I’m so excited to be back to blogging! Since becoming a full-time writer, my blog has sadly fell by the way side as I completely and wholeheartedly immersed and dedicated myself to perfecting my style of writing.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to take on freelance projects. I believe freelancing will help me develop and broaden my knowledge and experience even further, and now just feels like the right time to branch out and begin my new chapter.
Without sounding like I’m blowing my own trumpet, I have a really exciting future ahead of me. I recently got engaged to someone who’s job entails a lot of travelling so I know that freelance writing would be the perfect fit. What with wedding planning in full swing and the prospect of taking on new challenges and projects, I’ve never felt happier.
Writing for a weekly current affairs magazine has shown me that I am capable of writing about any topic in any length, whether it be full page features or news stories told in just 45 words.
On the topic of freelance projects… yesterday I received an email confirming that I had been accepted as a Standard level writer on Copify! I had submitted my CV and a sample of work over the weekend, and was surprised to have been confirmed so quickly (the website said it could take up to seven days). So I’m looking forward to getting started and being able to sink my teeth into some copywriting projects.
I’ll of course be keeping my page updated with all the exciting ventures I begin and I look forward to seeing where this takes me.
It’s been a bit of a busy start to the year for me (hence why I’ve only posted a handful of times so far) and I have truly missed writing something new every single day. So, I thought since March is now in full swing, I’d give you a quick update on my hodgepodge shenanigans of 2015 – enjoy!
As some of you might remember, I announced that this year I was going to start vlogging – I love presenting, producing and video editing for NG Kids and I love blogging… et voila, my vlog is born! However, I had been struggling to decide on what to vlog about as I wanted it to have some sort of structure and purpose as opposed to talking about what I ate for lunch. But now, I think I’ve finally decided on a selection of topics that I’m going to vlog about and they are: – event exclusives and sneak peeks (where possible), review the latest toys and films, as well as some sort of obsessions type post (but I haven’t narrowed this one down just yet, so it could be weekly, monthly or simply sporadic!).
So, I got to attend the UK gala screening of Disney’s Big Hero 6 and I was not disappointed! It really is a film for everyone – packed with cool characters, amazing graphics and various types of humour, it was the perfect weekend movie. Also, if you’re like me and wait for the credits to finish so that you don’t miss anything, you’ll be treated to an extra sneak peek ending, which features one of our most beloved, legendary Marvel icons! Plus I instantly recognised that the edgy soundtrack, Immortal, was by Fall Out Boy – one of the bands I listened to in my youth – so this made the film even better. I just can’t wait for it to come out on DVD!
An then there was The Toy Fair, in London’s Kensington Olympia. It was my second year attending the event and it was just as big, if not bigger, than I remember. Plus, I’m the perfect candidate to check out all of the latest toys and games that are due to hit the shelves, as I kind of am still a kid! I love Disney movies and characters… actually pretty much all animated films, so love seeing all of the branded toys – it’s all so exciting! I thought it would be the best place to start vlogging, so with the help of my best friend Vinnie, I filmed a few bits here and there (most of it was secret, so it turns out it wasn’t the best idea!). But then I faced the problem of not having any video editing software to actually put the blog together! A few months down the line I finally have iMovie, which for the time being will suffice, so I’m hoping that once I transfer the files from my phone, I’ll be able to get cracking and publish it as soon as possible.
Four movies in four weeks… that’s a record in my book!
Jupiter Ascending – I saw the preview for this in what is quite possibly THE best cinema screening in all of London (actually in Europe!). You guessed it… it was the London BFI IMAX! But there’s only so much the viewing environment can do for a film, even if the surround sound made you believe you were physically in the story… So, this movie follows Mila Kunis’ character, Jupiter, as she discovers albeit to her initial disbelief (with the help of Caine Wise, played by Channing Tatum, and baddie Balem Abrasax, played by the wonderful Eddie Redmayne) that she has the genetic signature which makes her next inline to the throne, to become the Queen of the Universe. Exactly. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great action film and the graphics were pretty cool (especially in 3D), but unfortunately, I was able to spot too many other films within it – Star Wars, Jurassic Park, X-Men, Avengers, Men in Black – which made me feel as if the writers didn’t have any original ideas of their own (sorry!). It’s still worth a watch if you’re having a movie marathon weekend though!
Project Almanac – Everyone likes a bit of time travel right? I saw the preview for this one at London’s Soho Hotel, which is one of my most favourite screening rooms as they are super duper comfy, with their individual little sofas and armchairs! But back to the movie… filmed from the viewpoint of a home video camera, a group of high school teens excited by science discover top secret plans on how to build a time machine. Together, they create the device which allows them to jump back in time… but they forgot to consider the consequences that come from changing the past! I really enjoyed this film as the twists and turns were fairly unpredictable, and it had a killer ending that left me yearning for a sequel.
