XMas 2025

 

M....

 
 Morning M, 

 

Hope you are well and enjoying some time off.  

 

Things are quietening down on Elm Park as Fiona / Joanna have left and people are generally prepping for Xmas or heading out of the city.  Personally, its nice to just stay in and plan my epic Xmas film list (which includes an Industrial Music / film day!)  but other realities, like tidying up and hiring the heat camera to detect sources of leaks / cold in the house, are happening this week.  In other news.  Ive been cast as a 1960s cameraman in the new Beatles film codename ‘Clover’,  so Ive been out at the studios getting my costume inc. clear glass glasses and 1964 haircut down;  I guess they offered me the job as I trained with 16mm cameras and they want someone who can actually operate a Bolex realistically on screen.   Apart from all this, I’ve attached a photo of your thermos and another container and a PDF of a very short book that a meditation teacher i know (who taught Nick Cave and the Author John Higgs) asked me to preview before it went on sale;  you might find it interesting.   I have also attached my bank details, as discussed, for your last week’s rent.  Please find below a list of things that you still have of mine (to be returned in 2026) :) 

One ‘Flexi’Bike lock with key. / One Apple phone charging cable / plug (with out-of-date PAT test cert.) / ‘I have America Surrounded’ book by John Higgs (plastic wrap around cover) /  Folding mini deck-chair (temp. loan for studio).

Have a Great Christmas and New Year.  Hope your Show goes well.  & Don’t forget to invite me to stuff (I can only say no).  See you in 2026!!



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There is NO damp / this has now been confirmed by a specialist, who advised that the steam/condensation from the bathroom below was rising through the air brick and travelling into the room due to excessive long baths below.  The room was literally breathing and dripping with water vapour from human activity/breathing / bathroom steam and lack of a way to escape (there was just too much).

Milton - solstice

 Hey Mart and Crew,

How was español ..  Any good adventures..? 

Things here R going well via my London Stay-cation; its James’s Funeral at Lytham Crematorium this Friday;  I haven’t made any plans to go.  But have informed the UC people that I’m on a break / so don’t have that Hassle hanging over me for a while :)

BOOM!! - Me and Joanna went to the Solstice town of Milton Keynes for a solstice day festival: Forever now; with Matt Johnson’s crew (along with Jonny Marr), Billy Fukin’ Idol (more, more, more), The (Death) Cult, Happy Mondays, Jesus and Mary Chain, and Pil.  T’was a good day out after a musical wknd with pre-solstice vibes in Hammersmith with ‘Sparks’ at the Apollo, after going to the RCA to see my latest ‘tenants’ show: Maria Oreo(s),  she’s an analogue photographer who works in performance/installation and all that.  Also went to the st. Martin’s summer show - which was well put together but….The wknd before we saw Mark Leckey as part of the Brabican’s Warp happening (man!) and he was good (i’d seen most of the work before) but it was cool to see on multiple screens whilst he live-mixed everything.  I mention this because he’s got a show in Croydon happening Now at the same space that we went to last Summer:  https://artguide.artforum.com/uploads/guide.007/id21540/press_release00.pdf


I’ll prob. head ova soon-ish to have a look, although its an old piece and its pretty short.

In other video news.  Its Ten years since the original Pennies / Idiom took flight and I recently found the 1st edit that was hidden/buried away as unpublished via youtube:   https://youtu.be/YhBtSBALIMY?si=COYmwCJft3II-pKx and so have added this to the Booming Youtube channel which still has new people, slowly, adding it to their subscriptions (total 90) .  https://www.facebook.com/IDIOMDOC

I’m looking to upscale everything - turning SD to HD etc.. at some point in the future, and this will get its upgrade/polish as soon as… although the prospect of losing all the view counts would be a concern to some…


Okey - Kokey,  

btw:  depending on future things might be able to head up to scotland / yours around September,  if that’s convenient…?

For now,  its back to the Summer in the City vibes.

Ta-ra

T.

