The month of premieres

Hey all!

It’s been a crazy time recently! I have so many projects on the go my head is literally spinning. But I’ve been having a lot of fun too. It’s been back to back premieres - starting out with Red Tails (which despite the reviews is a wonderful story..I cried..but I cry in everything) and then a smaller release (but much more elaborate premiere) for Back to the Sea. It was nice going to the Back to the Sea premiere because I discovered this film myself over in China before sending it over to my boss. It’s been an absolute blast! Better yet I’ve made some amazing friends in China who I hope will stick with me through the long haul! : )

But now that that’s over, theres still some productions in post and tv shows in pre-pro to tend to. Things will never get boring, that’s for sure! I was thinking about this earlier…how when I was in university I was so happy if I got a cool shot and it was really technical - now that I’m working and I review films for the festival that attention to detail has just grown tenfold. So future CFV graduates, I wanted to share this piece of advice with you - it’s not enough to have a great shot. Make sure you attention to detail is meticulous (not like my spelling)- set, costume, hair, everything - it’s the little things that are going to make you stand out, and once you graduate anything else won’t fly. So get ready now and get yourself that darn first you deserve!

I was also chatting to my boss about flying, and how I never have any problems with it- I fall fast alseep and curl up into my little ball. While he sits there cursing my name. Being an international student teaches you so much outside of your degree that other students dont get - first off a familiarity with planes that I definitely didn’t have before. In my buisness i spend a lot of time dealing with filmmakers and distributors around the world, I don’t know if it’s through living and travelling abroad or if it’s the mindset of someone who’s an international student, but there’s definitely something that allows me to connect with people from other countries. I think having to adapt to another culture while respecting it and dealing with everything being a little unsual has turned into almost a skillset that I use on a regular basis.

Anways, I’m not sure if I make sense. But looking back on my university experience i must say after being an International student I wouldn’t suggest any other way. There are so many skills to learn and adventures to be had living abroad. Manchester was a safe, friendly place to do it.

Until next time.

PS. Guys it’s been awhile and I’m definitely a little rusty - if you have any feedback or anything you’d like me to cover please leave it in the comments section. I could use a boost : ).

Kathryn 6:34 pm, Tuesday, 31st Jan ’12 link

Hey again.

Hi…it’s been awhile.

Well just to re-introduce myself, my name is Kathryn and I am a graduate of MMU’s Contemporary Film and Video program. I did pretty good in the program if I can say so myself (*cough* 1st! what!?!), and had a very hard decision to make of whether I would stay in England (where I had job offers) or go back home to Canada. I love England, but I also love Canada - and it is home, where my family lives. Oh and did I mention I graduated in 2008 (at least I think I did…) one of the best years for emerging graduates with that little issue going on in the world called the market crash. Oops.

So I moved back home, and struggled a little to find the right job - I had all these amazing contacts, they were just in the UK. But hard work, determination (and a degree from MMU) paid off and I ended up working at a fantastic company (where I still currently work). Here I’ve helped to produce three projects - travelled around the world to film festivals and markets- made contacts with some pretty amazing people..all and all I’ve had a lot of fun. When I left my program I knew I had every skill I needed to make the film, what I found hard was knowing what to do afterwards to recoup any revenue- working has changed and helped that so now I am fully capable to take a film from conception to the big screen (if I was ever so inclined.)

That same year I graduated, I co-founded and became the director of programming for a wonderful film festival in Huntsville, Ontario. We call this area the Muskokas, or cottage country- I spent a lot of time in the Muskokas growing up, it’s a region that’s very dear to me.There isn’t a huge access to strong indepedent films there so we thought this was a wonderful little niche market for us. Last year our lifetime award recripient was Michael Snow- an amazing Toronto-born artist and filmmaker - and also the main inspiration for why I got into film, he was so present and just as inspiring as I thought he would be. You can check us out (even submit your film!) at http://www.filmnorth.net.

As I’ve become more involved in the Canadian film scene, and my experience has grown I do have a few personal projects in the works, I hope to share them with you shortly..but what do they say?.. Don’t count your chickens until they hatch.

Since graduating, I’ve managed to make it back to the UK twice to visit my friends, and they all know they have an open door here (some do take me up on it! : ) ). Many of us skype/facebook/whatsapp/viber on a weekly basis, a few even daily (one’s in labour right now so we’re texting!) I love coming back to visit! I wish I could do it more often, I do consider moving back one in awhile, I would never say it’s not an option. However the UK film industry is not as strong as the Canadian one right now- particularly when it comes to tax incentives, this will likely change, so I guess you just never know. Most of the graduates of my program are still doing what they do best in the industry, a few have moved on to different skills- one thing we all say is that we woudlnt trade the experience we all had for anything. We had a very close knit group, with incredible talent- and we all do our best to stay in touch. I think we’re incredibly lucky to have such a positive experience like that.

