I still havn't heard from the Press Association.
I feel this is a bad sign. Although I was told I'd be informed within a month, everyone I spoke to at the interview who was already on the course found out within a week. It has now been 9 days. I am sure within those days they have interviewed a multitude of highly experienced and intelligent people who if I met at a party would probably laugh in my face when I told them what I wanted to do, as they sipped on their Cava and I sobbed into my Strongbow can.
Yesterday I had my playwrighting presentation, which wasn't really a presentation at all, more of a rehearsed reading of a few scenes I have written on the module. I am considering posting them here but it doesn't really have the same effect seeing as it is a play, not a blog post.
Now that that is over I officially have 8500 words and one exam left to do before my University career is officially over. I have mixed emotions on this tender subject.
I also found out that my graduation will be on the 20th July at 10.30am. I am unhappy about this, 10.30am is not an hour where I will look presentable in pictures that will no doubt be passed from family member to family member and be hung on my parents walls, yellowing over the decades.
Saturday, 26 March 2011
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Four Tiny Chances.
So as I am an awfully busy human being I am only telling you what happened at the interview now.
First of all I made the stupid mistake of not eating anything beforehand, I was so scared of being late to the stupid thing that I bypassed food, and as the interview was 4 hours long it was not the smartest decision I have ever made. Afterwards I hoovered down a Big Tasty and instantly regretted it.
Secondly I was wearing a dress suit that although was lovely and very flattering, I couldn't exactly walk in comfortably as it was so tight around my arse and legs I was waddling around and I couldn't get anywhere quick enough. I must have looked good though because a man in a hearse beeped at me and a special needs man came up to me on the way to the Press Association and said "You are fashion!". Dear God.
So anyway I finally got there and found it in time, and sat myself down as appropriately as I could in my stupid impractical dress, and another interviewee comes in with a FAT portfolio. This is when I started to panic. They specifically told me not to bring one, and even if I did it wouldn't be as FAT as hers was anyway.
The head of the Press Association came down, I was very aware of my handshake. I don't want to have a floppy handshake. He lead us upstairs, (us is me and the other interviewee, she was Welsh, very sweet, and instantly reminded me of Stacy from Gavin and Stacy for no reason other then she was Welsh) and we went into a presentation room. I awkwardly sat down again (so much awkward sitting down) and he showed us a slideshow of the course and what goes into it.
It looks like bloody hard work, but also super amazing. I want to get on there so much. But this is when we get to the sad and disheartening part; they only take 18 people, and they've already chosen 14. And they interview people up to July.
So basically I have very little chance. I have an even smaller chance because the tests were HARD. I knew most of the News Awareness questions, but one of them was "Detail a recent Eastenders storyline". That was probably the one question they shouldn't have asked. The spelling test was relatively easy (unfortunately 'peadofile' didn't come up) but the grammer was not so; they'd written out sentences, told us the grammar was wrong, and we had to correct it. I was looking at half the sentences and wondering what the hell was wrong with them. What a brilliant start. I managed to write the press release relatively quickly and easily, though if it was good or what they were looking for or not I don't know.
They then sprang a challenge of planning a 5 minute presentation on ourselves. I was so nervous I am sure I said many ridiculous things...in fact I think I went on about my hair at one point. Brilliant.
We had a tour of the Press Association, it was all buzzy and exciting. We met the current trainees, all of whom said it was very hard work but worth every penny. It looked so much fun and so interesting. And it looks like I won't get a chance to go :(.
In my personal interview I did say that if I didn't get on this time I would apply again for the January course. I hope he saw my determination, and I hope he saw that I was intelligent enough to do it. I will know within 3 weeks anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me but with only 4 places left to fill it isn't looking promising :(.
In the meantime there is only 3 weeks left of my last seminar term, so if I am not blogging all too often that is why. Soon it will be the Easter holidays and I will be only 1 exam away from graduating.