Fab '25.. Lunar nu

 

Hey John, Happy New Year!!   Lunar and otherwise  :). I saw the following link, and thought you might be interested... https://www.forevernowfestival.co.uk/. I tried to send you this via Facebook, but Messenger now demands some security nonsense.  As for me, I spent Xmas in Stroud & the Cotswolds at Joanna’s, my new girlfriend’s place.  Before Xmas, I had an interview at the NFTS to be the new Studio Manager for the new CoStar tech. studio coming to Pinewood next summer.  It was between me and two other people and the person that got the job promptly left,  they didn't offer me the job and its been re-advertised.  It was a real shame that I didn't get it, I got on well with Adrian, the Lead on the project, but I still think Jon is a plonker (more so now). So that is that.  Any way... I hope all is well with you and fam.  Not sure if I can convince Joanna to come to the aforementioned festival, though we're currently talking about a mini break in Crete. Hope to catch up with you when the weather improves later this year.  T

 

 

Hey, hey..  VR was interesting. i went down the Amazon in a canoe for a while / watched trees being cut down (it was tailored for the WWF)  got lots of facts and watched a sloth climb a tree.  had a nice discussion with the researcher afterwards, he agreed that the Apple Vision Pro would have been better but it has fewer apps..   Then…. I left my phone after having a coffee,  caught a bus outside, then looked through the window and saw it sitting on the table I was at as the bus pulled away.  SHIT!!!!   there was no getting off / we waited at the traffic lights as central London phone stealers hovered around (in my mind) as 10 mins passed and i’m thinking no way and its quite a long RUN back to the Cafe.  So anyway.  in thick jumper, thermals, shirt and parka jacket I sped off back to the gaff.  Got there.  the girl on the next table was oblivious to my gasping, pointing blah, blah, arghhh! it wasn’t there.  Then two guys in the queue, said they had just handed it in -SAVED!!!   So, then I got the bus back home and then had a coughing fir, as my lungs haven’t (obvs) breathed that deep in a long time.  That subsided and I decided not to see the film back in Brixton , but to come home, meditate , eat , have that nice jap[anese beer, and then have a bath.  And so it was and will be.  Its Wildlife Wednesday tomorrow (uh-oh!)  anything could happen.  will try and fit the film in after getting cold and enjoying nature etc..  O)k, Now its bath time. ;). Xx

2024 /2025

 Hi D,

I hope all is well.  I seemed to have missed my annual Summer visit to Essex, for whatever reason,  and now the leaves are falling and It’s getting cold again…

I just saw on the web / Linkedin that Paul has a new job, and maybe someone has had a birthday recently via Jackie on Facebook. :)  

I have never known anyone’s birthdays, ever, so its always a nice surprise that everyone remembers mine ;)

After seeing Paul all grown up and wearing a tie / jacket on his profile it reminded me of the one time this year, last week, when I was on a film set in East Grinstead  And persuaded to dress in 1960s clobber for a reenactment of a lecture at Saint Hill where L. Ron. Hubbard/ Scientology is based.  It was freezing and it took all day to get the camera set up and the whole thing was done in less than 30 mins.  but that’s the nature of the business.  I was also in an episode of ‘Slow Horses’ which is an MI5 drama on Apple TV with Gary Oldman as the lead.  This will be screened next summer, so I have no idea how much if any, screen time I will get.  But it was fun to do.  See attached ID card.

Apart from the above, it’s been relatively slow, work-wise,  and I’m luxuriating in having some time to set up my websites and catalogue my work.  

——————————

You may remember that I used to work as the Film Studios Manager for London South Bank University (LSBU) and that one of my colleagues lived in Rochford near you.

Well, I was recently hanging out with him (Tim) at the Ally Pally Fireworks display along with my new Girlfriend  Joanna and he was telling me about his woes with a local builder called:  Darren Piper / Blueberry Build Ltd.

The work has not been done satisfactorily and is all a bit of a mess;  he’s very unhappy and communication seems to have broken down between them.  He has asked me to ask you if you might know any good/reputable builders in the area who could step in and finish the job.  see the attached pdf of his cottage and the extension work already done / and how to rectify (via his architect) the current issues.

Any help would be appreciated.  If you can think of anyone…??

——————————————————

So, I’ve planted about 50 bulbs for springtime and the pots are on the roof, waiting for spring.  It doesn’t look like I will be able to get away to a warmer country again this year but may go and stay with Joanna in the Cotswolds for Xmas.  