Then Shayne, from the MMU International offices was over in Canada for a visit! He told me my blog was still open. So here I am!

Anyways, I’ll do my best to keep in touch, let you know about any exciting projects that I can. Those three movies all get released this year, so please expect a shamless plug or two. I’ll do my best to talk about the experiences I had at uni, and those few tricks and tips I now remember that really got me through it (cauze I’m so old now..right! jeeze!), and try to talk about life after MMU - the things I got from my degree and the stuff I had to learn on my own. ..So long as you can stand my writing..it’s never been a forte of mine, sorry.

Have a wonderful start to 2012!

Kathryn

Kathryn 3:23 pm, Friday, 6th Jan ’12 link

changing spaces

Hey all! We’ll I’ve come back from Vancouver with a new direction and a new job at a production/distribution company. Which is bittersweet, I hate to leave my office and Toronto but it should be a fun and promising trip and a fantastic new experience!! It really does seem like the ideal job even though its another 5 hours away from home (same country this time though - haha!!) but I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead

Kathryn 2:18 pm, Tuesday, 4th Aug ’09 link

Vacay

So this weekend, I get to go to to Vancouver for a new job opportunity - how cool is that!?! I can’t wait to not just see a new city and new opportunities. It’s a similar feeling to when I moved to the UK there are some nerves, but you get really excited, kinda pumped for the whole experience. It’s such an adrenaline rush going to a new place I can’t think of anything better.

Anyways just had to share my big news - gah!!! I need to go watch a film for work - how fun is that?? Film degrees are amazing. xo

Kathryn 1:59 pm, Monday, 27th Jul ’09 link

Moving time

The big move. Yeah it’s coming up for you who are starting at MMU. Nervous? Scared? Not sure what to bring with you? Totally been there. All I can say is it will be fine. You have lots of time to prep but take the time to get ready because once you’re there you will not have the time to unpack you’ll be out making friends and having fun.

One big mistake I made when i moved over i was so stressed about getting bedding/cutlery/etc but not knowing anywhere to go i totally overspent. so not necessary. this is my cheat list-

major supermarkets - all have bedding/mirrors/furniture/cleaning supplies/cooking stuff and that. ASDA is part of walmart and honestly has everything you’ll ever need and totally cheap- its worth the drive/taxi. A great one isn’t too far away in Hulme, just ask everyone knows it. It’ll be yout major shop. Matresses in rez/student homes suck and there arent too many good matress pads for a fair price, I put a duvet under my sheets and one on top since a value duvet costs like 5-10 pounds. be sure to look for ‘basic’ supermarket brands same thing a lot cheaper.

decor - primark (which is right in the city centre beside the arndale mall) will be your new home for everything they have the best underwear and basics and its dirt cheap - they also do bedding/pillows/lamps/tables, etc for a low cost. and their stuff is amazing.

instore has a lot of supplies and applicances that are quite cheap and its conviently located right beside ASDA.

if you splurge - go to habitat in the city centre by st annes square and house of fraser. no real reason its just amazing and super pretty and i love looking at everything.

Good luck!

Kathryn 3:45 pm, Monday, 6th Jul ’09 link

Must love Manchester

Hey all!!

Well I’m starting to recover. Manchester was amazing!! I had the greatest time it really felt like I had never left. I caught up with good friends and was happy to know that everyone was doing exceptionally well and getting their careers off to an amazing start.

I went to the degree show as well, univesity felt like home again - it was so nice to be able to come back and feel so welcome. It’s a lovley place.

Also took a great trip to Glastonbury, a little bit of drinking but overall a great time - the music and the performances were amazing and I had a great laugh with my friends.

Now taking the time to recover and catch up with everyone I met at home. Have even been offered some steps up and better employment over here. Everything’s amazing!

Anyways a bit more rest and I’ll give you all the great details.

Lots of love! xoxo.

Kathryn 3:31 pm, Friday, 3rd Jul ’09 link

ONE MORE WEEK!!

That’s right, if it was next week I’d be getting ready right now to board a plane to my old home of Manchester. I cannot wait to see everyone, catch up and do some shopping, Canadian clothes cannot compare. There’s also a lot of food I’m missing over there…I’m gonna become quite the fatty by the time my holiday’s up!

Still I have to get through a few more days of work. Which is a shame, I’ve been spending the weekends at the cottage with my family and it’s been super lovley. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time in the city but there really is something about being out in nature that’s calming.

