Media Parents

Mike Ogden is a returning Production Coordinator on the Media Parents HETV Drama Return to Work Programme. He is being mentored by Mammoth Screen’s Joint Head of Production, Howard Ella (see below). Mike starts as a placement as trainee assistant coordinator on Tiger Aspect’s latest drama Curfew with Sean Bean for SKY on Monday.

Mike Ogden is taking up a placement on Tiger Aspect's drama Curfew with Sean Bean

I’d stepped away from TV to be a carer for family. It was a hard decision to make at the time as I was juggling a career in TV camera operating and assisting as well as a burgeoning career as an independent film-maker. I do love making filmed drama. When I can’t be making it for someone else, I’ll make my own. However, when a massive life event happens, no matter how much you try and plough through to continue your career, it can stop you. That’s what happened to me. I had to face life, deal with things and try to heal.

Returning drama coordinator Mike Ogden is being mentored by Mammoth Screen's Howard Ella

Last year I decided it was time to come back to being a useful crew member. However, as an ex-camera person I knew I couldn’t just pick that career up so I re-appraised my skillset, taking in to account my experiences in production. I’d gained a place on a production management course at Pinewood Wales with Sgil Cymru / Skillset for two weeks. The course was great, reminding me that I am one of those oddball people who likes to solve a problem, organise and watch a plan come off successfully. Yet I needed more mentoring guidance and support.

In mid 2017, it felt like my life was too uncertain. Maybe it was time to think of something else to do. I had built up some excellent skills and experience, having managed what I’d consider several high end and complicated short films I’d learned tons from, and also the professional experience I’d had working for years in television on a lot of shows. It seemed a shame to throw that away, but also an impossible task to get seen in a new light and restart my crew career. I applied to Media Parents to see if they would support my relaunch as a Production Coordinator.

Media Parents pressed the button on the Media Parents HETV Drama Return to Work Programme. Quickly we were fixing our CVs, making a plan of approach for HETV drama then attending the BVE London expo. Networking like mad, I even met someone from my previous career from Technicolor and discovered that someone from Media Parents was the daughter of a cameraman I’d worked with at Granada. I immediately felt less isolated and supported.

Meeting Ros Attille, Head of Development, CBeebies, with fellow returning Coordinator Zenna Barry

Being accepted on to the Media Parents High End TV Drama Return to Work Programme has allowed me a second chance. Now I can aim for my goal of being a production manager via co-ordinating for high end television drama with support and mentoring. After several years of being mentally clobbered, the positivity of being on this course and the support from so many gives me hope that I do have a useful future in production, doing the thing I love most : helping make filmed drama the best it can be.

http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/4273/mike-ogden

media parents mentor : howard ella

joint head of production, mammoth screen

Mike Ogden’s mentor Howard Ella joined Mammoth Screen having spent the last 15 years Producing and Line Producing dramas such as ‘An Inspector Calls’, ‘Lewis’, ‘Monroe, ‘Mount Pleasant’ and ‘5 Days’.

Howard started in the industry as a runner at Yorkshire Television and has worked in most areas of production. Outside of Mammoth Howard sits on the board of the Milton Rooms, an arts venue in Malton and writes and directs pantomimes and charity murder mysteries in his native county of Yorkshire.

Media Parents is hugely grateful to Howard and our other mentors for their support for the Media Parents HETV Drama Return to Work Scheme, funded by the HETV Levy managed by Creative Skillset.

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In celebration of International Women’s Day 2018, we are also showcasing the film-inspired work of photomontage artist Julia Andrews-Clifford. Using fragments, cuts, splices, paint and glue, she creates surrealist portraits and landscapes of real and imagined people’s lives. If you would like to nominate your own “everyday icon” for Julia’s new work please email Julia a good quality photo and some information about the work your icon does or has done. See below for contact details.

The Female Gaze, Julia Andrews-Clifford

Inspired by film and feminism, her work explores the tensions between public/private life and the personal/political, and sometimes re-presents hidden herstories from the film industry. She exhibits through art galleries, pop-up shows, public installations, and site specific works on advertising columns, billboards and bus shelters. You can buy Julia’s work as originals or limited edition prints through her website shop.

Cut, Julia Andrews-Clifford

Julia is currently working on a project for International Women’s Day 2018 with a series of large-scale works or ‘Everyday Icons’ that will appear on billboards and bus shelters across Hastings, East Sussex and explore the disconnect between domestic work and public recognition.  Her ‘Feminist Artwork of the Week’ challenge will also run until December 2018 in celebration of Suffrage100, the centenary of the first UK women getting the vote. It’s going to be a busy year!

