2023 - What now?

 

All you will see over the next few hours will be everyone wishing all their family and friends a Happy New Year. All the best for 2023. Hope this year is better than the last one. Here's to a wonderful and peaceful 2023. Blah, blah, fucking blah! Now I'm not here to be a new year Scrooge, but what I am doing is speaking my mind and looking back to what a complete shit show 2022 was and the next will most probably be. 

So in 2022, we saw the cost of living rise to unrealistic levels in the UK, COVID being knocked on the head, a Russian megalomaniac cunt knocker invade an independent country, the cost of fuel going through the roof, jobs being lost, people dying, people being born, a long-reigning monarch dying, the weather going nuts giving the UK the hottest summer on record and every fucker going on strike.

Well what has 2023 got in store? Pretty much the same to honest with you, except the weather perhaps. Now let's start with obvious shall we? After World War 2, leaders around the world said they would never let history repeat itself and the horrific events Hitler and the Nazis committed. Yet, in 2022, history repeated itself and it took a while before anyone got off their arse and did something. I mean seriously? You've got a complete mental bell-end throwing his toys out of his pram like a spoilt brat, who decides he wants the Ukraine, lies to the world saying I'm not going to invade your all deluded, invades Ukraine blaming the country being run by Nazis, killing thousands of innocent people, threatens other nations that if they get involved they'll be consequences, his troops then decide to commit mass murder and rape children while the world stands back, threatened by this school boy bullying cunt and doesn't stand up to him, by saying fuck you I won't do what you tell me, ganging up on the prick and help secure a country that he has no right invading. Instead, we just send money and weapons, ruffle Zelensky's hair and say there you go son. As a result, the world is now suffering while this complete fuckwit holds it all hostage. You've got China who are now paranoid, invading their patrons rights and causing all kinds of shit. Behave yourselves China! You've got North Korea who are still silly buggers. Jesus, the world has gone to shit and there we are all saying Happy New Year, all the best for 2023! Fuck off!

So what if World War 3 is triggered by countries helping out Ukraine. We have been lied to when we were told history wouldn't repeat itself. Yet it has! Why are standing by watching a country fight for its freedom? It doesn't need pocket money, it needs the bigger person to stand up to the bully and tell him to fuck off!

But while that happens, the UK has gone to complete shit. Our government are complete fucking joke, yet, somehow there still in power! How??? You've got the government throwing money at other countries to help with aid, yet our country is on its arse with yet another recession, families having to go to food banks, because they cannot afford to live despite many of them having two jobs, fuel is through the fucking roof, gas and electricity is through the roof, but the government have said, we'll help by giving you some money towards it. How about helping bring the cost down and stop reaping the profits from all the taxes. How about putting money back in people's pockets permanently? When fuel hit £2 a litre, the government said they'll knock 5p off. Whoopy fucking do! That did nothing! Instead, garages just increased the cost of fuel to cover the 5p loss, and made things worse. In the UK, there is two taxes on fuel, if the government got rid of one, it would make it so much cheaper. But the greedy bastards won't, We are all fed some bullshit, that we're pretty much told to believe it or else. Its got that bad that every fucker is striking!

So while you're wishing everyone a happy new year. Just think about what I've said. It maybe a new year, but its still the same old shit.

2017 - What a Year!

WHAT the fuck have I just lived through the past twelve months??
The past year has been a huge rollercoaster of emotion. I've gone from starting the year on a high to being incredibly pissed off by March, being given a great opportunity in April, while ending the year with hope that 2018 will actually be decent one, which I can reflect on with some hope without some pricks ruining it.

The next few paragraphs will most probably offend many, but I don't care, if you've read my rants in the past then you know there's no holding back.

So where do I start? Well lets get the rants out of the way! 

What started off as a great, promising year was quickly ruined by an attention seeking possessed doll and someone who couldn't handle the responsibility of their job. But after that was resolved, those people were put in their place when karma kicked their arse. 

After that hitch, I still found it hard to get a job because many didn't want a forty-two year old working for them. I was actually told by one employer that I was 'too qualified' for a job. What kind of bullshit excuse is that? Anyway, I soon became a volunteer on a local television show, where I began to fulfil my dream career as an editor and that also saw me go in front of the camera too. And to this day I'm still volunteering and enjoying working on that show. So thank you Dave for the opportunity! 

That show also spawned other work as a director (yes you read correctly, a television director) for LUTV, overseeing their home games being broadcasting to international audiences, something I thought would be daunting, but is a great job to do. 

Summer kind of flew by, as I began sorting out my future, planning a new business opportunity with a old friend. Some people finally got to see the true colours of one person, and I actually got to see a lot of my daughter, who this year started secondary school (fuck where have the past eleven years gone!?!).

I ended this year, working on a feature as a Digital Imaging Technician (a job which I found a bit boring to be honest) but the cast were great, some I got to know well and some of the production team were a decent bunch too. It was my first feature to work on as a crew member, however the only criticism I have go towards some people on set, who, I have to say need to remove their heads from one's arse. It was the old, if your face fits bollocks. 

I have always wanted to pursue a career in film or television and be given the opportunity to do so has been fantastic. However, some aspects of it have been ruined by those who think they're bloody royalty and egos need severely deflating. Even the actors were more down to earth than those people. Personally I can't stand people like that. Seriously, who the hell do you think you are? Sort yourself out and stop ruining the experience for others because of your arrogant attitude towards those you don't really know. If you don't like the look of someone then don't hire them - simple. I was also warned by others in the industry that this can be the case, but to experience it myself serious woke me up to the pricks who don't deserve the work.

Another gripe of 2017, which to be honest makes me laugh and shake my head is the amount of people I have on social media who think their bloody celebrities. Honestly peeps, get a reality check please. If you want fame, then work for it. Stop posing like a dildo thinking your somebody your not. Your attitudes towards others are shocking and stop with the bloody pouting! That happened two years ago, you look like you've just passed wind during a photograph. 

Speaking of being social, my social life has been minimum this year. Not because I'm old, but its been down to the lack of friends. Many parted company after the shit storm of 2014, however, a few kept in touch and one in particular 'Terry' you're the brother from another mother. Love you matey! I know we've not had the opportunity to return to your new hometown, but we will I promise.