I’m heading into Brixton for a Coffee and making plans to go to a concert in Tuffnel Park on Saturday.   Currently waiting on my next job to be be green lit , so fingers crossed.

Say hi to everyone and let me know if John is feeling better.

See ya,

Trevor

TNJALTXMAS2024

 

Film Accountancy

Make a list of everything you think you need before you start a production.

I am going to attempt this in the order I think they will happen, to get us ready for production:

Some seed money to get a film project off the ground. Various sources

A development Producer commissions a script from a writer or options an existing script or book to be made into a film.

when the key elements of the script are ready a Producer may try and find a director and key cast members who are interested in its potential.  A line producer may then come on board to assess The script and work out the projected estimated costs.  This will be broken down, probably in movie magic,  and Costs accounted for depending on the size of the budget and the film’s aspirations.

Using those attached to the project they will try and raise the finance for this through various means,  either through the studio system, independently or even by crowdsourcing, ..  there are many ways and these can overlap inc. deferred fees or giving points / exec status to an A list actor etc.

With the money in place or promised (contracted).  HODs will then be approached and brought in whom the producer and or the director are keen to work with.

These HODs will break down the costs for their departments to give a true reflection of what they know from experience they can achieve.  Bearing in mind the line producers’ original estimates.

With the budget finally agreed upon and the show/film green-lit.

A limited company will be created for future tax rebates, etc.

A production office will be set up, maybe close to where the majority of filming will take place.

Pre-production will start,  inc. booking locations,  studio space and  The below-the-line personnel will be contracted for their various departments.

The accounts department will work with the line producer & Production manager. they choose &  buy in the software they need for accounting and payroll.  Contracts will be issued, by the legal department (if there is one).

As the shoot dates get nearer, more staff will come on board to get everything ready.

Crew/talent may be coming from various places worldwide and their accommodation, food, and lodgings will need to be coordinated by the production office.

Day One: turnover.   
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------




What experience do you already have in accounting or working in the film and TV
industry? Don't worry if you're new to both!

I have worked on low-budget short films and features as a PC, PM & line producer; this has involved creating pre-production budgets,  accounting and cost reports. I started in the industry as a multi-skilled technician and videographer and have since been running film studios for the last five years.

Why are you interested in learning about production accounting?

Since studying at the National Film & Television School  I have taken a strong interest in film budgeting and production management.  Previously,  I was only interested in the creative and technical aspects of filmmaking but now realise it is a vital part of the process.

What do you think production accounting is?

 The predicted  & the real costs when bringing a film to life.  The actual costs and daily accounts of the money spent when on production and the organisation of the costs and their departments.

And why did you join the course?

I am interested in learning more about how a large production works out its budgets and potential future career options.  



———————-



Some notes on the differences you spotted between the two clips. Did you spot things we didn't mention? Were you surprised by the amount of differences?

I guess a big cost would be to have a ‘star’ name attached to a production,  this above-the-line cost can be considerable but needed for marketing and potential reviews.   I was very aware of the difference in filming techniques; as you mentioned.  With the BBC’s version obviously quicker to film with far fewer set-ups; which would inc.  lighting changes and gaffer, sparks etc..  needed on set (additional costs).   Also,  the quality of the sets and location were a huge difference.  I would add that different lenses would have been used by Disney’s version,  which would need hiring in, along with a named DOP, operator, 2nd AC (the list goes on)  and all the associated costs involved too.  With bigger [productions come bigger and more intricate and detailed costs so the accounts team would need to be bigger too; who also need to be paid :)


Why do you think price points vary between different productions?

The size of crews.. The intended audience.  the above the line costs

3 Thinking about this week's learning as a whole, how has your perception of the production accounting role changed from the initial ten words you submitted at the beginning of the session?

the level of interactivity between the production accounting team and the rest of the production.  Also (I’m glad to hear/see) the knowledge of production and all the different departments and the jobs they do.


 After posting your contribution, please read the work of at least two of your peers, and comment on their thoughts.


