reflections on 2009

Back in January I posted my goals for my first year in London. Not everything has gone to plan. It’s been a rough year to be honest. Money has been tight. Being a new face in a competitive industry during a recession has been tough. And just getting use to Jolly Old Londontown has been a struggle at times.

Would I have changed my decision to come to the UK? Not at all. Would I do things differently? Definitely! Can I do anything about that now? Not really. And upon reflection, do I really have that much to complain about though? No, not really.

I’m now working (part-time but at least not being exploited), living in a lovely little flat (by London standards) and looking forward to my first UK Christmas (with the promise of snow … maybe).

So, how did I go with my goals with year? Let’s see …

personal

find a borough and a flat in the UK I can call home

I’m still living in Euston above the tube lines (that rocks me to sleep every night and wakes me every morning) but have to say I love being so close to Bloomsbury and Soho. we are going to move eventually, there is only so long that we can live in a studio but for now it suits us. We could end up in Brixton, which looks affordable with a vibrant young up-and-coming community feel to it or maybe somewhere South West, but that just seems so cliché seeing as that’s where most Aussies seem to end up congregating when they move to London.

maintain a blog for the entire year

Check.

make London friends

I have, slowly. I can count friends of friends, a few ex-work colleagues and some fellow expats that I knew from years ago among my new London friends. So I’m getting there and certainly not a noddy-no-friends but submissions are still open for 2010, anyone … anyone …

stay in contact with Australian friends and family every month

This has been very important to me and thanks to Skype, Facebook, Twitter and good old fashion email I’ve managed to stay connected to those nearest and dearest to me on the other side of the globe. But come 2010 I know I have to make more of an effort to form connections here as I continue to carve out a life for myself.

keep up exercise three times a week

Now I’m not bragging but living a minimal life this year has meant that I’m in the best shape I’ve been in for years, thanks to the gym (my one big indulgence for 2009), a brutal weekly yoga class and clean living with very little excess (who can afford it!).

take better photos

I hope I have. You tell me.

cook more (does not include heating, frying or zapping)

We are blessed with a decent gas oven/hot plate cooker and don’t have a microwave so there has been no other option but to cook. And you know what, I’ve really been enjoying it. I bake a mean breakfast loaf and have been doing some tasty slow cooked meals in a ceramic hot pot that TJ got as a parting gift from her last job. Next year I hope to experiment more with England’s weird and wonderful array of root vegetables.

travel

Being financially challenged has meant that I haven’t travelled as much as I would have liked this year. But I have been to Geneva in Switzerland, Lake Stresa and Milan in Italy as well as Bristol and Brighton in the UK. Next week I’m off to Dorset for the day (to visit my Great Uncle Bill), which should be a real treat. Next year we plan to do more day or weekend trips around the UK and more travel to Europe hopefully – with it so close it would be a sin not to.

professional

Ugh, these are the tough ones …

land an opportunity in the UK that I couldn’t get in Australia

I’m not sure I can say that I have yet. There are certainly more opportunities in television and scriptwriting here in London but have I “landed” any yet? Not really. I’ve applied for a range of schemes and jobs that I wouldn’t necessarily have access to back in Australia and have also joined two writers groups so let’s call it a work in progress. Check in with me by the end of 2010 and hopefully I’ll have more to report on this front.

secure a screenwriting agent in the UK

Yeah … not so much. While important to my ongoing career I realise now that the most important thing is just to focus on producing good work and the rest will follow. My writing has gone through a lot of growth this year, which has included a lot of awkward and just plain ugly growing pains. But I can honestly say that I have produced some work this year that I am very proud of.

complete three original works

This is a box I can definitely tick. I completed a couple of sketches (let’s call that one) plus two multi-episode web series. All of these fell into place in the second half of the year after I just let go and started writing what entertained and interested me. During the first half of the year I produced some work that I wasn’t so proud of, especially seeing as they were the examples I used for several writing schemes, such as the BBC Writers Academy and Channel 4’s Coming Up programme. I hit some real stumbling blocks, let the pressure get to me, double guessed myself and just wrote some God awful stuff to be honest. I’ve been able to move past this now and reflecting back on this work I can see where I went wrong and how to rescue some of it when I comes to rewriting it.

