A few days ago I asked for suggestions for what to blog on and James suggested I talk about when I realized I was a cinephile i.e. a film lover. So today I am going to tell you a bit about my film diaries and their role in my life as a cinephile.
At the end of 2002 when I was 16 - that is a bizarre though - I decided that for the next year I would write down every single film I watched in a diary. I can't really remember why I came up with this idea but it became my project over the next few years. I kept it up from the beginning of 03 the the very end of 2005 - I think possibly 09 as well but I haven't got proof.So if I did one after that I can't currently remember! I am having a (very) bad memory day *cough*lifetime*cough*.
Now let me get something straight, when I say diary it important that you are not picturing some fancy leather bound journal with my initials embossed into the corner and gold lettering on the spine. On the contrary my precious film diary is 9 sheets of white A4 paper folded in half and stapled. I am a simple being. These 9 sheets of paper saw me through all three years but is looking a bit worse for wear now.
Let me start with 2003. The cover is decorated in blue and black biros and I think one of those Berol pens you get for school because you think they are cool but actually it just means you have to write with the pen dead straight upright. I seem to have gone for writing 'Helen's film diary' in random style of fonts with GRR added underneath. I was obviously annoyed at something in 03. It is also adorned by lots of stars, spirals and general doodles including a snails. I used to draw snails a lot. I don't know why!
The cover of 2004's diary simply sayd 'Helen's film diary' in block 3D lettering, again in classy biro. This one doesn't even have any doodles. Perhaps I had a creativity slump in 2004 whereas in 2005 I had a creativity overdrive. 2005's cover says 'Helen's' in a big kazaam kind of explosion (in full colour I might add), film in a kind of attempt at 20s Hollywood poster fonts and diary in a thought bubble.... with ribbons and feathers for an unspecified reason. I also added a 3D block font 2005, AND, get this, a film reel in the background that says 5-4-3-2-1 LIGHTS CAMERA ACTION. It is pretty awesome.
So in 03, 04 and 05 I watched a total of 672 films which, considering I was at school and had little income, I'd say is pretty good going. The first page of 2003 starts with the date I watched a film, the title of the film, who it is directed by, and my rating out of ten. I can tell you that this lasted until 3rd February when I dropped the director. It was only the following day that I dropped the rating as well and from then on it was just the titles. The only additional information was CIN indicating I saw the film at the cinema and DVD, denoting a, surprise surprise, a DVD. By the way, it is interesting seeing the introduction of DVDs into my life. I can tell you I watch just 16 DVDs in all of 2003, 50 in 2004 and then 64 in 2005.
From skimming through the diaries I can see that several films pop up at repeat watches very often. These are the Back to the Future trilogy, the Lord of the Rings trilogy, School of Rock and The Mummy films. Thinking back I can remember these being those films that I could just watch over and over (and did) because they just cheered me up.
Anyway perhaps because of this diary I became very conscious and aware of the films I was consuming. It was during 2005 that I began doing my Film and Media STudies degree. One of my assignments was to write a paper on my relationship with a certain type of media. I chose films and used my diary as a reference point.
By this time I had also began my film database. I took all of these films and put them on an Excel spreadsheet with the amount of times I watched them (I would impress you with some figures now but it isn't on this computer, it is backed up somewhere deep and dark). I also added a personally written synopsis for every single film using the Radio Times 2005 film guide as a help. I love my film guide, only trouble is how out of date they get! I need a new one now!
It was during these years while I kept up my diary that I became a cinephile. I began to note film watching as more than a hobby, as a part of my life. I obviously felt like noting down what I watched which is almost a sign of the respect I have for filmmaking in itself. Although I do not still do this James and I do have He said, she said which is a film blog. I almost feel it is an extension of my diaries - a place where I can recognise film watching as an occasion even if I watch more than one a day.
I enjoyed watching films before 2003 but these were the years I decided I wanted film to be a part of my life. And while I don't still consider editor or director as a career path (partly due to the 15,000 a year tuition fee, partly because I am not sure I'd be assertive enough) it is a still a massive part of my life. I am so lucky to have found James who shares this love and feeling towards the world of lights and celluloid (or IMAX or digital or whatever these newfangled whotsits are).
QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHEN DID YOU FIRST DIISCOVER YOUR BIG PASSION IN LIFE (WHATEVER THAT MIGHT BE)?
