Mari Jones
I began my time at Clapperboard UK two years ago, with already a few roles behind camera and some short films to my name. It was on the project‘ Keep It Out’ that I first worked with them, filming a short about illegal tobacco sellers, and then a film about new legislation being brought in for plain cigarette packets.
They gave me the opportunity to be main camera on both films, and they also allowed me to edit them. In addition to this they gave me the support and career advice I needed to bring their film to the screen, helping me every step of the way whenever I needed it.
My time with Clapperboard allowed me to gain even further experience filming, editing and directing- a role that it is often difficult to learn. Even more essentially, it enabled me to build the confidence I needed to continue down my career path, and also see that it is possible to bring any idea to the screen, as long as you persevere.
Through working with Clapperboard, I was offered the chance to carry out work experience at Lime Pictures on the award winning TV show Hollyoaks early last year. Since then I was offered freelance work, and then contracted in a role as a Production Office Runner. At the end of last year, I was then able to progress further in my career, gaining a new permanent role in the company as a Technical Runner, working closely on a day-to-day basis with the camera and sound kit.
It is this role that is allowing me to move closer to my own personal goal of becoming a Camera Operator and Director, something that I would not have been able to do were it not for the springboard into my career Clapperboard UK offered me.
Kieron Bimpson
I was introduced to Clapperboard UK when they worked in partnership with my school, The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, where I was cast as a lead in one of their short educational films.
I worked both in front and behind the camera, which taught me the fundamentals of filmmaking. I then won Best Actor award for my efforts which was presented to me at the high profile Clapperboard Awards Ceremony. Then, on the careers advice provided by Maureen Sinclair, I secured an Agent and have since went on to work in professional television productions such as‘ Vera’ playing opposite Brenda Blethyn and starred in feature films such as Hunter Killer working alongside award winning actors, Gary Oldman and Gerard
Butler and I now have an acting career and act full time.
I have been given many opportunities by Clapperboard and was part of their Active Citizens Panel, giving advice to Merseyside Police and participated in a short film What We Expect, funded by them.
I have also participated in Question and Answer sessions in events that Clapperboard have produced where I’ ve spoken about my career thus far.
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