practice pitching

I’ve done more than practice, I’ve actually gone out and pitched this year. I’m quite happy with what I’ve put together and presented in the second half of this year. It’s now a matter of waiting until the new year to see if anyone bites.

network

Where possible I’ve tried to get out and about to meet people and do the whole “networking” thing. My biggest success to date has been joining two writers groups. The London Comedy Writers and Script Tank have given me structure, a community to feel a part of and most importantly the opportunity to share my work with other like-minded peers. It has been something I have always craved and can say without a doubt it has been one of my biggest achievement this year.

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Well, that’s it.

Thanks to everyone for following the blog this year. I look forward to regaling you all with more tales in 2010.

I hope you stay safe and have a happy festive season and wish you nothing but the best for 2010.

Come January 2010 I’ll publish my goals for the year and start the whole process again.

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busy busy busy

I’m busier than ever this week. I started submitting material for the new BBC Radio 7 topical comedy show Newsjack. They provide a great opportunity for new writers to submit material for consideration and so I have made a commitment to submit something every week for the next six weeks that it’s on air. Will I get something up? I don’t know but the routine of writing and submitting stuff will be a good experience. From experience, it will take a couple of weeks to get into a groove and get the feel of the show so here’s hoping that towards the end of Newsjack’s run I hit the mark and get something on the wireless!

I’ve got a sketch being read tonight at the London Comedy Writers group. A slot opened up and was perfect timing for me as I had a sketch that I was wrestling with and needed some feedback on. I wouldn’t say that I’m naturally a comedic writer but after my experience working on and writing on the side for NEWStopia I’m preapred to give it a go and learn as I go at this stage.

Wednesday I’m off to another networking night – this one is called People in Media. I was put onto it by someone I met up with through Shooting People – an ex LA DOP who, like me, is here in London trying to get a leg up.

Then finally on Thursday I’m off to see The Moon The Moon at the Southwark Playhouse.

I’ve still got my web series and a few other things that I’m developing but at the moment I’m enjoying working on some shorter pieces of works, switching between them and actually getting something finished – which is all getting me closer towards my goals for this year.

It’s great to be so busy and while I’m still hunting for work the best thing I can do at this stage. It’s much better than sitting around at home (or the British Library) trolling job sites!

advanced arts network meeting

Last night I was invited along to an Advance Arts Networking meeting. Advance is a global network of Australian ex-pats who are living abroad. It features “chapters” across many different industries, not just the arts, and operates as a means for Aussies to network and also to sing their praises to the global community. The meeting I attended was dedicated towards Australians working in the Arts in London.

I was invited along by one of the organisers who saw my film, Domestic, up on Shooting People. I can’t tell you how nice it was to be surrounded by Australian voices and by people who say what they mean! It didn’t necessarily make me home sick but did remind we how we Aussies are different from the English (we’re not just their poor convict cousins) and that we have a real “can-do” spirit and drive (as opposed to the English “That’s not my job” mentality) that can see us thrive and succeed when given the chance.

After the meet we adjourn to a gallery to check out an Australian exhibition and spent our time bitching about the English and shared stories about our first experiences here in London. The one thing I found consistent amongst everyone was that they all were still loving life in London. Most had been here for 10-20 years and like me came over seeking bigger and better work opportunities. Everyone I met had whole-heartedly embraced the London lifestyle whilst managing to maintain their Australianess.

I’m happy to say that I can rack this up as another successful networking event (I met several film/TV/media types there) and I found it to be a wonderfully encouraging and positive experience. I’ve got some other new networking events to attend next week and I’m well on the way to getting some more writing done.

My short, Domestic, has climed up the leaderboard at Shooting People for the month of May, which is exciting. The bigger benefit though has been that it has connected me with some fellow indie London writers and filmmakers and led to the rash of invites to new networking events.

