As my time at Poached Creative draws to an end, I look back at the last 10 months and feel amazed at how much I have learnt.
This time last year, I didn't feel I had much going for me. I was on benefits, sitting at home all day job searching, praying to get a job. I went to countless amounts of interviews but never seemed to have the right qualifications or experience.
Then Poached Creative took me on in January and showed me that I was capable of so much more. In the last 10 months I have achieved so much. I've gained two NVQ qualifications, produced and directed a short film and have undertaken various other workshops in writing, editing, sales and marketing.
It's been a roller coaster of achievements for me and it's all thanks to Poached Creative.
Jessica Smith has been a great inspiration to me and an amazing boss, allowing me to pursue my dreams and bring my own unique style to Poached.
The Poached Creative team have guided me along my journey and steered me in the direction of the next path I will take. I can say they made work fun for me again.
I plan on still regularly working with Poached Creative and continuing our relationship. I feel we still have so much to progress with.
So this is not goodbye merely a see you soon. Thank you for all your help and encouragement. I am eternally grateful. I wish us all the best in the future and a long lasting friendship.
You can keep up to date with what I'm up to at http://www.cantcatchkay.blogspot.com/
See you soon.
Thursday 14 October 2010
Tuesday 29 June 2010
We actually did it!
At the start of the week we were all ready and raring to go, excited about the task in hand. Monday’s shooting took it out of us by five o clock we’d had enough. I don’t think any of us wanted to see another camera again. We didn’t realise it was so much work. A whole day of “Camera rolling”, “Rolling camera”, “Up to speed”, “Edge of frame”, “ACTION”, “CUT!”
For five young females who’ve never been involved in media before, it was a lot to take in. Although we were knackered, we were proud of ourselves, in one day we’d set up, rehearsed and filmed three scenes. Not too bad for amateurs. Tuesday and Wednesday went by in a blur; we just felt we were moving on auto pilot. We were running behind on schedule so we had to put in extra work to catch up. You could tell at times people were getting ticked off but that was to be expected, we were all working so hard.
By Thursday we were worrying we’d never get it done in time but we pushed on and somehow we finished before lunch. We had a great team behind us, a great team of mentors and actors on board.
For a group of people who only met at the start of the week by Thursday, if you saw us you would have thought we’d known each other for years.
So to celebrate our success we had a chip shop lunch and a great afternoon in the park, playing football and hula hooping. So I’d like to give a big thank you to everyone you were great we couldn’t have done it without each other.
Now filming has finished, let the editing begin.
Hackney Hounds- Life’s a Bitch! Coming soon to you.
For five young females who’ve never been involved in media before, it was a lot to take in. Although we were knackered, we were proud of ourselves, in one day we’d set up, rehearsed and filmed three scenes. Not too bad for amateurs. Tuesday and Wednesday went by in a blur; we just felt we were moving on auto pilot. We were running behind on schedule so we had to put in extra work to catch up. You could tell at times people were getting ticked off but that was to be expected, we were all working so hard.
By Thursday we were worrying we’d never get it done in time but we pushed on and somehow we finished before lunch. We had a great team behind us, a great team of mentors and actors on board.
For a group of people who only met at the start of the week by Thursday, if you saw us you would have thought we’d known each other for years.
So to celebrate our success we had a chip shop lunch and a great afternoon in the park, playing football and hula hooping. So I’d like to give a big thank you to everyone you were great we couldn’t have done it without each other.
Now filming has finished, let the editing begin.
Hackney Hounds- Life’s a Bitch! Coming soon to you.
Friday 7 May 2010
Oh Annie
“Oh Annie, I’m not your Daddy” screams my 14 year old sister in unison with the crowd. I can’t help but laugh as it’s the only song we both know by Kid Creole and The Coconuts, so I join in.
Earlier this morning I’d been at work chatting away with my boss moaning there was nothing to do in the evenings; she suggested I take a look at the Barbican website. So there I was nosing around the website when I saw all these amazing events that were taking place. Only problem was the tickets were quite expensive and as a young person working part-time I just didn’t feel I could afford it. So feeling disheartened I explained to my boss that although it all looked well and good I just didn’t see myself forking put that kind of money for a one-night show. At this point she actually laughed at me and informed me that if I registered for freeB on the Barbican website. As an under 25 I could get free tickets, now if you’re like me when you hear the word free, you’ll jump at the chance.
So there I was registering for freeB, all excited at the thought of seeing a free show. I’m not going to say it was the easiest experience trying to locate all the information but after ten minutes of fiddling about I managed to have my tickets booked for the same night with some pretty good seats.
Now you’re probably wondering why I decided to go see an old 80’s Latin group. Well from a young age I remember my Uncle was a big fan and every time me and my sister went to visit him, he would put his Kid Creole record on, blast Annie I’m not your daddy through the speakers and we would dance around in his living room dressed up in his wife’s clothes and make up hence the reason I only know the one song.