Also, many "friends" (yes I used speech marks, how very 1990), stopped talking to me when I finally put my foot down on those who repeatedly took the piss out of my generous nature. I've always said, if you scratch my back, I will scratch yours. Sadly, many wanted their back scratching and gave nothing back in return. So when I started saying no to these people, they took the huff and jogged on. I seriously don't have time to selfish people like that in my life. 

Before I finish I've got this question to ask.

Why the hell is stupid arsehole still in power? When he was running for President we all thought it was a joke, expecting Hillary Clinton to be the first female President. But after rigging the election (yes he fucking did and the Russians admit it), he won. What the fuck!?! So during his first year at the White House, he has proven to be another Hitler in the making. Seriously! He's a vile racist who if not taken out of power soon will trigger a nuclear war. He's tearing apart everything other Presidents have taken years to achieve. Come on America, get this fucking nazi out of the White House and make America great again.

So, despite it being a mainly shit year, I hope 2018 is so much better for everyone I know, more so for my family as we can do with it. I've worked bloody hard to get the career and life I've longed for and I'm not letting any prick ruin that. You can keep your bullshit to yourself, because the only life its going to ruin is your own. 

A Year On. Has It Been Worth It?

Its been year since I finished my degree at University and the big question people have asked me over the year is, was it worth leaving your job for? Honestly, now I reflect on things, its not been easy for someone my age and to be honest I wouldn't recommend doing it. Its been a trying year for me emotionally and mentally that has left me feeling very angry.

Those who know me and the job I wasted seventeen years of my life in, knew I had to get out of there. Four years ago, there wasn't many jobs about in my region for someone with my qualifications and experience. If I wanted to pursue a career in the film and television industry, I was told that I needed a degree as my diploma wasn't worth the paper it was written on. So as mentioned in previous blogs, I decided to take that risk and went back to full time education.

My heart has always been set on a career in the entertainment industry as an actor, editor or camera operator. I've dabbled in writing as a hobby, but never thought about doing it as a profession, mainly because my literature skills are questionable thanks to an 80's education system who failed to help struggling students like myself and paid its full attention towards those 'bright' students.

We were deemed the countries rejects and the system treated us that way. There wasn't such a thing as ADHD or anything that like that when we were growing up. If you struggled in class, you labelled a trouble causer who didn't pay attention. But the truth was, we did listen, we did try, but the education system let us down. 
I remember a pupil in my English class asking why weren't learning about Shakespeare or other great types of literature. The teacher, Mr Hargreaves said 'We were too thick to understand such masterpieces'. So I actually spoke up and said 'Well your obviously crap at your job and failed us as a teacher if that's what you think of your pupils'. I was dragged out of my seat and frogged marched to the Deputy Head. 
(Yes, back then, teachers could batter you without the threat of prosecution. It was there right to do so, apparently). 

Anyway, the Deputy Head, Mr Morgan actually sided with me on this one, and I wasn't punished. Instead I was removed from that class and placed in another one, where I did learn about many things instead of copying poetry from text books. I actually began to thrive in certain aspects of English, however, I was still never taught the work of Shakespeare, Wordsworth or even Oscar Wilde.

So now you know why despite writing many scripts and stories, I've never pursued it as a career, mainly because I lack confidence in what I've wrote.

Over the years, I have tried and tried bloody hard to make something of a career in the industry. I've seen friends go for it and become quite successful which I was envious, but was really happy for them, that they got the career they've worked hard for. 
When I've tried to get some where, I was always knocked back or offered false promises of work that never came to fruition.

From 2009, I ended up grabbing the bull by its horns and stopped relying on those selfish pricks who had no interest in helping someone else if they weren't going to reap any benefit for themselves. I was being offered a few acting jobs, I managed to get voice-over work on 'The Dark Knight Rises' soundtrack and co-hosted murder mystery meals across the North-east. I was happy again, doing what I wanted to do, but if I wanted to find a solid career in this industry, I had to go back to University to bring my skillset up to date.

The next three years flew by. I ended up with a 2.1 BA degree and no job. That's right, unless I was willing to pack up my life in the North-east and drag my family half way down the country, there were no jobs to apply for in the industry. I was going to spend the next year, scraping by on the bits of work I could get, mainly the odd day of freelance work or works experience which paid nothing more than travel expenses. 

So not wanting to fall back into long term unemployment, which to be honest, drove me insane the last time I went without a job. I looked into launching my own company with the help of the Launchpad scheme set up by Teesside University. What a fucking waste of time that was!! I can honestly say to anyone around my age bracket, who has a family to support and is suggesting on doing this plan - DON'T!!! 

I was dangled a right dodgy carrot to get me on board and I was an idiot for thinking I could catch it. The only good thing about it, was that I was introduced to a great mentor, who sadly agrees with me on the way we've both been treated throughout the process.
I was promised funding that equated to six months pay, to help me during my start up process. Never got it! The same month I joined, the application form wasn't available and six months later, resurfaced with different rules on how applicants received this funding. I went for it and was told I didn't qualify. 

All the funding that was promised, never surfaced and was later scrapped after changes were made to the scheme. I was trying to start a business, which became very hard to do with broken promises. Not even key staff would answer your emails of enquires without a kick up the arse.

Now I feel like I've had my entire time wasted as I've been told that my privileges are being withdrawn and I'm no longer entitled to the mentoring I was promised at the start. What the fuck??? Why? Because of the whole system has yet again changed. You no longer get the opportunities originally offered to you. You now have to go on a workshop over a six week period, which at the end of it, you have to pitch for funding which your not guaranteed on getting. So you put in all that time and effort in for nothing. You come away with a little more knowledge on how to run your business and that's it! How can someone with my priorities do such as thing? I need a job or funding to help support my family while I try to make ends meet. Its all about tick the boxes and make ourselves look good bullshit!

The same can be said about some companies. Even though many will deny it, but agism is vast within employment. Many companies aren't interested in the experienced anymore. Its more about exploiting the young so they can be paid less and save the company money. I've applied for so many jobs over the past year, and I've only had two companies come back to me, either with an interview or to tell me I was unsuccessful getting to the interview stage. 