:)

Joe

 I first met Joe on my first day at Camberwell Film Studios.  I had heard about him, beforehand and was intrigued to meet him.  He was, previous to our initial meeting, described as the ‘spirit’ of the studios.  Which I learnt over time and getting to know him was an accurate description.  I felt we properly got to know each other when we worked together practically as Joe described what he had built, fixed and planned for the continual update and restoration of the place.  It was evident that he was passionate about the space, looking after it and its’ inhabitants.  He brought his humanity and spirit to the place, which he had built with his hands and ingenuity.  I have many memories of Joe, finding him asleep after painting one of the studios all night,  with his trumpet next to him.  His enjoyment of working in the back garden seemed like a mystical art and his regular visits from his daughters and grandson which were his priority over everything else.  He was a positive force who helped me when I was stressed and a vital part of the community. 

https://josephmicheal-girigari.muchloved.com/

Choose TM - The T-shirt

 

un send M Cat

 Oh, contrair,  Monsoir .. maybe its like the love for an old dying cat..  either way  I’ve already got meself involved with an international collaboration.  when I mentioned to Nijeena that we should write poems about colonialism onto old Indian surplus military uniforms / helmets.  

Her dad was a naval dude and we went to the base at Fort Kochi..  anyways….
She went away with the idea,  has now got the stock tracked down, and is ready to rock on this.

I,  joined one of those British council online ‘how to’ zoom classes about how to fill in the Damn forms and it all came back to me,  (dream/memory woozy sequence) my early days in London..  doing these goddamn forms for film funding and all the bollocks that the meetings / forms, committees and everyone else whos made a job for themselves, their mates & family and then the same few people who were always the recipients..  IMO

well, they know how to do the forms properly and are not cynical about the process, which mocks the existence of the families, friends, and everyone else involved with paying themselves a wage to give someone else the money.  

 This is probably why I trained to be a production manager and not a producer in 2007 when i walked away from Tele-land..  So, the money is already there.  You get on with the job with whatever dosh you gotten..  

So,  there was some space for extra people to get involved and grab some of the filthy lucre.  starting at 25 k going up upto 100k .

And the old/new adage ‘if not now then when.’.

—————————————————————

..  So a pot of Ronseal for the wooden sign..
  the thing about that place (India) is that women don’t ever go to wood mills, ask those questions and get answers..  The whole process of selecting the wood and getting it cut, i’m told, was a bit of a circus.

So,  I said I’d ask and I have..

 I’ll see if amazon deliver to Kerala.

————————————————
Kate's Mum ‘Cathy’ was away and we’ve been In touch

'Real' 2023

 Hi Libby thank you for your response.

Is this a real response or just a general one..?  

After giving careful consideration to all the selection criteria, it was felt that your skills, knowledge and experience were not as strong as the other candidates who have progressed through to the next stage.


As you would have seen from my experience, I have been a F/T live television director/vision mixer for many years.  Also a cameraman on hundreds of hours of live concerts that have screened on BBC1 / MTV etc..    I have worked on feature films in a technical capacity and my own documentary (producer/director) was chosen as the pick of the day by Time Out when screened on TV.  On top of this, I was trained at one of the Top Film Schools in the world: The National Film & Television School where I have since been invited to teach on many occasions; I trained at prestigious art schools for five years and possess a Masters in Practical Moving Image Production.  This has been utilised in moving image work for the Tate Modern, Saatchi and Saatchi galleries as well as for artists like Thurstan Moore (Sonic Youth). Last year I continued my training In Virtual production at the Mars Academy on one of the largest LED Volumes in Europe.  Before all this, I was a fully trained projectionist who presented films at the Toronto Film Festival.  

If your other candidates have higher skill levels, knowledge and more Experience than this then That’s amazing or is this just a standard reply…?

Many thanks and nice to chat last week..

Regards,

Trevor

White Dress Dream Angel

I was stood behind your 'dream' white dress girl at Holland and Barrett in Camberwell today.  She looked like she was incognito with a baseball cap pulled right down over her eyes.  I think she might have been with her dad who was watching through the window.  She seemed so out of place that I didn't want to break her 'silence'..  Slightly nervous but confident with a very posh accent; I think she might be from a very 'secure' family.

Thanks for the links.. Shoebury link / group wanted my Shoebury address so that didn't happen. Expect to see some action on FB soon!