#EverydayIcons

Portrait of the Unknown Editor, Julia Andrews-Clifford

Short Biog

Julia started off as an English teacher in inner London secondary schools, then moved to New York to study film and photography before returning to London to become an education officer at the British Film Institute.

A Step Up, Julia Andrews-Clifford

While at the BFI, creating cinema events and film education resources for kids and teachers at BFI Southbank, she developed an innovative network of after-school film-making clubs which led to her starting her own business, Cineclub – The Young Filmmakers’ Network. With this company she worked with professional filmmakers and actors training them to adapt their expertise to teach kids in primary and secondary schools – to help them script, shoot and edit their own films for exhibition at local and national cinemas. The company ran very successfully for 10 years and worked with over 5,000 young people with Lars Von Trier as patron and the BFI, EMPIRE Magazine, City Screen Cinemas and Film Council support.

In 2009, Julia devolved her managerial responsibilities to return to her own creativity, studying Fine Art at Chelsea College of Art and Design as a part-time mature student, and then taking a career break in 2011 to have a baby. She now works as a practising artist with a studio in Hastings, part-time as an art and film teacher and full-time as a parent.

www.julia-andrews-clifford.co.uk

@jacphotomontage

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The Three Ps – Passion.  Patience.  Perseverance. Director Jon Dunham writes – these were the words of advice given to me by the late Oscar winning director Robert Wise at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where I studied film.  I’ve never forgotten this.  After 18 years of making mostly independent documentaries his words ring more true than ever.

My latest film BOSTON narrated by Matt Damon tells the story of the more than 100-year-old Boston Marathon including the 2013 bombings and the race’s emotional return one year later.  It is a feature-length documentary, which required a lot of passion, patience and perseverance.

Click to view Boston trailer. Photo credit Michael J. Lutch

Having run marathons myself and always very interested in history, I combined these two loves with my passion for filmmaking.  Honestly it would be very difficult for me to imagine attempting to make a film about a story that I am not passionate about!  Filmmaking is too difficult.  You have to love it.

My journey to making BOSTON actually started 15 years earlier when I began developing and eventually was successful making my first feature documentary “Spirit of the Marathon”, centered around the Chicago Marathon.  It took me five years to make the film and I was fortunate that it was both a critical and box office success grossing $1 million in cinemas in the U.S. and Canada in three nights.  While I never had any intention in becoming the guy who makes films about marathons, this production did indeed put me on the map so that when it came time to make BOSTON following the attacks I was a proven filmmaker in this particular genre.  It took a lot of patience to get there.

From the get go, BOSTON was anything but easy.  Similarly to my first film, it took four years to reach the finish line as we were constantly searching for funding.  At one point I even ended up selling my car to keep going!  But we persevered, and in a lot of ways it’s a better film because of the time it took to create, as we were afforded more opportunities for interesting storytelling along the way.

Today we are fortunate to be working with Lionsgate on the distribution of BOSTON with transactional video on demand however the journey continues as we continue to release the film via other channels and in more parts of the world.  The film has yet to be released in any way in the UK and we are actively seeking a distribution partner.  The trailer can be viewed at:  https://vimeo.com/225479641

In the meantime I’m looking for new projects to be a part of as well as focusing on another subject I am passionate about… Italy, and in particular Naples, where I had the incredible fortune of living for two years.  Continuing to apply the principles of the three Ps, I look forward to the process of telling the story of this most complex, beautiful and mysterious place in our world and continuing to make non-fiction film.

To contact Jon Dunham log in to www.mediaparents.co.uk

http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/15147/jon-dunham

Join Media Parents for training, events and great jobs - www.mediaparents.co.uk

Media Parents is delighted to introduce the latest cohort of the Media Parents High End TV Drama Return to Work Programme which takes place in Manchester next week, and aims to return skilled workers to HETV drama production via training, mentoring and work placements. We are grateful to the lovely team at Dock10 (see below) for hosting this event.

zenna barry

Zenna Barry, returning production coordinator

Production Co-ordinator Zenna Barry established a successful photography business in Manchester to enable her to work around small children. Nine years later, she is back…

mike ogden

Returner Mike Ogden

Mike Ogden trained as a Camera Operator then ran his own small production company. He is returning to HETV drama as a Production Coordinator, with ambitions to be a Production Manager before long.

http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/4273/mike-ogden

katriona edwards

Katriona Edwards worked at SKY before taking extended maternity leave. Crossing over from Producing factual to Production Management in drama she is re-entering the industry at Production Coordinator level. She is based in Wales and looking for work in Wales, Manchester or London.

Sign in and click to view Katriona’s profile link here.