One company I applied to was a thriving production company here in the North-east. I ticked all the boxes for a job that was being offered, so I applied. I was refused an interview. Why? Because of my age! They'll deny it, but I actually spoke to someone on the interview board, who later saw my resume and openly admitted I was ideal for the job and it was likely that the manager, who is in his twenties, didn't want anyone older than him working for the company, hence why he withdrew my application. I even offered my freelance services via their website and have been told, thanks but no thanks.

Out of desperation and hoping a full-time job may come of it, I applied for a three month internship at the University in a job I was more than qualified to do and along with a colleague and former class mate, actually did a sterling job. However, that great experience ended badly, and is something I now whole heartedly regret accepting thanks to all the bullshit that occurred in the last two weeks, which I can't go into detail for legal reasons.

The only bit of positivity that's come of my career move, is that I have managed to get the odd bit of work experience, working for the BBC and Sky, but if I wanted to add to the experience to boost my resume, I've had to do a lot of voluntary work, which to be honest, I haven't minded doing because I enjoy doing the work and its been local so I've not been that much out of pocket. Its this type of work, which has landed me an editing job as well as television presenting on a local tv channel. Yeah it still doesn't help pay the bills, but its my foot in the door and I've got there because of my own persistence and fucking off those who have wasted my time. 

So overall, all I can say is that, yeah I do mainly regret going back into full-time education, especially in the industry I want to pursue a career in. As I've said I've got a lot of the work myself, but if your aged around thirty and over, thinking about a move back into full-time education, have a bloody good look into whether or not its going to be worth it, especially if you've got a family to support. Unless your in an ideal situation to move your family to London, then don't do it! Its been hell! Too many false promises and being shit on from a great height. 

Life Moves Pretty Fast!

Three years ago I made the bold step and quit my job of seventeen years to pursue a career in the film and television industry, but to do this, my diploma which I gained twenty-three years ago, was no longer a suitable  qualification, therefore I had to look at returning to full-time education to get a degree, so I was eligible again to apply for jobs within the industry. 

To be honest it wasn't the hardest decision to make as I was at breaking point with my job, but my main concern was paying the bills that needed to be paid. After looking into the financial support I could receive for returning to full-time education as a mature student, I applied and got into all my university choices, and opted to go to Teesside University in Middlesbrough.

The course duration was three years, even though I was given the opportunity to attend for only two years thanks to my professional background. I opted to start from the beginning to refresh my skills, bringing me up to date the digital revolution. 

To say I was anxious to start full-time education was an understatement. I was a 38 year old, newly married man with two kids, about to mingle with people half my age, who were fresh out of college, and one of the thoughts that was going through my head was 'Am I going to fit in?' 

The answer was yes! From day one, my classmates overlooked the twenty year age gap, especially as I wasn't the only one in their 30's on that course, which relaxed me further. Everyone was friendly and we all began to build on some great friendships. 

Over the next three years, I began to improve on my skills, something my job or should I say my bosses held me back on. I got to work with industry standard equipment, had plenty of work experience and got to work as a freelancer on a few short films and other projects, which have boosted my resume, giving me a better shot at progressing my career within the film and television industry.

When I started University, I was still unsure on what career path to take, as I had been working as an actor, voice-over artist, editor and camera operator for the past twenty-years. I got to work along side some great people, who became good friends, and it was these friends who also gave me the kick up the arse, telling me to get my degree and pursue my career as I was wasted in my job. 

Thankfully, these friends knew what they were talking about, especially as they've now got thriving careers in both television and film industry as editors and as actors. After a nice lengthy talk with one of the lecturers, it finally became clear which role I should pursue as a career - editing. I had dabbled in editing over the past couple of years, some of my work had already been aired on television on 'Road Wars' which aired on Sky 1, and on local news segments. But when I put things into perspective, the two roles I enjoyed doing were acting and editing, mainly because of the challenges each role could offer, and those who know me, know I enjoy a bloody good challenge. 

So believing three years was a long time to get myself together and build my path as an editor, I'm now sat here writing this and thinking 'Where the hell as the past three years gone?'. I feel like I've not accomplished anything, but looking back at my filmography, I've done a hell of a lot, more so in the past three years than I've done over the past twenty years. However, as graduation looms, I am shitting bricks at the thought of not getting a job, especially as the financial support has come to an end, and over the past three years, I've found it very difficult to get a part-time job of some kind as most companies have been looking at younger employees instead of people my age, as they believe they are more management material. Which in a way is true, but in my eyes its more age discrimination, and it seems to me that experience means nothing these days.

In hindsight of my little rant, over the past three years University has not only introduced me to some great people and professionals within the industry, but to some good friends. 

I've re-established my friendship with James (left), who I've known since I was 18, and we'd lost touch when our lives took us on different paths. James contacted me on Facebook, saying he too was ditching his job and pursuing another career to which brought him back to full-time education at Teesside University, and over the past couple of months, we've had a bloody good catch up and even joined forces on the radio, where we got to present our show 'Wednesday Weekender', which sadly comes to an end next week. 

As for my other friends I've made over the past three years, all I can say is that you have been a great bunch of talented people, whom I am going to miss chatting with over a coffee, in the pub, on our lunch breaks or when we've been working on productions together. Its weird how quickly you can take things for granted, but you know after graduation, we'll probably never see each other together like this again, unless its at our twenty year reunion, to which I'll be sixty year old pensioner, and hopefully many of us will have got our dream jobs and be either too busy to meet up or living in another country.

My gran wasn't kidding when she told me that life passes you by the minute you leave school, and this was also reflected in one of my favourite films 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off', when Matthew Broderick says "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it". Life does throw a lot of shit in your direction, nobody comes up smelling of roses, life is hard and before you know it twenty years has passed, never mind three. So on that note all I can say is, don't take anything for granted, live life to the max with few regrets, stay safe and good luck to everyone in their careers, whatever path you may choose to walk on. Its been an absolute pleasure knowing you all and I hope our paths will cross again sooner, rather than later. 

Good luck everyone! 

Is Online Television The Way Forward?

Since the launch of television in the 1930's, broadcasting has come a long way in the past eighty years. From the UK going from four channels (BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV and Channel 4) in the eighties, to now having over a hundred channels available via satellite, cable and with over seventy channels on standard digital television. But what does the future hold for television as we know it? Well with internet speeds going from a crappy 28k dial-up to over 50mb broadband, we're seeing more online streaming services surfacing such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which are beginning to dominate our television screens. Even Sky have jumped on the online bandwagon by launching Now TV, offering a handful of its entertainment channels such as Sky 1 and Fox, along with their movie and sports channels as a cheaper alternative to cable and satellite, which you receive by buying a rebranded Roku box for £9.99, or via their Now TV app available on Smart TV's, Pads and now mobile phones. With various alternatives to watch online TV and on-demand services being readily and cheaply available, could this spell the end for television as we know it?

