I Work in TV... but Have I Made It?

Imagine telling someone a funny story, only to have them stare blankly back at you. You then realise you're the only person laughing, and in the end, you give up saying 'Oh, you had to be there.’

This is where those that say anyone can act are wrong. The ability to convince someone, the skill to recapture that moment you are trying to convey to them, that is the talent of actors. I believe a great actor need not say 'You had to be there,' but 'Let me take you there.’ As a lover of drama, TV and film, I was always passionate to learn the many techniques, and teachings on how to take the audience 'there,' which is why I went to drama schools from a young age.

Most people will say the same thing, that they have loved acting from a young age. Even though this is true of me, I can honestly say that there are many things I love doing. But what do I want to make a career out of? What am I willing to work hard for, and sacrifice for? It would only be something that excites me, something that moves me, something that I feel my life would be empty without, and something I feel I was born to do.

This is why I pursued the burning desire within me, at such a young age, to develop the great love of this profession. However, I never stuck it out... I know, right...? What an anticlimax. I mean, I say I didn’t stick it out, I had many opportunities that could have led to stardom. But life has a way of pulling you into random situations and scenarios... so here I am, working in TV! So not so much of an anticlimax! Running one of Europe’s biggest post-production houses in London. Yeah! I know! Amazing! Well... I’m not sure if it is? Wait till you hear the stories!

But before we go into my crazy life in TV, let me tell you more about my past!

I wanted to know how to nurture the skill of acting, how to protect it, and how to deliver it to the hungry expectant audience. Acting to me was about making people see, believe and understand. It is a key to unlocking mysteries.

Everyone at some point wishes they could be like someone else (hell, sometimes I think it all the time!) This is the only career I can think of where you can actually do that. I think it made me a better person as well, for example, to be able to appreciate what I have in life when I portray someone who has nothing.

We are told we only have one life. Through acting, we can have many lives. Who wouldn't want to experience that?

The ability to affect someone's emotions—to make them laugh or cry—is a unique thing. The ability to move someone in today's society is getting harder every day. But when I was young, I was willing to work at it and become the best storyteller.

The highlights of my career include The Bill, Prime Suspect, and various commercials and stage work. Mary Poppins, in the Prince Edward Theatre! (Chimney sweeper number 3!) one of the biggest shows I ever did as a child! I never understood I was performing in the West-end... I know, how ridiculous.

Oh, and my favorite feature to shoot in! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. (As Ravenclaw 101. Don’t worry, I’ll be organising a PO Box soon).

I was one of 15 called to come back and shoot extra scenes after we ended the final shoot (don’t you know!)

At academic school, I took an interest in psychology and took part in activities like reading buddies and peer mentoring. (Okay... so I like helping people. But I also love a good gossip! Give me the juice, spill the tea, I live for it. It fuels my soul... I know, so lame, but that’s me).

Along with studying psychology books, this helped me see how people’s minds worked and how they reacted to different situations, which enabled me to portray a character better.

I wanted a chance to wake up every day and see whose shoes I would be in. Who would I find more about today, and as a result, what understanding will I gain about my fellow human beings in society?

Lastly, I wanted to transfer that understanding to those who were too frightened to take that step themselves. I saw myself as the bridge in the gap, between the person who has the story, and the reader who seeks it.

Instead, I ended up working in the world of post-production, worked my way up, took over three departments, became a manager among the industry egos, in a Hunger Games like environment, gained a boss that ended up having a mental break down, and encountered an unusual battle against a monstrous General Manager, I use to assist, who to quote wanted to ‘attack and destroy’ me?! But also wanted to ‘join forces’ at the same time.

A few other crazies stories happened along the way, and boy, do I have many to tell!

I once had two auditions for the Game of Thrones pilot... Who knew I’d end up being in my very own modern day take on it. Let the battle of the post-production kings commence. May the odds be in my favour and all that jazz.

I work in TV, and I’m now in charge of a huge department... But have I made it?