First of all I made the stupid mistake of not eating anything beforehand, I was so scared of being late to the stupid thing that I bypassed food, and as the interview was 4 hours long it was not the smartest decision I have ever made. Afterwards I hoovered down a Big Tasty and instantly regretted it.
Secondly I was wearing a dress suit that although was lovely and very flattering, I couldn't exactly walk in comfortably as it was so tight around my arse and legs I was waddling around and I couldn't get anywhere quick enough. I must have looked good though because a man in a hearse beeped at me and a special needs man came up to me on the way to the Press Association and said "You are fashion!". Dear God.
So anyway I finally got there and found it in time, and sat myself down as appropriately as I could in my stupid impractical dress, and another interviewee comes in with a FAT portfolio. This is when I started to panic. They specifically told me not to bring one, and even if I did it wouldn't be as FAT as hers was anyway.
The head of the Press Association came down, I was very aware of my handshake. I don't want to have a floppy handshake. He lead us upstairs, (us is me and the other interviewee, she was Welsh, very sweet, and instantly reminded me of Stacy from Gavin and Stacy for no reason other then she was Welsh) and we went into a presentation room. I awkwardly sat down again (so much awkward sitting down) and he showed us a slideshow of the course and what goes into it.
It looks like bloody hard work, but also super amazing. I want to get on there so much. But this is when we get to the sad and disheartening part; they only take 18 people, and they've already chosen 14. And they interview people up to July.
So basically I have very little chance. I have an even smaller chance because the tests were HARD. I knew most of the News Awareness questions, but one of them was "Detail a recent Eastenders storyline". That was probably the one question they shouldn't have asked. The spelling test was relatively easy (unfortunately 'peadofile' didn't come up) but the grammer was not so; they'd written out sentences, told us the grammar was wrong, and we had to correct it. I was looking at half the sentences and wondering what the hell was wrong with them. What a brilliant start. I managed to write the press release relatively quickly and easily, though if it was good or what they were looking for or not I don't know.
They then sprang a challenge of planning a 5 minute presentation on ourselves. I was so nervous I am sure I said many ridiculous things...in fact I think I went on about my hair at one point. Brilliant.
We had a tour of the Press Association, it was all buzzy and exciting. We met the current trainees, all of whom said it was very hard work but worth every penny. It looked so much fun and so interesting. And it looks like I won't get a chance to go :(.
In my personal interview I did say that if I didn't get on this time I would apply again for the January course. I hope he saw my determination, and I hope he saw that I was intelligent enough to do it. I will know within 3 weeks anyway. Keep your fingers crossed for me but with only 4 places left to fill it isn't looking promising :(.
In the meantime there is only 3 weeks left of my last seminar term, so if I am not blogging all too often that is why. Soon it will be the Easter holidays and I will be only 1 exam away from graduating.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Peadophile
There was a bit of a mix-up with my Meridian article, I will explain later as I am going to bed soon. But I wanted to update as I haven't in a while.
My NCTJ interview is tomorrow. I have a spelling and grammar test and will be tested on current affairs and news awareness. I will also have to write a short feature on a press release, and then I'll be interviewed. I have been practising words I find difficult to spell. I will practice now:
Especially
Peadophile
Difficult.
An especially difficult peadophile. That's how I will remember it. Wish me luck. I will let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Jam and Juice (Lemon juice, for pancakes)
Today is pancake day! I don't know why pancake day excites me so, especially as I am not even slightly religious and no longer give anything up for Lent. Much of my life is already spent giving things up; chocolate, cheese, sweets, bread, anything with more then 300 calories, yummy olives drenched in olive oil, cider, beer, any type of sauce, and anything that tastes good. Therefore I am slightly annoyed that people now expect me to give up something else. What could I possibly give up? Satsuma's? Muller Light Yogurts?! Boring olives in Brine?!?!?! No! You will not take away my yogurts! Or my boring olives!