So that night my sister and I made our way to the Barbican, now as I’d never heard of it before I thought getting there would be hard but realistically I can’t believe how easy it was to find and why I’d never been there before. When we got there we realised how young we were compared to the rest of the audience, everyone there was my mum’s age or older. We actually considered turning round and heading back home, but luckily we didn’t. The crowd went wild as Kid Creole hit the stage in his bright purple “pimpin pimpin” suit; he really is one cool cat. As the night progressed the crowd were in awe as he was shaking his stuff on the stage and not a single man in the arena could take their eyes off the Coconuts. It was such an amazing atmosphere; Kid Creole had the whole audience on their feet dancing to his smooth Latin vibes. Bongo Eddie blew the crowd away with his solo while the band had us screaming for more.
All in all it was an amazing night not to be missed; we left the Barbican skipping down the road singing our hearts out. No one puts on a show like the oldies.
Earlier this morning I’d been at work chatting away with my boss moaning there was nothing to do in the evenings; she suggested I take a look at the Barbican website. So there I was nosing around the website when I saw all these amazing events that were taking place. Only problem was the tickets were quite expensive and as a young person working part-time I just didn’t feel I could afford it. So feeling disheartened I explained to my boss that although it all looked well and good I just didn’t see myself forking put that kind of money for a one-night show. At this point she actually laughed at me and informed me that if I registered for freeB on the Barbican website. As an under 25 I could get free tickets, now if you’re like me when you hear the word free, you’ll jump at the chance.
So there I was registering for freeB, all excited at the thought of seeing a free show. I’m not going to say it was the easiest experience trying to locate all the information but after ten minutes of fiddling about I managed to have my tickets booked for the same night with some pretty good seats.
Now you’re probably wondering why I decided to go see an old 80’s Latin group. Well from a young age I remember my Uncle was a big fan and every time me and my sister went to visit him, he would put his Kid Creole record on, blast Annie I’m not your daddy through the speakers and we would dance around in his living room dressed up in his wife’s clothes and make up hence the reason I only know the one song.
So that night my sister and I made our way to the Barbican, now as I’d never heard of it before I thought getting there would be hard but realistically I can’t believe how easy it was to find and why I’d never been there before. When we got there we realised how young we were compared to the rest of the audience, everyone there was my mum’s age or older. We actually considered turning round and heading back home, but luckily we didn’t. The crowd went wild as Kid Creole hit the stage in his bright purple “pimpin pimpin” suit; he really is one cool cat. As the night progressed the crowd were in awe as he was shaking his stuff on the stage and not a single man in the arena could take their eyes off the Coconuts. It was such an amazing atmosphere; Kid Creole had the whole audience on their feet dancing to his smooth Latin vibes. Bongo Eddie blew the crowd away with his solo while the band had us screaming for more.
All in all it was an amazing night not to be missed; we left the Barbican skipping down the road singing our hearts out. No one puts on a show like the oldies.
Tuesday 20 April 2010
Hackney Hounds
So, don't know if you heard but I, Kayla Whiting, am God in training: creator of Hackney Hounds. Who would have thought one small idea, which started as a joke, is now going to be a reality.
I've always loved dogs, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Pitbulls in particular. Now I know these aren't most people's first choice of breed but what most people are unaware of is these dogs are actually the most loyal, family orientated, friendly dogs known to man.
You're probably thinking I'm off my rocket, seeing as you've seen all the articles and bad press on these dogs and, dare I mention, Pitbulls are illegal in this country. Yes, fair enough, but did you ever stop and think why these dogs are like this? If you ever saw the news and you thought the dog deserved to be put down, then you are the exact audience I am trying to reach.
These dogs are not born aggressive, they are trained to be. So don't blame the dog, blame the owner.
I want to make people aware of the rising number of abandoned Staffordshire Bull Terriers. So, I've done my background research and found out that a third of dogs in Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are Staffs and most people abandon this breed of dog for reasons such as:- destructive when bored
- too hyperactive
- owners don't have enough time for them.
As you can see I'm really passionate about dogs but let me stop side tracking, I'm pleased to say I have been awarded funding to produce a short film about Staffordshire Bull Terriers and to create awareness on why these so-called dangerous dogs are portrayed so negatively and what owners of these dogs can do to stop their dog being placed in this category.
My main goal for this project is to recruit seven young people aged 16-19 who will be in charge of producing the film. They will take on roles such as:
- Scriptwriter
- Camera operator and camera assistant
- Lighting technician
- Sound engineer
- Director's assistant
I want to create awareness of these issues but I also want to give a group of young people a chance to gain new skills and have something to show for their hard work. This is a great opportunity for these individuals.
I hope you'll continue to read my blog, watch the progress of the project and enjoy the finished product. There will be a screening in August and it would be great if you could come along and join our discussions.
Follow our progress on the Hackney Hounds blog.
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Standing on my own two feet
I'm sitting at my desk looking at all the papers around me, working out where to start. I keep thinking "I've got so much to do". Now normally something like this would freak me out but not today. I'm happy I have all these papers here, they're my achievements from the last two weeks.