Cinderella – I saw this film a few weeks back at the divine Ham Yard Hotel in London and was absolutely blown away. I love Disney as it is so was incredibly excited to be among the first screening of people to see it! So, keeping true to the Disney classic, this tale follows Ella on her path to finding true love and finding herself… wowzers, that’s gushy. But everyone knows this story inside and out. However, what’s great about this film is that it’s been given a Maleficent-esque twist, in which the story is told a little differently and a little darker! An all star cast with all the magic of the iconic classic, this is truly a film that is NOT to be missed!
Focus – More than just a title… a requirement! I think Will Smith is a great actor and I’ve enjoyed every film I’ve seen him in. With this one, you very much need to be on your A game when you watch it as it’s quite fast paced and has intricate details that you need to pay attention to. Think Ocean’s Eleven with it’s perfect heists and suave surroundings, but with more humour, more con man antics and a teensy bit of romance threaded throughout. That said I thoroughly enjoyed it and absolutely loved the ending as it was another unexpected one! (FYI: I have a terrible habit of predicting and foreseeing what happens next in films and TV programmes… I annoy myself with it!). I would definitely watch it again.
If you’ve managed to make it this far, thanks ever so much and I hope you enjoyed reading it!
This post was written as a result of being invited to visit as press whilst I was working at NG Kids Magazine. Permissions given for all images used.
As a few of you may remember, last year I was given the opportunity to photograph the celebs on the red carpet at The National Television Awards in London’s iconic O2 Arena. I had so much fun and everyone I met was so friendly and not snooty in the slightest! This year, I’m heading back to the famous spikey dome near the Thames, just unfortunately without a red carpet pass. That said, it will still be a fantastic evening – who wouldn’t want to be at such a big live event and get access to the VIP after party?!
Me again with the giant NTA! (2014)
This year, I have voted for the following programmes and celebs who I’d love to see win:
* Most Popular Talent Show – I love both Strictly Come Dancing and The Voice in equal measure, but in the end I opted for The Voice as I was lucky enough to attend last years live semi-final and it was an absolute blast! Plus, Strictly won last year so I thought I’d give someone else a chance.
* Most Popular Serial Drama – Coronation Street won last year due to the outstanding performances from both Julie Hesmondhalgh (who played Hayley) and David Neilson (who plays her husband Roy). It was an incredible story line, which gripped the nation. However, this year I voted for Eastenders as it is the only soap that I actually watch properly and have done for many years.
* Most Popular Comedy – I voted for the same programme as last year, The Big Bang Theory! As many people already know, I am more or less obsessed with this show and desperately want to see it filmed live in LA. However, last year the award understandably went to Brendan O’Carroll’s cracking show, Mrs Brown’s Boys, and I wouldn’t be too surprised if they won it again this year.
Mrs Brown’s Boys: Brendan O’Carroll with his wife (but onscreen daughter), Jennifer Gibney! (2014)
* Most Popular Drama – Unfortunately, I don’t actually watch any of the nominated drama’s that made the shortlist this year (Cilla, Doctor Who, Downton Abbey and Sherlock), however I think I gave my vote to Cilla in the end as Sheridan Smith is just so talented! Last year, not surprisingly (as Matt Smith was the most incredible Doctor there has ever been!), Doctor Who beat Downton to the award, although I’m not too sure they’ll be able to do that for a second year running.
* Most Popular Drama Performance – This was one of the easier votes to give. Sarah Lancashire played the most incredible character in the BBC’s captivating programme Happy Valley. Plus, she is a superb actress anyway! That said, she is up against Benedict Cumberbatch…
* Most Popular Factual Entertainment – I’ve always been a huge fan of Paul O’Grady, so to see him scoop this award for the second year, with his adorable show For the Love of Dogs, would be absolutely fantastic! However, the popular (not with myself I must add) programme Gogglebox, where you watch people watching TV (?!?!), has somehow found itself in the ‘Factual’ category… I’m sorry, but how could this programme possibly be factual?! Unfortunately, I think this one will regrettably win.
The wonderful Paul O’Grady with two of our Junior Photographers! (2014)
* Most Popular Daytime – I don’t think I’ve ever seen a year where This Morning hasn’t won! Don’t get me wrong, after watching Phillip Schofield’s 24 hour live TV challenge to raise money for the Text Santa appeal last year, he is one of the greatest TV presenters on our tellies. However, even with that in mind, I decided to give The Chase my vote this year as I’ve recently really enjoyed watching it and I end up learning so much from it, too. Sorry, Schofe!
* Most Popular Newcomer – This again was an easy one for me, as I think this actress brings much needed comedy to soapland. As soon as Maddy Hill (who plays Nancy Carter) stepped onto the square – or should I say carried over the shoulder of Danny Dyer’s character – I knew she would become one of my favourites and I’m overjoyed to see that she has made the shortlist! Last year I predicted correct in this category, with ‘Enders Khali Best (who plays Dexter) scooping the award – I even had the opportunity to congratulate him at the after party!
