Andrea Gardner of Purplefeather and former Content Services Manager from Hilton Hotels Group has contracted me to write for her latest client. At the same time I’m embarking upon a collaborative web project, Folio14: an online compendium of creative talent in Scotland.

This meant I had to seriously reconsider my responsibilities and after a weekend of making pro/con lists and chewing the ear off anyone who’d listen, I came to the decision and handed my notice in as Account Executive for Mine Digital. This position taught me a wealth of information on client handling and project pitching, which I now hope to take to Folio14.

By ending two freelance contracts and resigning from the agency I’m leaping into the world of self employment. If you’d like to cross your fingers for me it’d be much appreciated. You can find me over @Folio14 come and say hello.

I have been offered a freelance contract with Purplefeather which I am thrilled to accept.

Due to this commitment and another creative project my working week will {from March the 8th} be very full. I have ended my contract with NileGuide as a result. It was a valuable opportunity to flex my web copywriting skills in the travel industry and for almost three years I enjoyed being part of the community. Thanks are owed to the NileGuide team especially Tyler Renaghan my Content Manager who remains a constant source of encouragement and support. For freelance writers this means there is an opening so check back to the job board for details.

The Cvent Destination Guide also came to a close earlier this month and has freed up the necessary time required to move onto my next step. It was a pleasure to work with Sarah Larkins on this project and I hope our paths cross again.

By next week if all goes to plan I will be making the final preparations before my big grown-up adventure. I shall keep you posted on the tears, wobbles and tantrums should they occur.

Established in 2005, the Glasgow Film Festival has grown in strength and reputation. Now considered a highlight of the cultural calendar, the GFF10 programme runs from 18th-28th of February in various venues throughout the city and should not be missed. Digital Marketing Manager Jen Davies gave us a brief run-down of her input and what the event is all about.

How important is the Glasgow Film Festival in terms of Scottish culture?

I’d say it’s massively important. Glasgow is the country’s centre for broadcasting, film and TV production and the festival brings new innovative cinema and moving image work into the city, making this work available to the people of Glasgow and the city’s industry professionals.

How does the GFF supports the Scottish film industry?

The festival supports the Scottish film industry with premieres and galas of new Scottish cinema, with guest speakers and discussions during the festival; giving these filmmakers a platform to present their work to a local audience. We also celebrate the work of Scottish masters in our Great Scots strand (with talking heads from Last King of Scotland director Kevin MacDonald and Peter Mullen lined up as part of GFF10) and for the last few years we have had brilliant reunion events for some legendary Scottish films, this year we’ve got an event lined up for Gregory’s Girl and we’ve invited members of the cast and crew to join us. The Shorts Film Festival serves as the ‘Industry’ side to Glasgow Film Festival, with masterclasses, networking events and panel discussions.

What does your role involve and how did you first get started?

I joined the GFT as a Designer and Marketing Officer in 2007 and my role has developed from there. I now deal with the tangible aspects of marketing – the print, publicity materials, websites and advertising for both GFT and Glasgow Film Festival. I jointly lead the marketing team with my colleague Seonaid Daly and together we’ve developed the festival attendances by growing audiences about 30% each year… we’re hoping to manage this again with GFF10.

What personal highlights have you experienced during this time?

Well… we’ve been raking in the awards for both the film fest and GFT over the last year which is nice, with a Scottish Events Award, an audience development award and most recently the Herald Digital Business Awards for GFT and the festival’s development using digital technology. Also, I’ve met a lot of very interesting filmmakers and people along the way and I’ve seen some amazing films.

What are you looking forward to in particular?

There’s some great stuff in this year’s programme. Looking forward to a couple of things in particular - This is Not a Boat – a unique opportunity to see some amazing short films made in America since the 70s. This is a first for the UK and is part of the Short Film Festival. Also, Comrade Couture looks like it’s going to be a great night down at SWG3 with a film about fashionable East Berliners before the fall of the wall followed by a fashion show and warehouse party. And the opening gala is always a great night.

The programme runs Festivals within the Festival - tell us a bit more about the format?

It’s a great way of developing the festival for more niche audiences. All three of the festivals within the fest developed out of strands within the main programme but have developed to take on more partners and have bigger and better programmes. The Music and Film Festival is now co-programmed with the boys at The Arches and celebrates the relationship between sound and the moving image and has events covering everything from Chopin to Zombie Zombie. The Short Film Festival is curated by short film programmers The Magic Lantern and takes place from 19 – 21 Feb and the Youth Film Festival is programmed by GFT’s learning team and a group of 15-18 year olds. They’ve got some great guests and events lined up this year with Mighty Boosh and Skins events, and premieres of some great new films for young people.

Can we get involved with this year’s event?

Yes… Glasgow Film Festival needs your help! We’ve got over 200 films screening at 17 venues across the city, loads of guests, events and parties and we’re looking for volunteers to help us make everything run smoothly. We’ve got roles from events assistants to photographers and picture desk editors. It’s a great opportunity to get some valuable work experience, meet interesting folks and see some amazing films. More info at www.glasgowfilmfestival.org.uk/volunteering

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This article was published in Scotcampus (Feb 2010)
www.scotcampus.com

Watch out ahead- here comes that flying dwarf with the bow and tranquiliser darts. At Scotcampus HQ there are attempts to avoid mention of the ‘V’ day event, which takes place this month. I however couldn’t bypass the opportunity to share the love and happiness of February the 14th, otherwise known as…my birthday. Yes, all cards, notes and cake gratefully received.

Aside from this delightful and exceptionally important point, this date also inspires some very tacky and expensive spending, purchased from a desperate desire to please a loved one. I know I know it’s difficult; everywhere you turn giant love hearts and fluffy nonsense peer out from shop windows, giving the lacklustre shopper an easy resort. Here are three common mistakes made on Valentine’s Day that I urge you to resist.

