Film Review: The Vow
27 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: Channing Tatum, film, Rachel McAdams, rom-com, The vow
For me, when I find out a film is based on a true story it automatically makes the film a little better. Knowing that the events I am about to watch really happened to someone somewhere intrigues me…and scares me witless when it’s a horror/thriller.
The Vow, starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, is about a blissfully married couple who are in a car crash. The wife suffers memory loss and cannot remember meeting her husband or any of their life together so he has to spend his days trying to win back her heart.
This film needed to be based on a true story otherwise it would have just been another stereotypical rom-com. You know, boy meets girl and they fall in love but OH NO there’s a twist that’s overly dramatized for the majority of the film but all is well in the end and they live happily ever after, phew!
Don’t get me wrong, I can handle romcoms but they’re nothing new or special. This film does well for what it is and the chemistry between Tatum and McAdams is there as well as good acting (look out for what I think was an unplanned moment when McAdams spits food in to her own hair) but it was easy to forget that it’s based on a true story because there is so much sap.
This film is suitable for a relaxed, unplanned night out that doesn’t involve much thinking…and it’s brilliant for simply wanting to see the hotness that is Channing Tatum :p
3/5
Journalistic/Writing Resolutions for 2012
15 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
- Practice and pass shorthand at 100wpm
- Get paid journalism work
- Read one novel per month- preferably a classic
- Learn a language…or take my German to a higher level
Film review: Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn (Part 1)
02 Dec 2011 2 Comments
in Uncategorized Tags: Breaking Dawn, Edward vs Jacob, Twilight
I knew that writing this review would be a challenge for me as I am a MASSIVE Twilight fan so I went to watch the film twice, so I could form a fair opinion of course.
Once I was finally over my initial, long lasting excitement I watched the film objectively…and still enjoyed it.
Non- ‘Twihards’, however, may not have enjoyed it as much. It was virtually a photo album come to life. Two teenagers get married, lose their virginity on their overly sweet and romantic honey moon and then the girl gets pregnant. It’s the least action packed film so far but also the most gory. We see the main characters grow up and mature; lost virginity, marriage, a gruesome pregnancy and labour (in weeks rather than months because vampiric births are different, of course) and civil truces between the vampires and werewolves. It is definitely a coming of age film with a twist, to say the least.
The film is central to the Saga though whether you are a fan or just want to finish watching now you have started. The SFX could be better but do well to explain how wolf packs communicate.
Alas, the book is better than the film but it has done justice. For example, I managed to get more out of my imagination when reading about how Rosalie and Jasper became vampires than how it was portrayed in the film. On the other hand, the acting has gotten better and there was chemistry in the love scene. Finally, the film has taught my 22 year old self that pregnancy and giving birth are the worst things in the whole wide world so I worry for any twelve year olds that watch this!
I give it 3.5/5
Some of my work
26 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: athletics, journalism, Messenger newspaper, model T ford, trafford, work experience
Just thought I’d share the articles I wrote that made it to the website whilst on placement at the Messenger newspaper in August and September. Have a look here and here.
Losing the Will to Live
20 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: career, job, job hunt
Well well well… I think I’m slowly losing the will to live. I’ve not had a very good week. I’ve literally lost count of the amount of jobs I’ve applied for to the point that I think I may have applied to one twice. These aren’t just jobs/careers in the media either, but ALL jobs; supermarkets, cleaning, restaurants, bars, clothes shops, banks…the list is endless.
My eyesight is deteriorating by the hour, I have repetitive strain injury in my right index finger from the click, click, click of the mouse and I am developing a hump in my back as a result of being physically unable to sit up straight anymore.
I don’t want to moan but it’s hard not to. All I have heard all week is how hard it is to find work and how there are the least amount of journalism jobs available ever yet there are more and more people looking to get their foot in this particular door.
I’m not going to give up. I can’t. I often listen to the critics that go on about journalism being a ‘soft’ subject and berate myself for not doing something else. “Ishould have done [insert mind numbing souless subject that makes me sound super smart here] instead and then done an MA in journalism” I find myself thinking but then I realise that a degree in the sciences or art or whatever still wouldn’t get me anywhere except probably more depressed that my abnormally huge brain wasn’t being appreciated and recognised by the world, humph.
So I’m going to continue applying, writing, typing, walking (to the city centre with my CV) and begging (for a job, any job. Not money, yet) for now.
Wish me luck.
4 things you should know for your interview
05 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: career, interview techniques, job, journalism job, work experience
I just went for an interview for a three month internship at Sunshine Dance Studios in Manchester. It went pretty well and so I thought I would share some things I have learnt over the last two years when it comes to interviews.
1. Do your research This is an oldie, everybody knows it helps to find out as much as you can before you go for an interview. it helps boost your confidence and can save you if you struggle to answer a question. I couldn’t find much about Sunshine but one way I could have found out more is by…
2. Use your contacts You wouldn’t have applied for the job let alone attended an interview if you didn’t already know a bit about the position or your suitability to it. So now you should think what or who made you want to apply? I can guarantee there will be at least one person you know that will, at the very least, know a little more about the company than you or, at the very best, already be working there or know a lot about the manager/owner and can act as a reference for you. I have the mobile numbers of two people that have worked at Sunshine Studios that I could have contacted for some general tips and advice.
3. Plan your answers One way to combat any fear or timidness you may experience during your interview is to plan your answers. Obviously it is unlikely that you will be able to find out exactly what you will be asked but there are some general questions such as Why did you apply for this position? or Why do you want to work for us? or What makes you suitable? that are likely to be asked and if you can give clear and confident answers that highlight your best aspects just enough, you will do well. It is better to be clear than nervously using too many um’s and ah’s which will make you look unsuitable.