Follow their progress here.

dock10

dock10 is the UK’s leading television facility. Based at the heart of MediaCityUK, The Studios and our specialist post production services are used to make everything from popular television shows, including the award-winning drama Happy Valley, prime-time spectacular The Voice, iconic children’s favourite Blue Peter and the sports fan’s essential Match of the Day – to outstanding VFX based commercials and corporate videos for leading brands. We are very grateful to the dock10 team for hosting the Media Parents HETV Drama Return to Work Programme for Manchester.

Dock10 bookings team

Studiobookings@dock10.co.uk

0161 886 5111

Join Media Parents for training, events and great jobs - www.mediaparents.co.uk

Joanna Crow

Joanna Crow, Thomasina Gibson and Becky Evans, Bristol Media Parents HETV Drama and Children's TV Returners

Winning a place on the Media Parents HETV Drama Return to Work Programme as a TV Drama Producer is a very exciting development for me as a mother and filmmaker. Having worked in Drama and Features for more than twenty years as a 1^st AD (credits include Marcella, Ripper Street, Life On Mars, Spooks, Finding Neverland, The Descent), the last few years with two children as my primary project have challenged my desire to create original and engaging drama.

I developed an opportunity with a local company to become Head of Visual Media which included managed increasing budgets for narrative-driven events, negotiating contracts, rights and deals with Netflix, Universal, Le Fondation Cartier, Aardman and others. I also produced and directed several short-form drama and documentary pieces (with selection at International Film Festivals).

I have continued to act as a consultant scheduler on dramas in development for Mammoth Screen, Kudos Productions, the BBC Drama department and various independents.  Complementing my production skills is my strong love of story: as a distinction level NFTS Script Development graduate, I’ve also continued to work with several writers connected with in the industry and am currently in development on a feature length horror with Neil Marshall (The Descent, Game Of Thrones).

I’m now operating as a development Producer, employing my production and narrative skills in creative ways for different organisations (Sony London Studios/Soho House/Judgeday/Objective Media).  I’m looking for scripts and projects to produce in High-End TV Drama.  Dream job: producing an episode of Black Mirror.

http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/14989/joanna-crow

Join Media Parents for training, events and great jobs - www.mediaparents.co.uk

Script Editor Becky Evans is the Media Parents Children’s Drama Return to Work candidate. She will soon take up a work placement with Kindle Entertainment via the Media Parents Children’s Drama Return to Work Programme funded by the Children’s Drama Levy managed by Creative Skillset.

becky evans

Script Editor Becky Evans is the Children's TV Returner funded by the High End TV Levy Fund managed by Creative Skillset

Script Editing has always been an important creative relationship for a writer, and it’s continually a privilege to play a role in making good writing even greater. I was lucky enough to be able to turn a love of story into a career that spans across three different genres. I’ve worked in the fast-paced environment of soap opera and series drama (EastEnders/Family Affairs/Holby City), been blessed with production time to be creative in pre-school animation (Thomas the Tank Engine) and enjoyed nurturing young minds in children’s drama formats (CBBC Projects – Living It & Dead Gorgeous).

Returning Script Editor Becky Evans will be placed with Kindle Entertainment via the Media Parents Children's Drama Return to Work Programme

To date I have eleven years’ experience in TV drama working in both script and story editor roles, and also have experience in drama development for future commissions. With a focus on returning to Drama Editorial and a particular interest in Children’s & Family Drama, I’m very excited to be joining Kindle Entertainment on a placement as a Development Script Editor via the Media Parents HETV Children’s Drama Return to Work Programme. Working with the award winning Kindle team will be a fantastic opportunity to revisit the world of story and generally expand my creative experience into 2018.

http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/15097/becky-evans

Join Media Parents for training, events and great jobs - www.mediaparents.co.uk

thomasina gibson

A freelance producer/director, journalist and author with 20 years’ experience in TV, film and DVD production, Thomasina Gibson has worked with national and international companies including the BBC, SKY, C4, Sony International Television, MGM International Television and the Sci Fi Channel. She is hoping to use the Media Parents HETV Drama Return to Work Programme to find work as a drama producer. She is currently being mentored by Pulse Films Executive Producer Patrick Schweitzer through the Media Parents scheme, funded by Creative Skillset.

Thomasina Gibson

“I recently wrapped my first independent film WE CAN BE HEROES – a family feature starring Alison Steadman and Phil Davis. I took the project from acquiring rights and developing the script through to completion and screening at the Edinburgh and Bath International Film Festivals winning 5* reviews and IMDb’s triple “F” rating. I independently raised the £750k budget via EIS and non-EIS investment.