My answer: Another passion of mine is art which I discovered early on from doing crafts and watching art children's programmes. But I really developed a love of sketching when I did art A-level (when I was 17/18) and realized I wasn't as bad I originally though.
Showing posts with label he said she said. Show all posts
Showing posts with label he said she said. Show all posts
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Thursday, 17 June 2010
VCB 09: Confessions of a ShopaHateIt
It is my friend Heather's birthday. Go read her blog and wish her a happy birthday.
For my birthday way back in May my parents said they would buy me summer clothes. And today my mum and I had a shopping trip to buy those clothes. It was really fun, but usually I hate shopping - this blog will explain why.
Now let me begin by clarifying something: I am like any other girl. Whether we admit it or not we all get a kick out of buying a new top, or a new skirt, or even a new set of pyjamas. New clothes can make a person feel confident, stylish and, lets face it, sexy. (Today I got some lacy leggings and my first ever rara skirt and I am fully prepared to feel fantastic in them the first time I wear them in public). However the actual act of shopping I am not so hot on.
My main reason is what I like to call 'the boob debacle'. Basically if you are not an exact C cup, high street tops are not really made for you - probably because they are trying to do an 'average' woman. Now if you are not aware I have qute large breasts. I cannot count the number of times I see a pattern, colour or style I like only to pick it up and see how my boobs would be about 25% covered, 75% exposed. And while indecent exposure is sometimes an exciting prospect - it isn't really for me.
I should say that my flat chested friends have the opposite problem i.e. extra material where it shouldn't be, which is equally annoying. Well I guess slightly less annoying. At least flat chester people can pad at little cost. Big boobed women simply have to buy a fitted top which I can tell you can cost a lot of money.
This is my main pet peeve. My other big shopping 'argh' is sales. I love a bargain like anyone else but the layout of a sale hurts my brain. Perhaps sales bring out the obsessive, anal side of my nature, but I just can't stand to look at a size 18 next to a size 6; a skirt next to pajamas; the fault goods mixed in with the clearance. And to make it worse sales-lovers are maniacs and for some unknown reason feel the need to leave at least two of the items they browse draped across the rail without a hanger, or worse on the floor.
Of course worse than sales are budget shops which is basically what I described above... but in the entire shop! Apparently the shoppers think that if they don't trample on the products and shove the other customers out of the way then it is not a successful shopping trip.
Shopping reminds me how I am not a confident person, although my fashion choices have got more bold in the last few years. I have been scared to try new styles. I find intimidated when I go into a shop with so many beautiful styles that I feel I could never wear. Deep down I know I could where them, if only I had that 'Carrie' confidence (Carrie from Sex and the City... not pigs blood Carrie).
Side note - I just did a review of Sex and the City 2 on my other blog. Click here to view it.
I did learn something today though - when someone else is paying for your clothes you are much more willing to try something new. Next time I go shopping I am going to force myself to try on things I otherwise would have dismissed, and perhaps I can understand the 'fun' of shopping and finally be a true girly-girl.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHAT ITEM OF CLOTHING DO YOU WANT TO BUY BUT NEVER* WILL? *NEVER SAY NEVER.
My answer: I would love to buy a maxi dress but I am not convinced I could pull it off.
For my birthday way back in May my parents said they would buy me summer clothes. And today my mum and I had a shopping trip to buy those clothes. It was really fun, but usually I hate shopping - this blog will explain why.
Now let me begin by clarifying something: I am like any other girl. Whether we admit it or not we all get a kick out of buying a new top, or a new skirt, or even a new set of pyjamas. New clothes can make a person feel confident, stylish and, lets face it, sexy. (Today I got some lacy leggings and my first ever rara skirt and I am fully prepared to feel fantastic in them the first time I wear them in public). However the actual act of shopping I am not so hot on.
My main reason is what I like to call 'the boob debacle'. Basically if you are not an exact C cup, high street tops are not really made for you - probably because they are trying to do an 'average' woman. Now if you are not aware I have qute large breasts. I cannot count the number of times I see a pattern, colour or style I like only to pick it up and see how my boobs would be about 25% covered, 75% exposed. And while indecent exposure is sometimes an exciting prospect - it isn't really for me.
I should say that my flat chested friends have the opposite problem i.e. extra material where it shouldn't be, which is equally annoying. Well I guess slightly less annoying. At least flat chester people can pad at little cost. Big boobed women simply have to buy a fitted top which I can tell you can cost a lot of money.