My digital project that I have been working on for a couple of years now has got some traction again. It’s still a while off before there is anything significant to report but it’s good to see that it’s still alive. Developing projects is like a life lesson in patience, something I’m not very good at!

Overall June is promising to be a good month and I look forward to keeping you all posted.

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writing update – week #2

So I’m into my second week of “doing things differently” and I’m happy to say that things are going well. I feel like I’ve had somewhat of a personal turn around even if I haven’t had a professional one yet. I feel happier, more creative and far less stressed.

I had a sketch read recently at the London Comedy Writers group and it went down a treat. It also helped to break the ice and I had a good chat with several of the writers afterward. Writers, especially comedy writers, are often misfits by nature and this bunch are no different, which makes them great fun to hang out with and also very welcoming of a fellow kindred spirit!

On the networking front, I recently signed up to Shooting People, an indie filmmakers social network and put my short film Domestic up there as well as an introductory notice in their bulletin. I had a great response to the short and have three people already that I’m going to meet up in the coming weeks for “coffee and a chat”. These “chats” may not lead to work but I’m happy all the same to be getting out and meeting people. Shooting People seems to be a very positive and proactive network and I’m happy to say it was 30 Pounds well spent.

Moving forward I’m committing to getting two sketches written as well as several episodes of a web series that I have been mulling over. I’m aiming to develop the scripts with the help of my writers group and then later with my mate Lawrence and some actors. The plan then is to get material shot during August and hopefully up online by September.

I contacted someone at Channel 4 this week (via twitter) and found out that the successful eight projects for their Coming Up scheme will be announced by the end of June. So that means my pitch is likely to be still in the running, which is a relief. After not hearing anything for a couple of weeks I was starting to get worried. I’m quite happy now to put it out of my mind but reserve the right to turn into a basketcase the last week of June!

I’ll be sure to keep you updated with my progress and I’m looking forward to some more fun and hopefully success coming my way in the months ahead.

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london – 12 weeks & 5 days … times for something different

It’s been over 12 weeks and still no job.

TJ and I have got my little studio flat right next to Euston Station (where we get gently rocked to sleep every night by the rumble of the tube), a new gym, some mates to hang out with (and get fed by when we need a pick-me-up) and even a couple of neighbourhood squirrels. All we need now is some jobs.

I’ve tried everything. I’ve applied for any job that I think I’m remotely qualified for. I’ve sent out emails cold to prospective employers.  I’ve registered with temp agencies far and wide. But at this point I’ve turned up nothing. Nada. Zilch.

Don’t get me wrong, there’s jobs to be had out there but there is also a heck of a lot of people out of work to compete with. For any particular job I apply for I can guarantee I’ll be up against anywhere between 50-150 people for the same position. So to say it’s competitive is an understatement.

Will things change?

I don’t know … strike that – things have got to change!

I can’t afford to go on like this for another two months. I’ve got to have something to show for this experience besides “giving it a go”.

It’s time to try something different.

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For the next couple of weeks I’m going to keep on forging ahead applying for jobs and following up leads but I’m also going to be focusing on the following three things –
(1) networking: I’m going to seek out writer’s groups, industry events, courses; anything that will get me mingling with like-minded individuals. In the past the majority of my work has come from people I know, so it’s time to get to know some people in London.
(2) writing material that can get made: I’m going to focus on scripts that can be either realised as a piece of fringe theatre, a low budget web series or short film. By October I want to be able to say that I got something commissioned or produced here in the UK.

(3) finding collaborators and facilitators: I’m going to be looking for other writers/directors/producers/groups who I can collaborator with to get work made as well as dramaturgs/script doctors/mentors who can help me to develop my work. At this point I don’t feel like I can do this alone. I need help so it’s time to go out and find it.

At the end of these first two weeks I’m going to take stock of where I’m at and what I’ve achieved. If things are positive I’ll keep on forging ahead. This is as much for my own sanity and morale as it is about getting something done.

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Luckily I’ve already made some in-roads to achieving these goals.