Ive bought loads of sweeties to bring over with me, it’s the one thing I can think of that we have in Canada that we might not have much of in the UK. So it’s a good gift I think, that and Canadian beer, I guess I’ll have to lug some of that with me too.

I’ve heard it’s been a really nice summer in Manchester so far too which is totally outdoing here - I swear I bring the bad weather with me. Manchester really does have great weather - mild winters and summers just kinda perfect. And the rain isnt as bad as everyone says as well.

Oh well off to do something productive/...haha

Kathryn 2:30 pm, Tuesday, 9th Jun ’09 link

The Countdown Begins

That’s right!! Two weeks until I’m off to England. I cannot wait to catch up with everyone, see where everyone’s at in their career go out and yeah spend a lot of time shopping - like a lot of shopping. I can not wait to revamp my entire wardrobe. English clothes are the best!!

Besides that I’m in the midst of revamping my CV updating everything from the past year. Just making sure my important stuff is up to date, I’m starting to realise how vital the CV is to the job process that you can’t really just throw it together so I’m working really hard to make sure I dont mess it up. I was planning to work on it this weekend but instead I went to the cottage with my boyfriend and family. It was nice to be with my family and to still have a friend for when the family was all busy doing their thing.

Well it’s cloudy here, I hear England is sunny and beautiful at the moment, I sure hope it stays like that. It’d be nice to get over the rain here - I remembered toronto being a lot warmer than it is. I’m expecting a better summer, hope it happens.

Kathryn 1:31 pm, Monday, 1st Jun ’09 link

At Work

Recently, I’ve been obsessed with the Tudors, which is funny - I had the option to work on this show but decided to go home. Anyways, it’s pretty irrevalant but it does make me very very happy that I did not live in England in the 1500s - I just can’t see all this stuff happening in England, that happy place I studied. Oh well.

Another lovley week in Toronto thinking about my upcoming trip. The Glastonbury line up was announced which really excites me, lots of great music to listen to, can not wait! Catching up, drinking, food it will be the best!! Until then I got to keep working hard until the weekend where I’m going to the cottage with my parents - wild times, eh?

Kathryn 3:21 pm, Monday, 25th May ’09 link

Back in Toronto

It’s amazing how doing nothing can make someone do tired. I spent the entire weekend inside at the cottage hiding from the rain watching movies and playing video games. Now back at work and I’m absolutley exhausted, I have so much more energy when I’m not well rested.

I’ve started to realise that since I graduated like…a year ago I should make new plans and goals for the next year. I’ve recovered from the joys of studying, settled in a new (not as fun) way of life and feel I need to find some new aspirations. University pushes you to keep active but now I need to make my own life goals. Real life is no fun.

Anyways I’m sure you can all tell I’m tired here. I’m going to try to find a way to nap at my desk, I believe this is possible, I’ll figure it out. Unless someone wants to bring me a coffee. I have a hair appt tonight, fingers crossed it comes out okay!! GAH!!

xx

Kathryn 7:14 pm, Tuesday, 19th May ’09 link

Ramblings

I have to admit, I’ve done a lot of travelling in my time. Some of the people I meet I connect with and keep in touch with casually, others whom I really relate to but we just lose touch. So there was some doubt in my mind about how close I would be with my university friends once leaving - not to sound too pessimistic, it’s just living across an ocean, starting new careers and in a way lives you do kind of wonder if they’ll forget about you or vice versa - if possibly you’ll just grow apart from distance. Well I graduated about a year ago now and I’ll be honest - I have lost touch with some people. But those friends I was the closest with I’m still really close with - they’re a support system I can always rely on and honestly - I really really miss them. I am so excited to go back and see everyone I’ve left in the UK because they were some of the kindest, inspiring, funnest (it’s a word now) people I’ve ever been lucky enough to meet. They always say your university friends will be with you forever and I have a feeling some of mine will which means a lot to me. I feel very special.

Kathryn 1:24 pm, Wednesday, 13th May ’09 link

Knock, knock. Who’s there?

Oh gosh!! What a crazy day todays going to be. Someone broke into our office so things are a little crazy here - and morale down. No one likes their privacy violated. Which made me decide that today I’m gonna write about saftey in Manchester.

Okay, so I don’t want to appear too negative but the fact of the matter is Manchester is a city, a big city - and like anywhere in the world there is some degree of crime. Now the city isn’t too bad, I never had any problems except for first year when someone stole my phone - although I had it in plain sight and kindof asked for it. I came from quite a sheltered environment - I had heard of theft and all but had this wonderful ignorance that it could never happen to me.