This is my main pet peeve. My other big shopping 'argh' is sales. I love a bargain like anyone else but the layout of a sale hurts my brain. Perhaps sales bring out the obsessive, anal side of my nature, but I just can't stand to look at a size 18 next to a size 6; a skirt next to pajamas; the fault goods mixed in with the clearance. And to make it worse sales-lovers are maniacs and for some unknown reason feel the need to leave at least two of the items they browse draped across the rail without a hanger, or worse on the floor.
Of course worse than sales are budget shops which is basically what I described above... but in the entire shop! Apparently the shoppers think that if they don't trample on the products and shove the other customers out of the way then it is not a successful shopping trip.
Shopping reminds me how I am not a confident person, although my fashion choices have got more bold in the last few years. I have been scared to try new styles. I find intimidated when I go into a shop with so many beautiful styles that I feel I could never wear. Deep down I know I could where them, if only I had that 'Carrie' confidence (Carrie from Sex and the City... not pigs blood Carrie).
Side note - I just did a review of Sex and the City 2 on my other blog. Click here to view it.
I did learn something today though - when someone else is paying for your clothes you are much more willing to try something new. Next time I go shopping I am going to force myself to try on things I otherwise would have dismissed, and perhaps I can understand the 'fun' of shopping and finally be a true girly-girl.
QUESTION OF THE DAY: WHAT ITEM OF CLOTHING DO YOU WANT TO BUY BUT NEVER* WILL? *NEVER SAY NEVER.
My answer: I would love to buy a maxi dress but I am not convinced I could pull it off.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
VCB 07: How to be a radio presenter
If you are brand spanking new to my blog then you may not know that I am a community radio presenter with my boyfriend (when he is in the right country of course).
Tonight I am attending an event called 'Meet the Presenters' where members of the public come to mix with the stars... or rather grab a beer, have a chat and for the stars to hide in a corner until it is over. I should be looking forward to it but mostly I am just terrified. Anyway since I am doing that event tonight it seems fitting that you guys meet me, Helen the presenter, and for me to tell you a bit about how to create the perfect(ish) radio show.
Firstly you need a good topic or theme to your show. James (my boyfriend) and I had already started a film review blog at the time we started our radio show (you can find the link to it in the left panel of my blog). It therefore seemed natural that we should carry on that theme, or brand if we want to sound fancy and commercial, and began He said, she said - Felixstowe Radio's twice weekly film show! We talk about what we love and therein lies the key.
Secondly you need to think about the kind of music that you want to play. It might be that your theme directly relates to music, which a lot of the shows on Felixstowe Radio do i.e. Dance with Nigel, AdMix Grooving, Tru to the Cause etc are all music based. If however you have picked a talk show, like James and I did, then it is important you understand your target audience. We play a mix of songs from a diverse range of soundtracks. If your show is the middle of the day talking about women's troubles then perhaps playing AC/DC Iron Man tracks isn't the best idea.
Thirdly you should plan plan plan. James and I plan out every show. We generally have 4 sections of film discussion, plus an intro, goodbyes, and a movie trivia section (having set sections in each show creates a familiarity for listeners). Advert breaks are dictated by the station to be at 20 past and 10 to the hour. The songs therefore have to be worked out around this. I plan about two days before all the songs and timings of when to play them. I even work out when the last song should start playing... to the second. It may seem anal but it works!
Fourthly, have fun with it. If you are enjoying your show then the listeners will also. You will find this happens naturally. If you hav had a bad day then the studio becomes your little bubble. You want to make listeners happy and this lifts you, and vice versa. It may be unerving the first time (every time) but you get an adrenaline rush almost and you always come out buzzing (and sometimes exhausted... but in the good way).
Of course there is obviously more to it than than such as creating promos and trails, publicizing your show through social networking sites, building a fan base, using the music system effectively, understanding the equipment, creating interaction during your show etc. But the basics of theme, music, plan, fun are the main things you need to get going.
Only a short blog today. This radio star has to leave for hair and make-up for my red carpet event!
QUESTION OF THE DAY: IF YOU WERE TO START A RADIO SHOW, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOPIC OR THEME?
My answer: If I had to pick something other than films I would probably do a 50s rock and roll music themed show with facts and trivia in between songs.