Last week TJ, myself and our mate Lawrence, hired a DV instructor (big shout out Mike at DV Training) to give us a one-day training course on the Z1 DV camera, which is pretty much the industry standard for self-shooting producers/directors working in reality and factual television at the moment. We learnt more than I expected and I can now white balance, set audio levels, expose and focus with the best of them. We’re following it up this week by hiring a camera to mess around with for the day and to solidify what we learnt.

On Tuesday night I’m going along to a script reading held by the London Comedy Writers Group who regularly do readings of half-hour sitcoms, sketches etc submitted by its members. I’ve looked into several groups and these guys seem exactly like what I’ve been looking for – a tight group of pro’s and semi-pro’s who support each other in the development of their work.

The following week I’m going to check out a piece of fringe theatre, I Love You, Bro, at the Pleasance Threatre. It’s got rave reviews from it run at various festivals here and back in Australia and at 10 Pounds a ticket, I can’t really ask for more.

I’m also talking with my best mate and long time collaborator, Lawrence, about developing some stuff together. In the past when we’ve put our minds to it we’ve always managed to get something up but for the past eight/nine years we’ve been living in different parts of the world. So now that we’re finally together in the same city it’d be crazy not to take advantage of this opportunity to work together.

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I know this is another LONG entry but I’m planning on blogging more regularly from here on out and in shorter bit-size posts to debrief and keep everyone updated on my progress. Thanks for all your support and encouragement to date, it really does make a difference. I look forward to reporting back about hopefully some exciting times ahead.

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london – 3 weeks and 3 days

3 weeks and 3 days. That’s how long I’ve been in London now. I thought I would take a moment to check in with my goals and let you know how I’m doing.

house hunting

As well as trawling the various ‘places to rent’ websites, TJ and I have been checking out areas we’d like to live. This has involved going out each week to look at different areas (Boroughs as they call them here) and having a wander around to get the feel of the place.

So far places in Central London like Kings Cross, St Pancras, Old Street. In Central North East we like Angel, Lower Islington and around Central South East we’re into Bricklane, Shoreditch, Sppitalfields. These are all urban areas with lots of people, refurbished flats, busy streets and cool like funky shops and eateries.

We also like Central West like Ladbroke Grove, Paddington, Marylebone and Bayswater. These are all areas around Notting Hill but not as expensive but just as nice. Here the streets are quieter but in a good way and there are loads of lovely three or four storey terraces with beautiful facades and well manicured courtyards.

Apparently each modern London Borough boasts a mix of both upper and lower class housing designed to create equal access to public services like transport, health, education etc. It’s also meant to prevent areas from being ghettoized. I wouldn’t say it’s been entirely successful because there is still a huge class system in London, especially when it comes to housing.

Take Spittalfields Markets for example. Above it you find yourself wandering through row after row of beautiful quaint terrace houses on well worn cobble stone streets. Go below the markets and it’s like you’ve stepped into the apocalypse. Run down council blocks tower above you, stray animals roam amongst rubbish tumble-weeding through the street and the locals eye you hungrily, as if to say, “Outsiders. Quick prepare the nets, tonight we feed!”

So as you make your way to what you think is a great looking flat in a beautiful location, you turn a corner and find yourself right smack in the middle of a council estate where people hang their washing out the window alongside the pelts of tourists who strayed too far from the herd.

I am the worse house guest ever

TJ and I are staying with my best mate and his wife here in London and it’s been great. They have been nothing but accommodating and generous with their home. So how do I repay them? By marking their vanity basin, leaving a burn mark on their carpet and shattering their coffee plunger. That’s one accident a week. I’m amazed they haven’t kicked us out yet. They’re saints I tell you.