Buying up the florist
I must admit I like flowers I like plants too. I think they make for great gifts, as do the dozens of retailers who sell them at the bucket load. The cost of buying a bunch that doesn’t look too ‘garage forecourt’ and is finished off with ribbon, paper and a box can set you back a ridiculous sum. If you’re organising this for a new special someone avoid the florist- consider the price and the risk of potentially setting off their allergies. Buying seeds is a cute alternative.

Romantic restaurant
Like all seasonal menus your meal will come from a pot of diluted mass-produced paste in the kitchen. Expect the cost on all the standard fare to double too, all because they’ve blown up a few balloons, stuck a cardboard heart to the wall and got the pink napkins out. No-one does well out of a Valentine’s Day dinner except for the restaurateurs- and they do it because they can.

Writing your own poetry
Let’s be honest in most cases a love poem is more likely to end up as a rude limerick and perhaps it’s not a bad thing. If your effort heads down the route of revealing your soul, opening a box with a stuffed bear saying “I wuv oo” could result in cringe induced agony. Leave poetry to the experts, it may well be a money saving device …but come on!

I think it’s essential to keep in mind that romance isn’t something that comes wrapped in a bow. It’s all about being thoughtful, being together and…. well in my opinion, it’s about a great view. If you are seeking a way to spend time with the object of your affection take them to a hillside, tower or rooftop- wherever you can see the twinkling lights of the city or the sun set across water. There is a magical quality about silently considering a view together, making for a perfect moment without a price tag.

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This article was published in Scotcampus (Feb 2010)
www.scotcampus.com

So, what is it that fills me with such dread? It’s the mandatory nature of forging soulless friendships with a stranger who needs to invade my personal space. I’m paying for a service and yet must retain a polite exterior should they decide to snip too near my face or pull weakly at the waxing strip. The talk of weekend plans and forthcoming holidays are batted back and forth with a dull level of interest. And this is why, for a short while I took to inventing stories.

Yes, in order to get through the 2-hour hairdressing appointment I’d discuss my demanding career in the stock market, invent trips to the Congo and even discuss how my made-up children were getting on at private school. It served to keep me entertained and made the process bearable. Over the years I have been to various salons and undergone some scarring treatment, so I see it as a coping mechanism.

Protruding at a 90-degree angle from my head is a lovely pair of ears- a guaranteed casualty especially if I’ve been assigned to the trainee who was out on the lash the night before. Scissors, straighteners and a sharp comb have all made contact with my inconveniently placed flesh. I’m also the recipient of several apologies for my deceptively dense hair; “I am sorry your hair is really…very…thick” to which I feel the need to apologise in return for making their job difficult. A second assistant is almost always tricked into blow-drying “oh…your hair is thicker than it first seems…” as they stop to rest their arms. Needless to say I always get my moneys worth, if not in satisfaction definitely in their sweat.

Sifting through my recent holiday snaps was a sobering experience. I was forced to find the nearest hairdresser and go for the chop. With a string of kirby’s imbedded near the scalp, my hair was going to cause no end of grief. The stylist introduced herself and asked what I was looking for, to which I instructed “no idea, go to town”. This I now know to be the best phrase used in hairdressing. Her eyes glazed over, the chat was kept to a minimum as she got stuck into my hair with fervour. She’d stop occasionally to keep me informed while I nodded and she’d smile. I was putting faith in a stranger’s ability and for once felt totally relaxed. She was taking care over her creation and in turn I began to feel what I imagine being pampered is all about- blissful.

Then it was all over and I felt compelled to swish my head from side to side and continued in this fashion all the way home. I hadn’t realised until then that finding the right stylist can make all the difference to what I childishly considered an ordeal. A bit of trust, an open mind and putting a lid on the lying helps. And since that first appointment I’ve been introduced to a fringe and colour. I’m practically a grown-up. ………………………………………………………………………………………………..
This article was published in Scotcampus (Feb 2010) www.scotcampus.com

My client is looking for two copywriters to work on a full time basis as part of an ongoing web project. Candidates must have experience writing web copy, be deadline driven and able to work with a degree of autonomy.

A proven track record in copywriting and sample work is required. Regular meetings and training will take place in Glasgow, but candidates are expected to work remotely.

To register your interest in the first instance please fill your details in here.

Closing Date: 1/3/2010

Established by a young couple and their friends, it’s the product of a love for hospitality, food and each other. Owners Andy and Davaar are hands-on when it comes to running their business; inventing new dishes, experimenting with locally sourced produce and embracing suggestions from their customers. One of the more daring menu combinations includes haggis nachos. But it’s the stovies that are a must for a first timer. Be advised to starve yourself beforehand as there will be little room left over.

The team at Brodie’s take pride in every meal by using the best ingredients from award winning suppliers. The prices are reasonable with regular special offers and a £5 weekday lunch. Brodie’s Farmhouse, a restaurant and deli located in Houston, will open this March. Until then stroll along to the West Regent Street venue- you won’t be disappointed.

Brodie’s
53 West Regent Street
www.brodiesrestaurant.com

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This article was published in Scotcampus (Feb 2010)
www.scotcampus.com

Too late.

I was however encouraged by several recent blog posts explaining to the masses that yes, this word had suddenly taken hold and not to worry I can still join the club. Scientist Richard Dawkins introduced it in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene.

A meme is a postulated unit of cultural ideas, symbols or practices, which can be transmitted from one mind to another through speech, gestures, rituals or other imitable phenomena.- wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme

In terms of the internet it’s used to describe those popular clips, links and email attachments passed around by colleagues and friends which inevitably clog up your inbox on a Friday afternoon.

It is pronounced meem. So there you go I learned something new. I’m not using it though, it’s stupid.