New colours and now 3 pages loooong:  https://txh1.mmm.page/new

UCA / No Way (draft!)

Hey John ,

Not sure if this is still your active e-mail ..?  Anyways…. I’ll track you down one way or another.. If I don’t hear back.  :)

Few things that I wanted to discuss with you. Details below, nothing heavy…

Some updates:  Magalie is back in Australia and just waiting for her new contract with Schneider electrics &  hoping to buy a house with a pool!  I’ll probably get over there at Xmas for a swim. :).  I’m still living in the same lovely flat in Brixton and off to a music festival this weekend called Mucky Weekender near Winchester.  But missing my partner in gigs / events (Magalie) .  So I really don’t mind moving out to the country side (Farnham way) if they need me (details below).

Though you might be up for this..  if your available & interested..?

My Friend Sharon is an Art Teacher  at a well-to-do grammar school in Canterbury and is looking for people in the Film & TV industry to come and talk & motivate their 6th form students about careers and opportunities.. That kind of thing. 

Looking for someone to do a presentation, Q & A etc..  Here is her outline:  'We run lecture slots on a whole host of things to motivate students in ‘out of school context’ ways, It’s first thing Friday mornings (9-10), when they have a slot for these kind of talks. It would be in the hall and for the whole of year 12 ( first year sixth form 16/17 year olds - around 150), so a presentation kind of thing. The school is Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, Canterbury. It’s a co-ed sixth form.   - mid September/early October. If you could propose that, I’d be so grateful.'   -

TBH:  I would find this incredibly scary but I thought you might be the right guy for the job….  ??

Sharons contact info.. :   xxxxxxxxxx

Also..   I’ve just been for a chat with UCA Farnham re: Technical Services Manager post:  looking after their studios, facilities and Staff.  I did a presentation and spoke about the 10 Years that I worked on / off at the NFTS, as well as commercial work and LSBU.  I mentioned you and the DFX dept..Where you employed me, now and again,  between 2008 - 2018.    There is a small chance that they may want to follow up my presentation and discussions and I hope you don’t mind that I mentioned you as a previous employer.  I know it was previously  alot of Hassle with Bianca the  HR at London South Bank University when they previously asked you for references for me etc.  And they were really pedantic / idiotic about the whole process..  Maybe you still have your response and that could work for UCA..?  Anyway it’s just a possibility and the logistics of getting to Farnham, Surrey everyday might not be feasible.  

—    Ive just bought a ticket to see the ‘Death Cult’ at the electric Brixton in November.  Not ‘The Cult’ or ‘Southern Death Cult’, but essentially the same people,   doing all their old ‘goth rock’ songs for one last time.  So music from around 82 - 85 ish ..  No new songs.  I guess everything up to ‘she sells Sanctuary’ but really concentrating on the early years.  Would you be interested in coming along..?   I’m going on the last night of the tour..  at the electric Brixton. November 21st…

This sort of thing:  https://youtu.be/YV9Xo_7xPRc?si=YlT8MaEk8RDGhzYe  https://youtu.be/uod2gdVKP6c?si=Ws8JruyNA7rKQ6ND

It’s ages away but I'm planning ahead… Let me know ..  :)

Have been reading about this mega camera ‘Big Sky’ recently; looks like more disruption coming soon to the industry if we’re not all going to just use verbal prompts in Runway.ai to create films in the future?  :  https://www.tvbeurope.com/production-post/sphere-studios-unveils-most-advanced-camera-system-in-the-world

Creative projects on the go:  music, paintings and stuff:  chk here:  https://linktr.ee/tch1.  Have a look if you have a sec.

Personally Ive been out of work (consulting!) for the last few months and thought I might be better suited  back in education.  As much fun as the commercial world has been,  its been very tiring and full of egotistic big babies..  That’s just how I feel at the moment.  But currently  nice and sunny so I guess I’ll jump on a bike and head out to enjoy.

Catch up soon.

---------------------------

Hi Tony,

I hope all is well!

Its been 24 months since I moved on from LSBU and I thought I’d contact you and give you an update of what I’ve been up to…

Two years in the commercial world as Studios manager for Camberwell Film & TV Studios and Greenwich Studios too.