I know Lent is meant to be about Jesus starving himself for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert and being tempted by the Devil, but then previously he was also turning water into wine (I can't drink that), and giving bread (I can't eat that) and fish (if it was battered I can't eat that either) to random Jews, so you know, he obviously wasn't too worried about all the food and wine he was lavishing on people BEFORE he decided to go test himself in the desert. Double standards. Plus I am tempted by the Devil on a daily basis on Campus when I have to queue next to the Bacon Turnovers and Sausage Rolls when waiting to pay for my sushi and Diet Coke, and the gorgeous scent of pastry slavered in cheese and bacon swim into my aching nostrils.
So to sum up, I am not giving up anything for Lent, as I have had to accept over the years that I have to give most things up for life.
Nevertheless tonight I will treat myself. I am going to ring in my birthday with a pancake or four. I hope you too enjoy your pancakes, with whatever filling you wish to spread on them.
P.S I do not mean to offend any person who gives up something for Lent. Nor do I want to offend Jesus, or Jews. I love Jews, they make some of the best films. I'm just jealous of everyone with better metabolism's then I. Damn you Jesus, you're so svelte.
I know Lent is meant to be about Jesus starving himself for 40 days and 40 nights in the desert and being tempted by the Devil, but then previously he was also turning water into wine (I can't drink that), and giving bread (I can't eat that) and fish (if it was battered I can't eat that either) to random Jews, so you know, he obviously wasn't too worried about all the food and wine he was lavishing on people BEFORE he decided to go test himself in the desert. Double standards. Plus I am tempted by the Devil on a daily basis on Campus when I have to queue next to the Bacon Turnovers and Sausage Rolls when waiting to pay for my sushi and Diet Coke, and the gorgeous scent of pastry slavered in cheese and bacon swim into my aching nostrils.
So to sum up, I am not giving up anything for Lent, as I have had to accept over the years that I have to give most things up for life.
Nevertheless tonight I will treat myself. I am going to ring in my birthday with a pancake or four. I hope you too enjoy your pancakes, with whatever filling you wish to spread on them.
P.S I do not mean to offend any person who gives up something for Lent. Nor do I want to offend Jesus, or Jews. I love Jews, they make some of the best films. I'm just jealous of everyone with better metabolism's then I. Damn you Jesus, you're so svelte.
Monday, 7 March 2011
An Article for Meridian Magazine.
Great Days Out with the Kids Over the Easter Break
With Easter fast approaching, many parents will be beginning to rack their brains for activities that can keep their children amused throughout the holidays. Here we have compiled a list of the best days out in London and Kent that are bound to keep the kids entertained until school starts again.
The much loved Christmas Tree Farm in Downe is a brilliant day out for people of all ages. The farm offers one on one interaction with animals that vary from pigs to ponies to pygmy goats, as well as face painting for the kids and cream teas for you. At only £1.50 entrance for children and £3.00 for parents, this is a cheap as well as fun day out.
Running throughout the school holidays is Hopper’s Easter Extravaganza at the Hop Farm Family Park in Kent. There is a daily Easter egg hunt and spring bonnet making, as well as their usual attractions, the Pirate Cove being especially suitable for children under 11. With spring animals to pet and a carousel to ride the Hop Farm is the place to visit if you want to be a popular parent. Book online at www.hopfarm.co.uk for discounted prices.
For a day the kids will really love, visit The Dinosaurs Unleashed exhibition at The O2. It features large animatronic Dinosaurs, a prehistoric aquarium and real fossils. Go to www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk for more information and to book.