Since I started in January I've always had Jess in the office to guide me, but for the last two weeks she has been away. At first I thought this would be a problem. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle the pressure of working without supervision. I thought I'd be lost or just sitting around twiddling my thumbs but, in fact, it hasn't been like that at all. We've been corresponding via email, so I know if I ever get stuck Jess is only an email away.
My first plan of action was to write a list of my goals for the two weeks, which I incorporated into my work flow. I feel that when I write to do lists they drive me to keep motivated, which I must say has worked.
I feel I've been given so much responsibility and this has motivated me to push myself even further. I want Jess to come back and feel that things ran smoothly while she was away. I'm really excited to show her all the new things I've learnt and all the great opportunities that I've found.
A few things I would say I'm proud to have accomplished these last two weeks are:
*three new funding opportunities for our funding hit list
*two new tenders for our spreadsheet
*five new contacts I made through networking
*having our phone line installed
*attending training sessions on funding and contracts
*securing new training opportunities.
Now the phone line has been installed it feels so professional answering the phone saying, "Good morning, Poached Creative, how can I help?" There's something almost satisfying about it. My ability to network just went up a level.
Since I started in January I've always had Jess in the office to guide me, but for the last two weeks she has been away. At first I thought this would be a problem. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle the pressure of working without supervision. I thought I'd be lost or just sitting around twiddling my thumbs but, in fact, it hasn't been like that at all. We've been corresponding via email, so I know if I ever get stuck Jess is only an email away.
My first plan of action was to write a list of my goals for the two weeks, which I incorporated into my work flow. I feel that when I write to do lists they drive me to keep motivated, which I must say has worked.
I feel I've been given so much responsibility and this has motivated me to push myself even further. I want Jess to come back and feel that things ran smoothly while she was away. I'm really excited to show her all the new things I've learnt and all the great opportunities that I've found.
A few things I would say I'm proud to have accomplished these last two weeks are:
*three new funding opportunities for our funding hit list
*two new tenders for our spreadsheet
*five new contacts I made through networking
*having our phone line installed
*attending training sessions on funding and contracts
*securing new training opportunities.
Now the phone line has been installed it feels so professional answering the phone saying, "Good morning, Poached Creative, how can I help?" There's something almost satisfying about it. My ability to network just went up a level.
Wednesday 17 March 2010
End of Poached probation
It's been eight weeks since I started at Poached and I'm loving every minute.
My two month probation period is up now and I feel I've grown within the company and myself. I look back three months ago, when I was unemployed and desperate for someone to give me a chance, and all I wanted was to prove I was capable of working. Thankfully Jess and Poached Creative answered my prayers.
I now see myself as a confident, talented individual. I have learnt so much over the last eight weeks about networking, social media, funding and social enterprises. I wake up every morning eager to get to work and see what challenges and tasks I will undertake during the day. Not a lot of people can say they enjoy their jobs and I can honestly say I never enjoyed a job before. I loathed the fact that I had to drag myself out of bed every morning and work like a machine from nine to five.
Nowadays I don't want to leave work, I love that there is so much to do and so much to learn. So many opportunities have opened up to me. I can't thank Poached enough. I hope my eight weeks here have been as fulfilling for them as it has been for me. I look forward to the next four months and where they'll take me and I hope you'll continue to read my blogs and see how I progress within the company and myself.
A new opportunity that I jumped at the chance of, was to become a VIRGIN Pioneer. This is a great new website for social entrepreneurs to network. All entrepreneurs are joining, be they people with a great idea or fully established entrepreneurs. You can follow my progress on http://www.virginmediapioneers.com/members/kaylawhiting/ where you can see my video blogs and newest projects I contribute to.
My two month probation period is up now and I feel I've grown within the company and myself. I look back three months ago, when I was unemployed and desperate for someone to give me a chance, and all I wanted was to prove I was capable of working. Thankfully Jess and Poached Creative answered my prayers.
I now see myself as a confident, talented individual. I have learnt so much over the last eight weeks about networking, social media, funding and social enterprises. I wake up every morning eager to get to work and see what challenges and tasks I will undertake during the day. Not a lot of people can say they enjoy their jobs and I can honestly say I never enjoyed a job before. I loathed the fact that I had to drag myself out of bed every morning and work like a machine from nine to five.
Nowadays I don't want to leave work, I love that there is so much to do and so much to learn. So many opportunities have opened up to me. I can't thank Poached enough. I hope my eight weeks here have been as fulfilling for them as it has been for me. I look forward to the next four months and where they'll take me and I hope you'll continue to read my blogs and see how I progress within the company and myself.
A new opportunity that I jumped at the chance of, was to become a VIRGIN Pioneer. This is a great new website for social entrepreneurs to network. All entrepreneurs are joining, be they people with a great idea or fully established entrepreneurs. You can follow my progress on http://www.virginmediapioneers.com/members/kaylawhiting/ where you can see my video blogs and newest projects I contribute to.
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