Picture: BBC

Last year, the BBC announced that it was to close BBC Three and make it available online only due to cutting financial costs. This caused a bit of a stir amongst its loyal viewers, especially as this has grown to be a popular channel since its launch in 2003. However, since its announcement, they've been unable to secure the rights to shows such as Family Guy and American Dad, because of security issues with the BBC iPlayer, therefore the BBC had to move most of its popular programmes to their other channels BBC 1 and 2, losing some of its popular US imports like Family Guy to ITV. 

So what are the benefits of online broadcasting? Well, it can be a cheap alternative I suppose. There's no expensive broadcasting equipment required other than a decent streaming server and a reliable broadband connection. There's also alternative apps available which allow you to watch HD quality channels from the US and around the world without the need of satellite equipment being installed. Another benefit, especially to UK audiences is that on-demand television allows you to watch what you want, when you want, dismissing the watershed which is imposed on UK television stations so you can't watch anything other than PG rated material before 9pm. So unless you've got Sky or Now TV, who's movie channels are no longer required to operate under the watershed regulations because they use the pin protection software on its boxes. British television can be quite limited during the day with constant edited movies and crappy daytime programming, unlike our european neighbours who can watch programmes and movies like The Deer Hunter uncut in the afternoon on free television. Yeah, television should still be monitored so you don't get propaganda and sick images on our screens, but viewers should be given the freedom to make their own decisions on what they want to watch, like they do in most european countries. However in the UK, our government and OFCOM won't allow it, and we're still being told these are the programmes you're offered and that's it until 9pm, then you can watch what you want. Which coming from an adults perspective, takes the piss really as it shows these people don't trust you in being a responsible adult, especially if you've got kids. They're excuse is that the watershed is there to protect viewers from seeing inappropriate material. Hang on, we've got the internet, which at a click of a mouse, can give you hardcore pornography, more graphic than what is allowed on UK porn channels. There's also You Tube and Live Leak, which allow its viewers, again with a simple click can access thousands of graphic content videos. Yet in the UK, you're not trusted to either turn over the channel or turn off the television if something offends you or isn't appropriate to children. The main culprit is bad language in films and programmes. The UK was quite strict with this especially after the watershed, but in the last twenty years, broadcasters have become more relaxed, where we can watch a film or television programme uncut after 9pm which can contain strong language. More recently, milder language such as 'piss' and 'arse' is now heard in daytime television, mainly in US programmes, but words such as 'shit' and 'bastard' are still censored until after 7pm on some channels, despite OFCOM actually giving the broadcasters the choice to allow PG rated mild language to be broadcast before the 9pm watershed, but they still opt not to do so. 

Picture: Wired.com

So, from all that, online television could be an advantage in that it will give viewers more freedom to watch what they want, as the technology will be there to allow all broadcasters to use a pin protection system which Sky and Virgin Media are currently using. 

But before I go in to the advantages of online television, let's first look at the disadvantages. The first being the UK needs a stable broadband connection. At present, a good percentage of the country still can't receive broadband, and unless you're willing to pay a fortune to receive broadband via a satellite or if you're lucky enough to be in a 3G/4G signal area, you're still receiving the internet via dial up speeds. For some reason, Wii-Max hasn't taken off in the UK which would really help rural areas out and give customers high broadband speeds without the need to dig up your driveway for fibre optic cables to be installed, along with a £150 bill for the work. So for the BBC to say, that they're placing one of its channels online only, and the fact some folk are still unable to subscribe or receive on-demand television because of their poor internet connection is a further kick in the teeth for them. Plus, buffering is a major issue for some in busy broadband areas, because they're not receiving the speeds they pay for because of busy networks. So what is the use watching a channel, which keeps buffering every minute or so, because your internet is struggling. Another issue would be programming content as receiving online channels from other countries is easily done, because VPN can override geo-blocking which a lot of networks use to stop people from outside the UK or US receiving subscription or exclusive channels. So unless you can guarantee the copyright holders to a film or programme that your online channel can only be received by the country its intended for, then you've got no chance of bringing quality programming to your viewers unless you're making high quality material yourself. Finally, you can't record from online television unless you buy the expensive kit that will allow you to do so. But if you manage to pay for that, you're going back to the old VHS days, where you can only record and watch one channel. So until TiVo technology comes out for online television, or the channels place everything they show on a catch up basis, you're more likely to miss your favourite show. Finally, could online television lead to more people watching on-demand television over live television? Its possible as a good percentage of UK viewers are watching a lot of on-demand television these days. So unless broadcasters look at how on-demand television can keep them going financially, live TV could become a thing of the past as I've said previously in this thread, people would rather watch what they want, when they want. 

Picture: VHS Recorder from 1982

What about the advantages then? Well I mentioned earlier that it could open the door on television schedules being improved, especially in the UK where the watershed dominates what we can watch during the day, unless you've got the Sky Movie Channels, Amazon Prime or Netflix. It could also be used to reduce piracy by opening the geo-blockade and allow US channels and their on-demand counterparts to be made available in other countries allowing for programmes such as Game of Thrones to be shown at the same time everywhere, which could possibly reduce downloads by those who are having to wait a long time to see these programmes. Okay, this could have financial implications on the production companies or networks who rely on their rights being snapped up by foreign broadcasters, but would it really be a massive dent in their finances? Well, let's say if the US version of HBO was made available to the UK, via subscription, then they would see an increase in subscribers. Also, broadcasters such as Sky Atlantic, who like to model themselves on being the UK version of HBO, would still be able to purchase the rights to programmes like Game of Thrones, as people would use them as a second chance to catch their favourite HBO programmes. This would be the same for other channels who have purchased the rights to broadcast US imports on UK television, its actually a win-win situation. Reduce piracy, gain more subscribers! It could also help shows that are lacking in viewers and could avoid them in being cancelled after one or two seasons. If a programme doesn't do well in America, then its canned. The US networks don't care about whether or not its doing great anywhere else, but again, if their channel is freely available elsewhere, this could boost the survival of a programme as it would gain more viewers. As for scheduling, this isn't a problem. Yes there's a five to seven hour time difference between the UK and US, but if recording facilities were available for online television, then this wouldn't be a problem, unless your a die-hard fan then you'll stay up and watch the damn thing.