These are the same people I called ON THEIR HONEYMOON to ask if, when they got back to Sydney, I could come crash because I had just scored a job there. I told them it would only be for three months. I ended up being there five. They’re saints I tell you, saints.

friends

I’m slowly meeting a few people here and there but I don’t think I’ll really start forming real friendships here until I have a job and a place to live. I have managed though to meet up with another ex-pat through my best mate who turned out to be an old school buddy of mine. Small world. I’ve also met up with a few people recommended by friends back home (I have to stop saying that soon) which has been nice. And luckily there are quite a few friends and family who just happen to be making their way over to London for one reason or another this year, so seeing them again will be great. Thank you everyone for staying in touch, it’s made my experience here that much easier and less lonely.

jobs, opportunities and networking

Job hunting has been hard. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of jobs and some truly great jobs but also plenty of people applying for them. Australian have a good reputation in England as hard workers who get the job done. But there is also the concern that we don’t understand the industry or culture here, so I’m making a renewed effort to address this. In Australia about fifty percent of our content is made locally and the rest comes from overseas. So over the years I’ve watched more than my fair share of English television. I’ll be hammering this home in all my future application letters.

But for the Brits this is a bit of a foreign concept. Here, British content dominates free-to-air and cable television. There’s still all the usual US imports but an easy 80-90 percent of television programming in this country is made right here. That, plus the population, is part of the reason why there’s so much work here.

The financial crisis has hit England hard and there’s lots of talks of lay offs in the media sector. That of course means that there’s more people out there looking for work but I also think that as more and more full time positions get shed it will mean that more and more contract positions will be created to take their place. I’m use to living contract to contract without long-term security and as the job market ramps up I’m certain I’ll find a job soon. Or at least some temp work to see me through.

Part of the reason I came to London was to take advantage of opportunities that don’t exist back in Australia. Since being here I’ve applied for a new BBC radio sketch comedy show and about to prepare an application for a Channel Four scheme, both aimed at new emerging writers.

I just heard that I didn’t get the BBC gig, which is a shame because it would have meant that I could have gone to a comedy masterclass with David Mitchell, one of the guys from my fav British comedies, Peep Show. But I did get three decent coemdy sketch samples out of it.

I’ve never been great at networking, which is why it’s one of my goals for this year. I’ve had one great meeting so far though. I met up with a producer up at his lovely home in Hampstead (one of the leafy hills of London) to introduce myself and see if there was anyone he could recommend I chat to about work. I thought it would be a quick 20 minute meeting – in and out. He ended up spending nearly three hours with me and took me to lunch. I’ve since sent him some of my writing and projects to look over and now waiting to hear back from him. It sounds like he can put me in touch with some very cool people, including possible agents, and there’s a chance we might keep talking about some other opportunities in the future.

writing

I have a one hour comedy/drama TV pilot script I’m desperate to finish but haven’t had a chance to yet because life keeps getting in the way. I don’t want to finish it necessarily to try and sell it but instead have it as solid writing sample. Don’t get me wrong, if I can sell it, great but at this stage it’s more likely that someone will read it and see me as a good fit for an existing show. I have to say though it feels like the best things I’ve written to date so I’m eager in the next three weeks before my birthday to at least get the first draft hammered out and done.

Since being here I have managed to get other writing done. My three comedy sketches as I mentioned, a couple of ten page extracts from two different projects that I’m using as short samples and a two page scene that I worked on with my actor mate, which he is shooting as a showreel piece.

Getting something done has been rewarding because you never feel like anything is finished when you write, so for that I am thankful. It’s also renewed my confidence that I do infact know what I’m doing and have a real chance to make a living out of this writing caper.

There’s more house and job hunting on the horizon but with my three strikes of mishaps out of the way I’m expecting nothing but good things from here on in.

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goals for 2009

Taking a leaf out of Kent Nichols, Danny Stack and my mate Steve’s book, I’ll revisit these goals around this same time next year and report on how I went.

Personal

• Find a borough and a flat in the UK I can call home
• Maintain a blog for the entire year
• Make London friends
• Stay in contact with Australian friends and family every month
• Keep up exercise three times a week
• Take better photos
• Cook more (does not include heating, frying or zapping)
• Travel

Professional

• Land an opportunity in the UK that I couldn’t get in Australia
• Secure a screenwriting agent in the UK
• Complete three original works
• Practice pitching
• Network

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