Manchester is a totally safe city, in the day run around go wild but just make sure to use a degree of caution you would anywhere. At night, I’d do my best not to walk alone - if you so have to stay on lit streets and avoid parks - they get very dark at night - nothing’s ever happened to me at a park but I’ve heard horror stories - possibly urban myths. Anyways just use your basic caution and be sure to not walk around looking like a walking target - students are great people to rob, we have nice phones/ipods/cells/laptops and theives know this so be sure to lock up and be safe.

Now I guess I gotta deal with my Toronto theft, joy oh joy.

Kathryn 2:27 pm, Monday, 4th May ’09 link

Few Weeks Away!!

Oh. My. Gosh.

I can’t believe it’s like a month until I get to travel to Manchester!! I am so excited!! There are so many people I can’t wait to see!! Restaurants and bars I have to visit as well as a lot of shopping I need to catch up on. It will be wonderful!! Until then I’ll just have to keep myself occupied here, but GAH I am just too excited.

I guess everyone has pretty much made their decision where they’re going to university next year, if my timing is correct. No matter where you decided congratulations - everyone going to MMU I promise you - you have the best three years of your life ahead of you!! I’ll do my best to give you the tips I wish someone had told me.  And keep you updated on what I hear about Freshers week - I get a lot of info on that stuff - haha!

Thought I’d just say a word about choosing your accomidation. Personally, I’m a big believer in residence for your first year - it’s a really nice, convienent way to live that’ll easily help you adapt to life in Manchester. Better yet you will make a majority of your friends in residence so I really suggest it. Now yes, they can be noisy but it’s a lot less than you’d expect and the advantages of living in rez will highly outweigh the cons.  The MMU website really explains the halls of rez really well so definitely use it as your platform. Now I was on the All Saints campus and found the most popular places for residence were Briarfields and Cambridge, both halls are a close walk to class, affordable and also are the best places to meet people. If you really want to emerge yourself in student life I’d suggest looking at these residences. I was in Wilmslow Park, which was like a spa to live in. A little out of the way it makes up for it by having a grocery store/pub/offlicence/restaurants under it, along with a gym with swimming pool you can join. The rooms were en-suite which was huge to me (I like my privacy) but it wasn’t the most social of places, I made good friends but wish it had been as close as the other residences. So it’s really up to you to choose what sort of living environment you want for your first year. Don’t forget the UK is fantastic because you won’t have to share a room! But only one hall is catered - so it’s best to learn some cooking basics before September.

Well my time here is busy, lots of work, 2 more job interviews and a possible side trip to Montreal on the weekend. My girlfriends and I are also starting a poledancing class on Wednesday - racey lacey! haha! Can’t wait. Have a good one! xx.

Kathryn 1:39 pm, Monday, 27th Apr ’09 link

Sick and tired.

So is everyone else in the world obsessed with Britiains got Talent? Never really watched it while studying and now I can’t seem to stop. Even the wayy too over the top sappy music and everything - jeeze, why can’t I stop watching this.

I had a lovley weekend, I got to see Jerry Seinfield live at Massey Hall, and on Sunday celebrated Greek Orthodox Easter they did a really big lamb. I don’t eat lamb but it was fun to celebrate a holiday in a completely different manner than my family does. (If they do end up celebrating it!)

Besides that I’ve just been fighting off a cold..you know when you’re getting sick and its gonna come on big - and you’re just hoping you can avoid it long enough. That’s where I am right now, which in all honesty makes writing quite hard cause my head is totally fogged up. Oh well, it happens. Just and excuse to sleep more and lie in bed being a lazy bum, something I am a huge fan of.

I’ve already started to get invites for freshers week 2009, which I find funny - univsersity isn’t even out yet and already people are thinking about the start of the new school term. I miss all of the great celebratory parties at the end of university - and wish I could be there for them. It used to amuse me that people find university life so fun they never want to leave, I totally understand now.

Kathryn 2:38 pm, Monday, 20th Apr ’09 link

Easter Bunny

Happy belated holidays to everyone who was celebrating Easter or Passover this weekend!!

My family didn’t really celebrate this year which was a shame but I still had a great weekend. Although I would of liked the bunny to visit, I often recieved lots of money from the bunny - very helpful. Sadly we had to see our English friends off back to Sheffield which was a total shame, but I’m sure they will visit us again, or hopefully go somewhere else nearby in which I can stop over to say hello.

But after a long weekend it’s back to work, which is kindof torture with the sun shining outside in Toronto. I hear Manchester’s pretty lovley at the moment as well. Always hard to work when the start of spring has started to arrive. But what can you do.

It’s about 9 weeks until my trip back to England. I can’t wait!

lots of love.

Kathryn 2:51 pm, Tuesday, 14th Apr ’09 link