One more advantage would be that it could open the door to provider competition. At present in the UK, you've got Sky dominating the market, with Virgin a second best for subscription channels, with Netflix closing in on them, but other than that, its Freeview or Freesat for those not wanting subscription television. However, on Freeview HD, online television has begun to surface, with several choices from the likes of VuTV offering subscription channels such as Comedy Central and Cartoon Network via broadband if you're box or Smart TV is compatible. So what's not stopping new providers bringing out their own online boxes, offering a range of channels from around the world? Unless Sky fully jump on the online bandwagon, this could be a game changer for television viewers, being offered alternative channels without the need of a satellite dish or a cable box being installed.

Summing up then, if broadcasters actually took time out at looking into the possibilities of online television and the doors that it could open, not just for them, but to advertisers, sponsors and increase their subscription revenues. Online television in my opinion is certainly the way forward.

Am I Missing The Point Here?

Picture: Fanbase.com

Jeremy Clarkson has finally gone and done it. After a bust up with his producer over food in a hotel while on location, the BBC have suspended him after numerous warnings over his past behaviour. So what am I missing here? Why are hundred of thousands people supporting his actions? Forgive me if I'm wrong, but if a member of staff within any company was violent towards another member of staff, then they would be disciplined, no? So why are people supporting his actions? Now I love watching Top Gear and I don't mind Clarkson, but if he's struck a work colleague, then he needs to face up to the consequences which yeah, could be the sack. So I ask the question again. Why are public, including David Cameron, showing their support for him? If this happened to you, would you like it if you're attacker took this piss of the situation on public television? Yeah, thought as much.

First Year Done!

I cannot believe its been nearly six months since I last blogged anything on here! Well, I've actually been quite busy of late and now I can finally sit down and begin to blog again, amongst other things. So, what have I been doing? Well before I answer that, let me ask you this... How many of you are sitting at or at work or at home, wishing you were doing the job of your dreams? 
For the past twenty years, I've been pursuing the career I always wanted since being a kid - working in the film or television industry. Over those twenty years, I've had some work within the industry working as an actor, voice-over artist, editor and camera operator. However, along side all that, I was also working in a full-time job. A job which I began in 1996, at the same time I was offered an extra's role in Luc Besson's The Fifth Element, which was soon going to be filming at Pinewood Studios. Christ! What do I choose? A full time secure job, or getting an opportunity to be part of a Luc Besson movie? Well, I opted for the secure full time job, something to this day, I totally regret accepting. Now don't get me wrong, over those seventeen years I have met some great people. But, I loved working on film sets more, and I enjoyed the buzz I felt every time I stepped on to a set. Then when the fun was over, it was time to go back to my normal dull job, sitting in an office, bored, stuffing crap in my face to pass the time away. All the time I was wishing I didn't take that gap year in 1994 and went on to University, to get my degree and pursuing the career of my dreams. How many of you can relate to similar circumstances? 

Well, the events that took place over the next year was going to be a life changer. Not only had I suffered from a medical condition which gave me a disability, preventing me from being able to place one foot in front of the other without falling on my arse. But, the intimidation I quietly suffered over the years at work, stepped up a notch, and began to include bullying. This was the thanks I received from working in the public sector for seventeen years. Well, after being screwed over by my supervision with his lies, forcing me back to a workplace, which didn't even properly cater for my disability, despite my supervisor claiming they would. I made a life changing decision and applied to go back to full-time education and got a place at University to finally study for my degree in film and television production. 
My notice was handed in along with a big cheesy grin as I was finally breaking free from that dead end job - yay!

On September 23rd 2013, I started the first day of the rest of my life. I was a student again, I was finally doing something I always wanted to do. But as quick as that, I am now finishing my first year. Over the past eight months, I have met some great people on my course. I have learnt new things and been brought up to date the skills I already had and next Wednesday, is my last day as a first year student and its been - educational.

So what's the moral of this story? Well, all I'm saying is, if you're one of those people who are in a dead end job and want to better yourself, improve your skills, do something you've dreamt of doing. Then go for it! Its never too late and you can be never too old to go to University. Life is too short for pondering on the 'what if' scenario. Go and live your dreams. 

Maggie Thatcher Dies

Milk Thief

Well, who would have thought Maggie Thatcher would be causing more problems after her death?
The people of the United Kingdom have cheered, mourned and even got the record 'Ding-Dong The Witch is Dead' into the UK Top Ten charts. 

I grew up in the 1980's, when Mrs Thatcher was beginning to make a right old noise and showing true Conservative power by pretty much shitting on the poor to make the rich more wealthy. Hmm, similar kind of story with our current Conservative government today.
She crippled the working class by hiking VAT from 8% to 17.5%, stopped free milk for school children, caused a massive rise in unemployment, tried to reduce what powers trade union's had resulting in several strikes including the massive miners' strike, which saw the closure of several mines and the loss of thousands of jobs across the country. But the best was yet to come with the introduction of the Poll Tax which would see rioting in London before eventually being forced out of power by her own party and leadership handed to John Major (erm.. sounds familar *cough* Tony Blair and Gordon Brown).

As soon as her death was announced on the BBC News at One on the 8th of April. The country was soon divided by the news. Many celebrated and held street parties, while other's mainly supporters of Thatcher mourned and vented their disgust at people's comments and celebrations. But what's really annoyed many of the UK citizen's is that Thatcher is to have a ceremonal funeral with full military honours costing the tax payer £8 million. Money which the current Conservative government claimed we didn't have resulting in job cuts and tax increases. Then, oh no, Maggie dies and we now have £8 million to spend on a person more than half the country hated, and had every reason to do so. But this just proves my point regarding the government, they take from poor to give to the rich. Maggie Thatcher in my opinion doesn't deserve such a send off unlike many previous Prime Minister's that did. She was just an old lady with health problems who didn't give a shit about the people of this country, she was someone who did a job and was sacked by her own government and I bet if this country was still under a Labour government, she would not have got the funeral the television networks will ram down our throats on Wednesday. But not many of us will be watching that crap as they'll be thousands of tax payers lining up outside the tax offices across the UK demanding a refund.