 I've recently been reflecting on my time working for LSBU & as an employee in TSS,  considering what worked and what obstacles I encountered.  Particularly with the move of the school of ACI from the London Road site to Borough Road.  Both the achievements and the setbacks, good and bad,  dealing with the various contractors, our technical staff (some of whom did not like change and actively rebelled against it & me), the previous director of the school,  and maybe how I would go about things differently in retrospect. This came about as a task & application I recently did for UCA Farnham for the role of  Technical Services Manager.  I was invited to do a presentation and used an ishiwaka (fishbone) diagram to look at the root causes of some problems I perceived along the way; also I didn't slander or mention anyone in particular.. 

I  hope that my ‘legacy' on the multiple projects that we undertook and my determination to provide the best facilities possible are still part of the foundations of the school of ACI and the various courses we supported.  From the 4k Cinema and the ‘broadcast journalism' space with NDI capability and Newtek TC-1 vision mixer as well as the training I organised for the team.  Along with my eye & ear for detail and making sure the studios were equipped to their best capability, keeping the pressure on MARIS persistently to fix their errors, inc: silent AC in studios, connectivity to the other studios etc.  This was also true for supporting the sound department and the installation of Dante in the edit suites.

I am still in touch with  Tim Fransen (Technical Tutor) and enjoy hearing about developments within the department and team.   Personally, I have employed multiple ex-members of staff and students on my subsequent projects.  From hiring Ilaria (ex-kit room) on a Muhammed Ali feature film we produced at Camberwell studios.  To training ex-students to work on live streams for one of my clients Inc. Tik Tok.  Recently, I was complimented by a film graduate who was working for me at Greenwich Studios when he found out I was the previous Studio Manager responsible for his old course he stated that the studios at LSBU were ’Sick’.  Which was high praise.    Another thing that I mentioned was that I was on site,  looking after the spaces, during the whole of lockdown.  Working with the health and safety department at LSBU in my capacity as Unison H+S rep.  Along with writing new guidelines and SOP's for the courses we supported and helping with the other schools as well.

I also initiated the digitalisation of Screen Studies core texts and negotiated a separate server for them from IT.  I found and and framed all the cinema posters around the studios, including a display cabinet for awards; which no one had thought about doing before.  As well as introducing the software CeltX for the producing students and the Albert (sustainability) scheme to the film production department which are now both part of the curriculum.  Along with looking after the BFI player subscriptions for all the staff and students,  Inc. liaising with them. I also volunteered to edit the course profiles for marketing, in my attempt to break down divisions between departments.

It was really unfortunate that I had to leave Lizzie’s research project after I moved to her department after two years within TSS.    You probably know that there were huge delays (12 months!) with the refurbishment of the studios I was involved with creating at Maidstone TV  Studios, this was partly down to the pandemic,  getting the right contractors in place and subsequently missing our window for a timely build.  It was a ‘dream’ job for me and I was very disappointed with the delays and that we could not look for another site to refurbish instead. Very frustrating.  I did, however, change the whole direction of the project for all the ‘hubs’ and partners that we were working with and was very happy that everyone embraced my ideas and went with the new direction and approach that I suggested. .  Again, I believe my influence was key in making this happen through my research and presenting it to all the stakeholders.  

This also meant that I unpacked my boxes,  as I was moving to Kent and closer to the new studios,  and was left in limbo.. with nowhere to go..  Luckily a studio near me in Brixton needed my skills and soon took me on where I put all my Health and Safety training to good use and got them up to speed.  Clients include  Ben Malloby (academic on the film course) with Ruby Wax & LSB students on the crew,  Feature films, music videos and producing documentary work.

Recently I have been working on TV projects inc. the Eurovision Song (BBC) contest and The Booker Prize.   However,  I am looking to use more of my skills in facilities and advising on H&S and production in higher education and a role came up at UCA Farnham that I am keen on exploring.   Utilising the experience and knowledge gained over my career and using my experiences at LSBU as an exploration of what I thought worked and what I would do differently now, on reflection.

With all the above in mind, I thought you, as my former head of department,  might be the ideal person to corroborate or give your own account of my conclusions...? So I hope you do not mind that I put you down as my former employer in case UCA want to move forward with my application.