4. Always have a question So the interview has gone well, you’re feeling happy and confident and are ready to leave when the interviewee asks “Do you have any questions?” It is OK to endure an awkward silent moment and say no but put yourself in the interviewees shoes. They have just spent the last half an hour talking passionately about the company and finding out lots about you yet you don’t have anything you want to know about them? This could look like you have done your research to the point of stalking and are so confident that you know it all or it could look like you don’t really care that much about the position at all. Neither of these perceptions are good. A good question to ask is “If I were to be successful, what are the chances of me being able to progress in the company?” Asking about higher positions shows that you have ambition and are looking for a career, not just a job. It also shows that you plan to stay at the company for a long time.
With these tips your interview should go swimingly 
so get practising those answers now. What other techniques do you use?
My voyage in to broadcast journalism
22 Sep 2011 1 Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: BBC, journalism, work experience
Journalism, journalism, journalism! It’s all I think about, all I want to do.
My latest ideas involve going in to broadcast journalism. There are so many opportunities out there, I’d be a fool not to take advantage, especially with MediaCityUK on my doorstep!
So I intend to apply for a few placements with the BBC, I have to overcome my fear of cameras. I mean, so much has to be done behind the scenes before anyone needs to even think about appearing in front of a camera.
Just because I may not see my work on paper and may not get a byline it doesn’t mean I can’t write news
I’m attending an information event at Media City on Monday (26 September ’11) about the BBC Journalism Training Scheme that I hope to get a place on, I’ll let you know how it goes.
Work Exp at the Messenger Week 2
09 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: journalism, Messenger newspaper, work experience
I’ve been doing a few pieces for the sports page. I guess they’ll be in this weeks issue. I haven’t had to use any sporty terminology unfortunately (or maybe that’s a good thing).
Today I went to the library to look through the archives of the paper for a feature called ‘ This week in…’. It was really strange to see what was being wrote about all those years ago and how little the format of the paper has changed. It was also strange to think of chief reporter Chris Griffin as a young reporter in 1985. I can’t imagine the day I’ll be able to say I’ve been a reporter for 25+ years, it’ll be amazing!
Best news ever! I got TWO bylines! I can’t believe it! I’ve wanted this for so long and now it’s finally happened 
it has released a whole new wave of confidence and determination in me, I can’t wait for my experience with the Big Issue now. I also have articles on the website. Does this count as digital experience?
What I learned
- ALWAYS ask how names are spelled. I interviewed ‘Alison Bailey’ whose name was actually spelled ‘Baillie’
- Call, call, call. I was trying all week to get hold of a lady I had to interview and was giving up until I decided to leave a message with her manager who told me she was away for two weeks and not one like he originally thought.
My experience at the Messenger has been so fulfilling. Not only have I learned a lot about journalism but I also found out about lots of websites and courses that would be good for my career as well as events going on in the community that I would enjoy on a social level.
Work Exprience at the Messenger
25 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: journalism, Messenger newspaper, work e xperience
This week I went back to the Sale & Altrincham Messenger where I did my first ever journalism work experience.
I’ve kept a day by day diary and reading back it’s not as rough as I thought so I’m going to recreate it on here for you to read…
Day 1
An OK first day. I did lots of fillers and not much more but that was fair enough because I had to leave at noon, no point starting a big story I wouldn’t be able to finish on time.
I was asked to do a picture story but couldn’t get in touch with the interviewees. It was about a stuck cat. Interesting. Not. I felt a bit silly having to chase it up but I guess that’s what a lot of local papers are about and you can’t change the interests of a readership.
Tomorrow I will ask if I can do some shadowing on photo opportunities.
What I learned: Don’t use words like ‘local’, everything is local in a local paper.
Day 2
Aaaargh it’s really difficult getting hold of interviewees! I finally got hold of the info I needed from the fire service about the trapped cat and it’s a good job I did because they had the correct street name of the incident and a clear account of what happened. Still can’t get hold of a photo though 
If I was was taught one thing at my work exp in London it was to basically harass people!
In other news I went out with photographer Richard Holton. He’s worked at the Messenger for 24 years. We went to a photo job that I organised , I asked questions while Richard papped.
The cat story has become juicier! He has a name, Ozzy, and was stuck upside down bless him. Fluid to the brain and couldn’t walk properly but he’s getting better. It’s turned out to be quite a cute story, I just need a photo!
Deadline day tomorrow, should be busy!
What I learned: Always get as many contact details for interviewees as possible
Day 3
Lots more fillers to fill the paper on deadline day. I also got a bit of an inside scoop and learned how police cameras work. Those little ones they have on police cars to catch out dangerous drivers are really high tech, I won’t give away their secrets…I’m not that kind of hack :p
I’ve put in a few byline requests on the 200+ word articles I’ve done, I pray I get at least one!
Day 4
Reporter Jessica warned me that today would be boring and boy was she right! Everybody was busy with the GCSE results so I was given filler upon filler, small story upon small story and basically ignored. Some interesting conversations about the future of local newspapers though…
Also, I was invited back next week so I must be doing something right!
More experience!
12 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: journlism, magazines, media, work experience
Hey!
In my last post I told you that I got in touch with my old work experience placements and that one got back to me…well now the other one has too!
Jemima at Black Beauty & Hair has asked if I can come in once a week to help out in the ofice and I have accepted. It’s going to be difficult, travelling to London every week but I feel it’s something I just HAVE to do, I think it will really help my career.
I also have an interview for a nine week journalism course that starts in January. My interview is next month, I’m nervous but I will be prepared.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