May God have mercy on her soul!

Exploitation For The Love Of Money

A Good Day To Die Hard - Out Now In Cinemas

Should the BBFC allow studios to make changes to their adult themed films in order to receive a lower rating?
I say a big fat - NO!

This comes to light since the release of the new Die Hard movie in the UK, where Fox and the BBFC have received a slating from fans of the franchise.
Fox approached the BBFC with a workprint of the movie and asked what rating they would receive.
Originally, the BBFC offered a '15' rating uncut, however they gave them optional changes which could be made in order to receive a '12A' rating.

For those who aren't familiar with UK ratings. 12A is like the PG-13 rating, where the film is suitable for persons aged 12 and over, but persons under 12 can view the film with an adult or guardian. The film content is limited on its violence, sex and strong language however, a limited use of the f-word can be used throughout the film.

Fox came back with a finished print taking the suggested cuts on board and the BBFC rated the film '12A'. However, it looks like the UK are the only country (could be wrong) who have received a watered down version of the movie.

So in a time where people are blaming games, movies and television for violence in society (and not the fact that violent people have issues to begin with). Is it right, the BBFC should be making suggestions to studios so adult themed movies like Die Hard can receive a rating where kids can see these films? No is the answer! The BBFC should be looking movies like this and ask 'Is it really suitable for kids?'.

Now in all honesty we know full well why Fox have opted for a lower rating - money! So here we have another argument. Exploiting kids to adult themed movies at the cinema in order to receive a few extra bucks. Shouldn't the BBFC be doing something to stop this explotation in censorship by not offering suggestions to studios so films like Die Hard can't receive a lower rating?
Another reason, especially more-so in the UK is releasing 'uncut' versions of movies on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Ripping Off Customers with Uncut Versions

Customers in the UK have always in my opinion, been victims to a rip-off market, more so with DVD and Blu-Ray films.
Live Free or Die Hard aka Die Hard 4.0 in the UK, suffered the same treatment at the cinemas. It was butchered in order to receive a '12A' rating, then on DVD received a '15' rating uncut. Why? To make more money.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind 'uncut' or 'director cut' versions of films such as 'Big' or 'Blade Runner' where the additional footage wasn't cut from the cinema release in order to receive a lower certificate, but the director's chose not to use the footage as they didn't think it was suitable to use for running time or pace purposes.
But more recently, I've noticed films that have received a '12A' rating are getting the 'uncut' treatment later on and it is down to ripping off customers as a majority of these 'uncut' versions only have minutes of extra footage where strong language and minor cuts to violence have been restored.

Overall then, should the BBFC put a stop to studios exploiting kids to adult themed films by not offering them alternative ratings? Yes is the answer!

How The Mighty Fall

As the UK Prime Minister says the country is out of the recession. Within a week of photographic giants Jessops going into administration and closing its shops after 90 years. Big music giant HMV today have also called in the administrators.
HMV has retail stores worldwide and has been seen as the main retailer for music and video - until now that is.

So what the hell happened? Is the recession to blame along with the Government for not doing enough to save businesses from failing? Or is technology bringing down retail giants to their knees?

Personally, I think both have had a part to play. The Government hiked VAT up from 17.5% to 20% raising prices and increasing the cost to run a business. This rise in VAT was frowned upon by many, but the Government stood their ground and raised it to 20%.
Recently, the Government announced plans to raise VAT further to 25%, which could mean more well-known businesses could end up knocking on the administrators door, putting more people out of work. It would also mean less money in the customer's pocket as fuel would become more expensive amongst other household bills.
However, this has yet to be given the green light as the announcement has angered many MP's and members of the E.U. have actually spoke up telling the Government to lower VAT and not raise it to help move the economy. But as per usual, this plea has fallen onto deaf ears and the Government continue on to put us back into the recession.

In saying all that with the growth of technology, faster broadband and cheaper online retailers - is there really any shock value to the news of HMV going under? Not really, no.
I personally found HMV to be expensive on a lot of its goods. For example, last year I bought the Alien Blu-ray box set for £18 in Tesco. It was also the same price in other high street and online retailers who sold it for around the same price. However in HMV, you could buy the same box set for £40. That's a big difference, but in their defence, HMV have had decent sales on such as 5 Blu-Ray discs for £30 and the more recent blue-cross sale knocking 25% of its displayed price.
Unfortunately, these sales haven't helped the company from going under because the online market is under cutting their competition with ease.

What high street retailers should be doing is taking on these cheap online retailers head on and match their prices. At present, customers would be willing to wait three days for a item which they bought a hell of lot cheaper than what they could in a high street store. If a high street retailer matched or under cut its online competition they could see a rise in profits as people would most probably opt to make their purchases in store rather than waiting those three days.

However, with faster broadband speeds now available in the UK, a lot of people are preferring to download their music, games and films rather than buy a hard copy. Why? Space saving is one reason with no CD or DVD cases cluttering up room space. As for other reasons, well, shopping from home is the big thing now. People would rather buy online in the comfort of their own homes, plus you can shop with non UK online retailers being able to buy a product not available in the UK.

Overall then, are we really surprised to see well-known high street retailers disappear? I think not.

Taking A Bite Of The Apple

WTF is going on with Apple?
They seem to be shunning the old in favour of the new. And many of you probably know full well what I'm on about. If you don't, then let me enlighten you a bit more shall I? iOS6.

Seriously Apple, what the hell are you playing at? Oh yeah we've a made some major changes to the iPhone iOS which has hundreds of new features, but the downside to it is that its not really compatible with anything lower than the iPhone 4S.

I myself own an iPhone 4, my girlfriend has a iPhone 4S. We both upgraded to the new iOS6 around the same time, but as soon as my phone reboots I suddenly get plagued by 'Fixed Dialling Active' constantly flashing up on screen and 95% of the time I see 'No Service' appear where I used to see a full strength 3G signal. Where as my girlfriend hasn't had a problem.
So thinking my sim card was playing up I get a new one from my local O2 store, who are just more confused than me at these sudden problems that non-iPhone 4S/5 are experiencing.

