Welcome to my news page. I hope it gives you an idea of the range of projects I’ve been working on. I’ll be updating it regularly.
Recent news
In the last couple of months, my career has taken a new turn, one which, so far, I’m really enjoying. I applied to an ad on LinkedIn for a lecturer in Multimedia Sports Journalism at the University Campus of Football Business, based at Wembley Stadium. I’d been interested in teaching for a few years and also felt that I needed something different…ok, I’ll say it, a new challenge.
I didn’t expect it to lead anywhere because I’m very definitely not an academic, but it turned out that UCFB were looking for a journalist still working in the industry. After some coaching from friends and an interview, I managed to fit the bill. I had a very handy month to find my feet and the semester of teaching has just begun. It’s daunting…challenging…and I’ve got a lot to learn, but my new colleagues have been so patient and supportive and I’m really enjoying it. Just shows, it’s never too late to try something new. If I can do it, etc etc. Just to clarify, I shall continue to work for my regular clients as a freelance reporter/VO, but just not as often!
Summer 2021
My last booking before I started my new job was at Tokyo 2020, in July 2021.
I went to the Games to work as a “Segment Reporter” for Olympic Broadcasting Services. That role meant I was scripting and voicing reports on a wide range of sports (Swimming, Canoeing, Dressage, Baseball, Softball!), which really tested my capacity to sound like I knew what I was talking about. The basic video editing required was also a challenge.
I enjoyed the work, but other elements of the trip were tough. We were in “soft quarantine” for the first 14 days of our 4-week visit, which meant we can only travel between the IBC and the hotel. When those restrictions eased and we could venture out, it became apparent that Tokyo’s lockdown was pretty comprehensive and everything closed at 8pm.
Given all those issues, Tokyo 2020 was still quite a spectacle and it’s a remarkable city. Perhaps I’ll go back and actually see it one day.
Here’s a photo of the building that was my home for a month. The IBC was inside a venue called “Big Sight”. It’s quite a structure.
And here’s one video I put together. Well, my lovely editor Viktor Huber did. It’s the “story of Swimming” in 3 minutes.