small children tugging at my legs (and sometimes even when they have been tugging at my legs!). Sorry for the silence!
So, what to update you with? Here are a few projects I’ve worked on to give you a flavour…
I’ve been so lucky to work yet again with the fabulous team at DanceXchange who as ever are doing pioneering work in bringing Dance to new audiences. This time I documented ‘Strive’, a training scheme devised to support Dance Artists in their work with vulnerable and marginalised groups. The rigor and thought that went into the scheme was fantastic, with plenty for me to take away and use in my own practice.
There have been some really powerful stories that I have been privileged enough to share over the past couple of years. A series of short films for Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust focused on the stories of patients and carers to try to unpick what ‘care’ means to them. From a mother of a terminally ill child to a nurse with an unapologetically forthright approach to delivering care, the films really showed how complex a subject it can be. The films are now part of a package of training materials shown to medical students prior to placements.
Another project in Rowley Regis brought to the screen some research done by a group of adults with learning disabilities. They wanted to share their experiences and frustrations as they navigate their way through the many challenges they face in the day to day – including paying bills and filling in forms, finding work, doing shopping and paying for the Bedroom Tax.
On a much more lighthearted note, I continued my longstanding relationship with The Lichfield Festival by helping a group of young people film a series of shorts, all filmed at Chasewater Light Railway. The filming was silly amounts of fun and hopefully that’s reflected in the finished films!
I have also been collaborating with other Film Makers – the very talented Sam Lockyer and James Watson of Iconic Productions. We worked together throughout last Summer to film twelves short films for Nottinghamshire County Council, focusing on The Care Act and the range of services being delivered throughout the County. You may recognise the voice on some of the voiceovers!
Right – back to it with an edit. And this time I will be sharing it widely when it’s done!