As expected the problems persist, so I contact Apple, who talk me through a series of 'solutions' to repair my phone. Guess what? They didn't work either and Apple's response was 'its your iPhone and there's nothing more we can do because your iPhone is out of warranty. You need to take it to your local Apple store (50 miles away) to have it checked'. Seriously? So I've got to put up with the issue until I happen to drive into Newcastle one day and have Apple check out my iPhone.

After looking online for another solution knowing full well that my iPhone wasn't at fault and it was the iOS firmware. I noticed that it wasn't just me experiencing the problem.
Customers who had upgraded their firmware to iOS6 all experienced the 'No Service' issue and no-one had any solution on how to fix it.
Great! We've now got a phone where we're not getting a full service and there's nothing we can do about it except suffer.

Then a shimmer of light appeared in the form of an announcement by Apple to say they were releasing an update to fix a connectivity problem. Yay! I jumped for joy. Someone has fixed the problem. We can use our phone's as normal again.

A couple of days later, I get the message that there is a firmare update available. Click on it only to read that it has nothing to do with the 'No Service' issue, but a WiFi connectivity issue iPhone 4S/5 users were experiencing. Ah right great! Bollocks to the rest of your customers who are experiencing 'No Service' issues then eh?

But to add insult to injury, Apple only then stop us from downgrading back to 5.1.1. Fan-plucking-tastic! Not only give us software that isn't compatible, but stop us from going back to a firmware which worked fine.

I continue to look online for any further developments, only to find one. Turn off the 3G setting. Okay, no harm in this and hey presto I finally get a stable signal. Go back to 3G and I lose my signal again. So, until Apple pull the cores from out their arse and either fix the problem or allow it's users to downgrade back to 5.1.1, we have to continue to use a restricted, slow service.

Thanks Apple! Thanks for nothing!

How The Poor Will Fall!

So, almost month after the UK budget and the country is no further on in moving the economy because of the fat cat government who this year robbed from the poor to give to the rich.

Their most recent incentive to take more money of the general is to slap residents of the United Kingdom with a green tax - Yes, you read right there!
The Tories as the Toff's like to call themselves, managed to con the country years ago when they convinced the public to convert their cars from dirty environment damaging 4-star leaded petrol to a greener petrol called 'Unleaded'.

Now, the government say that unleaded petrol is damaging the environment therefore people should stop using their cars and use public transport instead. They've also hiked the price of car tax up for many, along with fuel prices which at the time of writing this blog stands at 1.44p a litre ($2.28 a litre, €1.75 a litre).
So how the hell are the average working class family supposed to keep a car running on a low wage or afford to use public transport? Public transport isn't an option for a lot of people, so its all good and proper the government telling us to use public transport especially when most of those lazy sods get driven around anyway!

The Cuntservatives and the arse kissing Lib Dems seriously need to stop putting their needs and the needs of the rich first and start helping the rest of the country before their isn't a country to run.

People can only take so much before they brake and it won't be long before we have more riots on our hands because the working class folk will be sick of not being to enjoy a family day out, have decent food on their table or have a well deserved holiday, because all their wage goes on nothing more than trying to keep a roof over their heads. Something which a good amount of the population are trying very hard to do.

Cut VAT, scrap fuel duty, do something you fat greedy bastards that we will all profit from and get this country out of the recession.

In the Press.

© Reuters

Well let's start with the sad news of singer and actress Whitney Houston.
A great musical talent who like Michael Jackson, has now left a great void in the music industry with her untimely death.

At the time of publishing, there is (as usual) rumours and speculation to how she died. But the truth behind her death won't be known for a while, so instead of pondering on what's happened, just remember how she lived.


Snow Joke!

Europe is freezing its ass off as temperatures plummet to -30C. 

Countries such as Rome, South of France and Spain who all should enjoying Spring like weather right now are being hit with snow storms causing huge problems. 

However, for once the UK has escaped the big freeze with the country having its first major snowfall this winter last week as temperatures dipped to around -18C. But this was short lived as temperatures have since risen back into double figures for some parts.

UK Petrol Price Update.

Well nothing much has really happened. 

The British government have done sweet fanny adams into getting prices down as they refuse to do anything help. 

In the UK, petrol is taxed twice (yes twice!) basically because our government is... well, greedy!

If the government removed one of these taxes, that would bring fuel costs right down in line with most of Europe and the U.S., but they won't. Why? Because it would leave a big hole in their pockets that's why. 

It makes me laugh when the government keep borrowing to help with the recession and the country's debt. However, we as people get advisers telling us that obtaining another loan to pay off a loan is wrong and will only get you into more debt. So what the hell are the government doing then?

Why don't the government just make sufficient cuts not just to public services, but to things that will make a difference and help get the economy moving again such as VAT.

They sit there in Parliament with their smug looks, thinking they're all doing us a favour when the truth is - you're making matters worse! 

If they cut taxes, petrol prices and more, they would see the economy begin to move as people will have the money to spend again.

But this is only a pipe dream as the British government seriously don't care about the UK people, just themselves and their pockets.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year and All the best for 2012 everybody!

I can't believe another year has gone, but let's hope this year is a better and more peaceful one or is that asking too much?

So let's recap last year briefly shall we?
Okay, so Bin Laden was killed as was Colonel Gaddafi. London rioted over several things and started a new trend is retail shopping.
The British government, fuel and energy providers, local councils shafted us all by continuing raise bills, cut services and tell the public sector workers they'll be working for longer but receiving less pension.

Prince William got married to Kate, Prince Philip spent Christmas in hospital after under going heart surgery.
US pulled its troops out of Iraq, Kim Jong-Il died leaving his son in charge who recently told the world nothing is going to change.
Egypt and Libya joined other countries and removed their government from power after having enough of their crap. While finally Iran is accused of creating nuclear weapons by the West, but is preparing hold talks with everyone to clear the mess up.

As for Hollywood, there were plenty of remakes, sequels and new original movies kicking ass at the box office including Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Paul and The Inbetweeners Movie.

TV didn't escape is share of problems with Charlie Sheen being sacked from Two and a Half Men over his comments about the show's producer.
UK X-Factor had its fair share of controversy with accusations of vote rigging being thrown about after Amelia Lily's winning song hit the shelves before the winner was officially announced. However, Amelia came third and Little Mix won just to prove that there was no rigging of the votes what-so-ever - just tactics to prove the public wrong.
Ricky Gervais presented the Golden Globes for the second time which raised a few eyebrows and complaints over his comments. Its good to hear he's presenting it for a third time this year.