Tonight I am attending an event called 'Meet the Presenters' where members of the public come to mix with the stars... or rather grab a beer, have a chat and for the stars to hide in a corner until it is over. I should be looking forward to it but mostly I am just terrified. Anyway since I am doing that event tonight it seems fitting that you guys meet me, Helen the presenter, and for me to tell you a bit about how to create the perfect(ish) radio show.
Firstly you need a good topic or theme to your show. James (my boyfriend) and I had already started a film review blog at the time we started our radio show (you can find the link to it in the left panel of my blog). It therefore seemed natural that we should carry on that theme, or brand if we want to sound fancy and commercial, and began He said, she said - Felixstowe Radio's twice weekly film show! We talk about what we love and therein lies the key.
Secondly you need to think about the kind of music that you want to play. It might be that your theme directly relates to music, which a lot of the shows on Felixstowe Radio do i.e. Dance with Nigel, AdMix Grooving, Tru to the Cause etc are all music based. If however you have picked a talk show, like James and I did, then it is important you understand your target audience. We play a mix of songs from a diverse range of soundtracks. If your show is the middle of the day talking about women's troubles then perhaps playing AC/DC Iron Man tracks isn't the best idea.
Thirdly you should plan plan plan. James and I plan out every show. We generally have 4 sections of film discussion, plus an intro, goodbyes, and a movie trivia section (having set sections in each show creates a familiarity for listeners). Advert breaks are dictated by the station to be at 20 past and 10 to the hour. The songs therefore have to be worked out around this. I plan about two days before all the songs and timings of when to play them. I even work out when the last song should start playing... to the second. It may seem anal but it works!
Fourthly, have fun with it. If you are enjoying your show then the listeners will also. You will find this happens naturally. If you hav had a bad day then the studio becomes your little bubble. You want to make listeners happy and this lifts you, and vice versa. It may be unerving the first time (every time) but you get an adrenaline rush almost and you always come out buzzing (and sometimes exhausted... but in the good way).
Of course there is obviously more to it than than such as creating promos and trails, publicizing your show through social networking sites, building a fan base, using the music system effectively, understanding the equipment, creating interaction during your show etc. But the basics of theme, music, plan, fun are the main things you need to get going.
Only a short blog today. This radio star has to leave for hair and make-up for my red carpet event!
QUESTION OF THE DAY: IF YOU WERE TO START A RADIO SHOW, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR TOPIC OR THEME?
My answer: If I had to pick something other than films I would probably do a 50s rock and roll music themed show with facts and trivia in between songs.
Saturday, 9 January 2010
New blog
Considering I have a total of four followers I don't think this blog is going to contain new news for anyone. However if you have been living under a rock and missed the shameless plugging then my boyfriend and I have begun a new blog: He said, she said.
We had been considering doing a collab blog for a few months but something happened that sealed it for us: For Christmas 09 my mum and dad bought James and I cinema passes... for the WHOLE YEAR. In addition to this a work colleague of mine gave me a two month free trial of LoveFilm (like NetFlix).
It was a sign! So the new blog (which you can find at http://www.theysaidreeladvice.blogspot.com) is a movie review site. We do new films using our cinema passes and previously released films using our LoveFilm account. Sometimes we split our reviews down into She said and He said, and sometimes we do it together as They said.
We have recently changed the layout so if you know about it but haven't looked in a few days then check it out. Our first reviews are on Nine, Sherlock Holmes, Nowhere Boy and 10,000 BC.
If you have a film suggestion please let us know and we'll try and review it for you.
Plug over!
We had been considering doing a collab blog for a few months but something happened that sealed it for us: For Christmas 09 my mum and dad bought James and I cinema passes... for the WHOLE YEAR. In addition to this a work colleague of mine gave me a two month free trial of LoveFilm (like NetFlix).
It was a sign! So the new blog (which you can find at http://www.theysaidreeladvice.blogspot.com) is a movie review site. We do new films using our cinema passes and previously released films using our LoveFilm account. Sometimes we split our reviews down into She said and He said, and sometimes we do it together as They said.
We have recently changed the layout so if you know about it but haven't looked in a few days then check it out. Our first reviews are on Nine, Sherlock Holmes, Nowhere Boy and 10,000 BC.
If you have a film suggestion please let us know and we'll try and review it for you.
Plug over!
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