On Saturday 9th April, Greenwich Park is holding a Wildlife Open Day. With a puppet show, wildlife themed crafts, guided tree walks and a chance to get up close and personal with some creepy crawlies, this is again a great day for everyone. It is situated in the Secret Garden Wild Life Centre, is completely free and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Finally, a trip to the Science Museum is a must for any family. The museum offers an educational, hands-on experience for children of all ages and shows science films in IMAX 3D cinemas. Entry is free, though you will have to pay for IMAX, simulators and special exhibitions. For more information and prices visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
With Easter fast approaching, many parents will be beginning to rack their brains for activities that can keep their children amused throughout the holidays. Here we have compiled a list of the best days out in London and Kent that are bound to keep the kids entertained until school starts again.
The much loved Christmas Tree Farm in Downe is a brilliant day out for people of all ages. The farm offers one on one interaction with animals that vary from pigs to ponies to pygmy goats, as well as face painting for the kids and cream teas for you. At only £1.50 entrance for children and £3.00 for parents, this is a cheap as well as fun day out.
Running throughout the school holidays is Hopper’s Easter Extravaganza at the Hop Farm Family Park in Kent. There is a daily Easter egg hunt and spring bonnet making, as well as their usual attractions, the Pirate Cove being especially suitable for children under 11. With spring animals to pet and a carousel to ride the Hop Farm is the place to visit if you want to be a popular parent. Book online at www.hopfarm.co.uk for discounted prices.
For a day the kids will really love, visit The Dinosaurs Unleashed exhibition at The O2. It features large animatronic Dinosaurs, a prehistoric aquarium and real fossils. Go to www.dinosaursunleashed.co.uk for more information and to book.
On Saturday 9th April, Greenwich Park is holding a Wildlife Open Day. With a puppet show, wildlife themed crafts, guided tree walks and a chance to get up close and personal with some creepy crawlies, this is again a great day for everyone. It is situated in the Secret Garden Wild Life Centre, is completely free and runs from 11am to 4pm.
Finally, a trip to the Science Museum is a must for any family. The museum offers an educational, hands-on experience for children of all ages and shows science films in IMAX 3D cinemas. Entry is free, though you will have to pay for IMAX, simulators and special exhibitions. For more information and prices visit www.sciencemuseum.org.uk.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Another Article for SENine
The Royal Albert Hall finds its Star in Eltham
6 year old Ben Salter of St Mary’s Primary School in Eltham, has landed himself a part as Sorrow in the Royal Albert Hall’s take on the most famous of Opera’s; Madame Butterfly. After an intense audition process and many long rehearsals, Ben was finally chosen to be one of the three boys playing the part over a two week period in March.
It is clear on first meeting Ben that he is a natural performer; when asked what his favourite part about acting at the Royal Albert Hall was, Ben replied “When everybody cheers me at the end!” Bubbly and full of beans, he can barely sit still and throughout our interview leaps up on a regular basis to show me his dance moves. His mother Holly, half trying to calm him down, half laughing along with him, says “I’m so proud of him, I can’t tell you”.
Ben got the part in Madame Butterfly through his Friday night classes at All the Arts Theatre School in New Eltham, a class that has the children up dancing, singing and doing drama exercises. After signing him up at their agency, Ben secured an acting part in the George ‘Back to School’ adverts as well as promotion for CBeeBee’s. “We can’t believe it really” laughs Holly “we signed him up not really expecting anything, and now he’s got jobs in adverts as well the Royal Albert Hall!” Yet performing in front of a 3000 strong audience doesn’t seem to faze Ben, who claims on his first performance he was nervous, but now after 3 shows, he is “not frightened at all”. Holly was actually surprised when she first saw him on stage;”he is usually so lively and animated, but on stage he was really playing the part, really acting, it was like he was a different child”.
However, unlike many child actors, Ben doesn’t seem to have let any of it effect him, telling me that as well as his All the Arts classes he also loves swimming, drawing and “visiting Nan”, and like many other 6 year olds, he claims his favourite subject at school is ‘playtime’. It is clear his parents are hugely proud of him, and Holly can’t bring herself to miss even one of his shows, “every time is more magical then the last, he always gets the biggest applause and I just want to tell everyone ‘he’s mine!’”. Finally, I ask Ben if there is anything else he would like to say; “Finish everything with ‘I’m a star’!” I’m sure the audience members of Madame Butterfly agree.