Then we lost a few great celebrities over the year such as Pete Postlethwaite, Liz Taylor, Susanna York and composer John Barry to name a few.

So let's hope this year is better and those who predict the end of the world will take place this year are wrong!

All the best people! :-)

Time For Action!

Well, the economy is getting worse. America has less money than Apple Inc., and the British arrogant morons government have decided to take more money out of our pockets (money I wish to add a lot of us have very little of) by asking workers to pay around £100 a month extra into their pensions and get less when they retire. Seems fair doesn't it?

They've also noticed that nobody is really spending and things are getting worse. No shit Sherlock!

Oil companies and energy suppliers have announced billions in profit. Well good for them they deserve it. Like hell they do!

Its greedy companies like these along with our greedy government who are pushing the economy back into a recession. Well, when I say back into one, did we really come out of one?

Now the government are scratching the knob on their heads to think of another money making plan they can put together which will plummet the country further into the recession and leave us with less money that we cannot afford to part with.

What they should be doing is actually listen to the public and company directors who are all struggling and ask them what should they be doing to help. Yeah, yeah, yeah as if that will ever happen. Its been decades since a government actually listened to the people and followed up their promises, but if they did take notice to what we had to say then slowly the country will walk clear of the recession and the economy will begin grow again. Companies would be saved, people will be solvent again instead of worrying whether or not they'll have a roof over their heads in six months time and food on the table.

It seriously annoys me when the likes of BP are boasting of the profits they're making and is it a wonder why when fuel prices are so high?

If you're making so much money and boasting about it, how about you drop the bloody price of fuel and I don't mean by a penny like the government did in March thinking they were doing us a favour. You can afford to do it, but you choose not to because of greed.

In March, the government claimed they couldn't get rid of fuel duty or VAT on fuel because it would take years to process all the paperwork. Utter rubbish! They don't want to get rid of it because it would leave a big gap in their pockets - Greed!

The only way we are going to get out of this recession and build the economy back up again is to get us to spending again. How? Lower VAT from 20% down to 12%, this will make food, appliances, etc cheaper to buy again. Cut the cost of fuel down to below a £1 a litre, this will make fuel more affordable to the average family household so they can afford to go out on day trips again without worrying about how many miles they do. It will also help companies to keep their fleet of vehicles on the road and improve services. Wait a minute! If people start to go out more, they might begin to spend more. Yes they will because they'll be able to afford to! Can you start to see a pattern forming here? Shame the government can't! Cap the cost of gas and electric supplies. The recent 19% rise is unacceptable, that is pure greed from the companies who are now boasting of high profits, yet they feel the need to up their prices? Stop companies offering payday loans or force them to lower the APR down to a reasonable rate such as 19% instead of 1200%.

Already I've presented just a handful of solutions, solutions that realistic and would help the economy greatly, but it will never happen as greed will always win. 

This country seriously needs to stand up for itself and show the government enough is enough.

The only people who are getting rich are those who are taking from the poor. The government are talking from their arse when they say there's nothing more it can do to help. There is a hell of a lot they can do, they choose not to because they will begin to lose out.

Something seriously needs to be done and soon, otherwise this country will get to the point of no return and the economy will take decades to recover, especially as there are so many selfish, greedy people out there.

Butterkist and King Cones

My blog has bugger all to do with the title I just couldn't think of anything to call it.
Anyhow, hope your all well. I thought I should write something as I've not done so since March, but it has been a busy couple of months for me.

In March, I was hired to help re-write a script for a play which was due to be performed in May. So for a month I worked closely with the show's director and we managed to pull off a miracle. The show 'What the Window Cleaner Saw!' toured the part's to the UK and was an overall success. So much so that the company behind it - Northeast Producers have extended the tour, which is nice.

While that was going on, I've busy working on the series 'Solid Venom' which is being produced by Danish production company 'Skumfidus Film'.

I finished writing the first season earlier this year, with the series in pre-production stage as casting and everything else is currently being organised.

I've been asked to direct the series, but I'm only prepared to direct one or two of the episodes, which they seem happy with.

Although I had nice surprise to be sent some examples of the graphic novel to Solid Venom which is currently in production. The artwork is superb and I'm excited to see something of mine in this form.
I don't know when it'll be finished or when its due to go on sale so I'll have to keep you informed with that one as soon as I know.

As for the film I was shooting last year - 'Christian', that is to be re-shot and I'm currently rewriting the script as its now going to continue on from the Solid Venom series.

Continuing on with the writing theme, I've also began writing a new comedy sci-fi series called 'Some Kind of Heroes'. I'm not allowed to give too much away at present until the scripts have been approved, but I'm quite excited about this one.

Anyhow time to chew the fat.

One subject that I know is on everyone's mind in the UK is the price of petrol.
I'm sorry but why is it so frigging expensive again? Mmm, wait... its because we've got a greedy Government!

Okay, yeah I know that the price of Crude Oil and the Dollar has something to do with it too, but its still not an excuse to have it so expensive in the UK compared with mainland Europe.

In France the cost of Unleaded is £1.10 a litre and Diesel is 94p a litre.

So why is it £1.34 for Unleaded and £1.40 for Diesel in the UK??? Why is Diesel so more expensive in the UK that mainland Europe? There is no excuses of it other than its filling the fat-arsed MP's pockets that's all.

This country is on its arse financially, yet our Government feel need to bail out every other country from their financial problems including the banks and its us, the taxpayer that get's the bill for it all. But do we get any financial help to help us pay for everyday things? No! Has our wages increased? No!

In my opinion, if the country wants to get out of this financial struggle, then lower the cost of everything to get people spending again. Without us spending, the financial problem isn't going to get better.
How is the rise in VAT and fuel bills amongst other things helping the economy? It isn't! Who are the ones benefiting from these rises? I'll give you a clue - it isn't us.

Our shitty useless Government need to take a step back and stop thinking about themselves and start thinking about those who put them in power, before we start to see rioting on the streets and our Government being overthrown because its citizens have had enough.

Seriously, sort it!

That's all I've got to say about that! ;-)