My body of work includes behind-the-scenes and “Making of…” presentations featuring STARGATE SG-1, SMALLVILLE, SUPERNATURAL and SKY Movie News.  I produced and directed more than 80 short education resources (between 20’ and 45’) for the VEA Group. EUTHANASIA: A DEBATE was screened internationally to critical acclaim. Three further resources were submitted for Children’s BAFTAs.

As a freelance journalist and author I’ve published 8 books and more than 1000 articles in mainstream and genre press including Radio Times, SKY Magazine and SFX. I’m a film and entertainment consultant for Guinness World Records and have been a member of the Children’s BAFTA’s voting panel.

I’m currently participating in the Media Parents HETV Return to Work Programme and loving the entire process.  My ultimate aim is to gain employment in HETV Drama and/or Children’s television.

Join Media Parents for training, events and great jobs - www.mediaparents.co.uk

Do you want to increase your rate? Ask for more flexibility at work? Talk money without cringing? This event on Tuesday 27th Feb 2018 is for you!

"Make friends with Production Managers, they have the intel on rates" suggests Line Producer Jude Winstanley. You got a deal! Pictured with Media Parents Director Amy Walker at Media Parents Art of Negotiation event in 2017.

Back by popular demand, Media Parents’ Amy Walker and Line Producer Jude Winstanley lead this roundtable discussion with fantastic tips for negotiating in TV.

This works : Impact of the previous event included one freelancer increasing her weekly rate by £100/ week within the same contract, doing the job at the same company… Another freelancer wrote to thank us because she had upped her rate by £150/ week on a new contract.

Join us and industry figures including Maverick Television’s Head of Production Maria French, the Head of Production from Sister Pictures and more, in celebrating International Women’s Day with this empowering session.

Media Parents members only, see watercooler for guestlist details. To join please go here : http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/

jude winstanley

Jude is a freelance Line Producer in factual, entertainment and children’s formats and has been working in television production for 20 years. Her most recent credit was ‘Show Me What You’re Made Of’ kids series for CBBC, at Twenty Twenty Kids. She is available for Production Management contracts in Entertainment from mid March.

An event producer for RTS Futures, Jude also delivers guest lectures and workshops for universities, indies, social enterprises and industry bodies and is regularly invited to take part in a wide range of consultations on industry skills development. She is the founder of The Unit List. www.judewinstanley.com

See the watercooler at www.mediaparents.co.uk for guestlist details.

To join Media Parents for great jobs, training and events see www.mediaparents.co.uk

With sadness we are remembering Trevor Showler today, who attended many Media Parents events and has recently passed away. Details of his memorial service in London follow below.

Trevor Showler amongst the crowd at the Media Parents Christmas Party

In his own words, Trevor was an award-winning, creative storyteller offering a versatile breadth of top quality senior media experience including for BBC, ITV, C4, C5, Arte, ZDF, Nat Geo and Discovery Channels. As a Producer Director he had credits in current affairs, history, science and arts production for the BBC World Service, Network Radio and TV. Trevor headed up Specialist Factual and Factual development at ITV Wild & ITV Anglia. As a Series Producer and Producer/Director he made over 150 hours of UK network, international and US series. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends and his partner, Emma Kerr.

Trevor’s memorial service will be held at midday on Saturday 10th March 2018 at St Mary’s Church, 4 Holly Walk, Hampstead NW3 6QU. You are warmly welcome to attend and we hope to see you there.

Trevor’s memorial page is here https://trevor-showler.muchloved.com/

Trevor Showler right, with PD Matt Currington at a Media Parents event

Out of respect we have closed Trevor’s Media Parents account (and donated his subs to his memorial fund) but if you would like to read more about his work please click on the image below to see his personal website.

Media Parents - www.mediaparents.co.uk

Meet ITN Productions, Renegade Pictures, Outline Productions, 7 Wonder, Naked Entertainment, Amplify Pictures, Raw Cut, S+O Media, Media Parents and many more – fielding their MDs, Production Execs, Executive Producers, Directors of Production, PMs and coordinators for Media Parents latest event on Weds 17th Jan.

From Media Parents last event - join us at the next one on Weds 17th Jan

S+O Media are producing a brilliant handout for the event that guides you around the Sony FS7, Panasonic EVA, Sony F5 and Alexa Mini plus the chance to see those cameras demoed and get your hands on them.

The Head of Production’s Guide to Kit Hire with S+O Media – brilliant networking plus everything you need to know about what to hire, what not to hire and how to make your money go further. Meet Heads of Production and other specialists and get your hands on the latest kit. Sign up for a ticket ASAP, see the guestlist and ticket link  on the watercooler at www.mediaparents.co.uk.

Join us at the next Media Parents event on Weds 17th Jan

Media Parents - join now for brilliant jobs and events at www.mediaparents.co.uk