6 year old Ben Salter of St Mary’s Primary School in Eltham, has landed himself a part as Sorrow in the Royal Albert Hall’s take on the most famous of Opera’s; Madame Butterfly. After an intense audition process and many long rehearsals, Ben was finally chosen to be one of the three boys playing the part over a two week period in March.
It is clear on first meeting Ben that he is a natural performer; when asked what his favourite part about acting at the Royal Albert Hall was, Ben replied “When everybody cheers me at the end!” Bubbly and full of beans, he can barely sit still and throughout our interview leaps up on a regular basis to show me his dance moves. His mother Holly, half trying to calm him down, half laughing along with him, says “I’m so proud of him, I can’t tell you”.
Ben got the part in Madame Butterfly through his Friday night classes at All the Arts Theatre School in New Eltham, a class that has the children up dancing, singing and doing drama exercises. After signing him up at their agency, Ben secured an acting part in the George ‘Back to School’ adverts as well as promotion for CBeeBee’s. “We can’t believe it really” laughs Holly “we signed him up not really expecting anything, and now he’s got jobs in adverts as well the Royal Albert Hall!” Yet performing in front of a 3000 strong audience doesn’t seem to faze Ben, who claims on his first performance he was nervous, but now after 3 shows, he is “not frightened at all”. Holly was actually surprised when she first saw him on stage;”he is usually so lively and animated, but on stage he was really playing the part, really acting, it was like he was a different child”.
However, unlike many child actors, Ben doesn’t seem to have let any of it effect him, telling me that as well as his All the Arts classes he also loves swimming, drawing and “visiting Nan”, and like many other 6 year olds, he claims his favourite subject at school is ‘playtime’. It is clear his parents are hugely proud of him, and Holly can’t bring herself to miss even one of his shows, “every time is more magical then the last, he always gets the biggest applause and I just want to tell everyone ‘he’s mine!’”. Finally, I ask Ben if there is anything else he would like to say; “Finish everything with ‘I’m a star’!” I’m sure the audience members of Madame Butterfly agree.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Shiny Happy People.
So that is 3 articles published now. And 3 more on the way.
I have the Lollypop man article getting published in the April edition of SENine, as well as the one with the little opera boy. Who I interviewed yesterday by the way. I was hoping he would be precocious and annoying and his mother would be a pushy blonde bitch, but alas they were very friendly and entertaining. How the human race insists on surprising me constantly.
I have started writing the article and need it done by tomorrow, because my mum hooked me up with another magazine. That's right, I am now a writer for Meridian Magazine, which I think covers Greenwich and South East London. The article is about things for parents to do with their children in the Easter Break. I know what you are thinking, not exactly my niche, and it will be a bit of a challenge so I am going to spend all Sunday and Monday doing that.
I want to get it out of the way before my birthday on Wednesday. Where I will do nothing but eat and lay down, my two favourite things.
Less then two weeks to my Press Association Interview!
I have the Lollypop man article getting published in the April edition of SENine, as well as the one with the little opera boy. Who I interviewed yesterday by the way. I was hoping he would be precocious and annoying and his mother would be a pushy blonde bitch, but alas they were very friendly and entertaining. How the human race insists on surprising me constantly.
I have started writing the article and need it done by tomorrow, because my mum hooked me up with another magazine. That's right, I am now a writer for Meridian Magazine, which I think covers Greenwich and South East London. The article is about things for parents to do with their children in the Easter Break. I know what you are thinking, not exactly my niche, and it will be a bit of a challenge so I am going to spend all Sunday and Monday doing that.
I want to get it out of the way before my birthday on Wednesday. Where I will do nothing but eat and lay down, my two favourite things.
Less then two weeks to my Press Association Interview!
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