The gorgeous Maddy Hill! (2014)
* Most Popular Serial Drama Performance – From one Carter to another, my vote was given to Danny Dyer, who again brings so much comedic value to the show as Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter. The two together are quite the double act and even though to begin with I was rather apprehensive for Dyer’s entrance, I’m so pleased the Carter family joined the cast!
* Most Popular Entertainment Programme – This was a tricky one as all four programmes are equally great in their own right. However, I think I voted for Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway this time because it’s the one I watch the most of. Either way, Ant and Dec have a 50% chance of winning this award as I’m A Celebrity is also nominated (and the show actually won last year, too).
* Most Popular Entertainment Presenter – Since Ant & Dec won this category last year, as well as the award above AND the 2014 Landmark Award, I decided to give my vote to the hilarious (and on many occasions inappropriate) Keith Lemon. I absolutely love Celebrity Juice and thanks to this programme, played the funniest party game with my American relatives… Don’t Show Keith Your Teeth!
* Most Popular Chat Show Host – This was another category in which I found it extremely tough to decide who to give my vote to – I literally enjoy watching every single nominee! Since they are all worthy winners, I had to alter the question slightly… “Who would I most like to meet?”. Even though I very briefly asked Alan Carr last year if he would have a picture with our Junior Photographers and thanked him for it afterwards, I’d still really like to meet the hilarious Chatty Man properly. Et voila!
The wonderful Alan Carr with our Junior Photographers! (2014)
* Most Popular Multichannel Programme – As I briefly mentioned a few categories ago, I find Celebrity Juice addictive and very much a feel good show, as it never fails to make me laugh! However, and this is probably the biggest however I will make on this post, it is up against the incredibly popular Game of Thrones. So in theory, it unfortunately has absolutely no chance on winning!
* Most Popular Skills Challenge Show – This was a coin flip between The Apprentice and The Great British Bake Off (not that I actually had a coin handy – typical!), as I thoroughly enjoy both. Thus having no coin to flip, I decided to vote for Bake Off as not only is Mary Berry the sweetest lady I’ll ever meet (albeit briefly at, none other than, last years NTA’s), but Mel and Sue’s comedy narration throughout is just pure genius!
The adorable Mary Berry in our photographers limelight! (2014)
* Most Popular TV Judge – Surprise, surprise, I voted for Mary Berry for this category, too! I don’t watch X Factor anymore since both Nicole Scherzinger’s and Gary Barlow’s departure, so that cut the shortlist in half right there (both Simon and Cheryl were nominated). I then dismissed David Walliams as I thought that he probably has lots of different awards for numerous things – although he does seem like lots of fun!
So those are my predictions/hopes ahead of next weeks National Television Awards – I can’t wait to see who wins! Also, if you’ve made it all the way to the end, thank you very, very much!
This post was written as a result of being invited to visit as press whilst I was working at NG Kids Magazine. Permissions given for all images used.
#330: An impending new year gives rise to reflection and goal setting. What will your goals for 2015 be? It’s never to early to start thinking about self improvement!
Good question! Last year, one of my resolutions was to complete WordPress’ 365 Days of Writing Prompts challenge, which I think (minus the odd missed days – thanks Norway press trip!) I’ve managed to achieve.
Since I love self improvement, I’ll no doubt set a quite few various resolutions. Amongst them will probably be – to travel abroad at least twice (I’ve never had two holidays in one year); to finally move into London (it’s been a dream ever since I started working in central back in 2012); to progress in my career – whether it be in magazines/publishing, video editing/presenting/producing or even PR; to take part in more video interview/junkets and video projects; and no doubt to learn something new – whether it be mastering photography, finally learning British Sign Language through official tuition or even taking classes on a particular video editing software… I just love being a sponge!
Image of myself with Head of Character Animation for How To Train Your Dragon 2, Simon Otto: Kjersti Veel Krauss
This post was written as a result of being invited on a press trip whilst I was working at NG Kids Magazine. Permissions given for all images used.
#303: What’s the character trait you admire the most about yourself?
My determination and enthusiasm to succeed and be the best possible version of me! This being one of those moments where I’ve shown true gusto…
A couple of weekends ago I was flown to Norway, to celebrate the upcoming Blu-ray and DVD release of How To Train Your Dragon 2 (out on 17th November). Here, we were treated to a helicopter ride over the Fjords – let’s just say I was a little on the terrified side not having been in one before, but I’m soooo pleased I didn’t let my fear stop me. It was an incredible experience and I can’t wait to share my HTTYD2 junket interview (with Simon Otto, the Head of Character Animation) and my various on camera pieces with everyone!
Image: Kjersti Veel Krauss
This post was written as a result of being invited on a press trip whilst I was working at NG Kids Magazine. Permissions given for all images used.
Freelance wildlife writer, editor, and proofreader. 