Derek Jarman's Cottage - Dungeness

As a graduate of film school who studied British Independent film-makers I know that the legendary Derek Jarman is king of his craft. I became interested in this director / gay rights activist after learning that he directed some of the Pet Shop Boys videos. As well as being drawn to the music of the Pet Shop Boys I was also loving the kitsch visuals in videos such as Its a Sin and Rent. After studying Derek Jarman's films I was saddened to hear of his death in 1994 aged 52 years. This director was a master of his craft and in my opinion this country lost one of its greatest film-makers ever.

After studying Jarman and watching his many films I became interested in why he moved to the wilderness on the Kent coast - Dungeness.

Last Saturday I visited Dungeness and was captivated by the place. I couldn't decide whether it was beautiful or ugly. The area is covered in shale, has two lighthouses and a pub 'The Britannia' (as featured in an episode of Eastenders). Their are a lot of huts scattered about the landscape and occasionally the upturned distressed rowing boat. There is a mini steam train railway line which travels down the coast to Hythe and a few quaint cottages. All this is dominated by the monstrous grey power station which really does scar the landscape.

Ignoring the power station (and facing the other way) I took a short walk down to Jarmen' s 'Prospect Cottage'. His famous garden (consisting of plants, flowers, sticks and sculptures) is still kept in perfect condition as a shrine to the director. I sat on the rocks looking out to sea and for the first time could see what the director could see. The place is flat and desolate yet it is very peaceful, has few distractions or clutter and allows you to focus your mind. This was the perfect place for peace and tranquility and that's what makes Dungeness beautiful.

Nerves - how to overcome Stage Fright .... www.presenternetwork.com

Our first live webinar on STAGE FRIGHT and coping with Nerves! Dr. Chris Smith talks about how to overcome your fear. doctor@presenternetwork.com .

I always get very anxious in casting sessions, I start to shake, my breathing is deep, skin clammy and I stumble on words. It never seems to get easier no matter how many castings I go for. Put me on live TV to host a show and no fear whatsoever so why do I suffer these nerves! In this short webinar I discuss my fears with Dr. Chris Smith who shows me some techniques for overcoming my fear.

This was our first attempt of a live webinar for www.presenternetwork.com . Many more to come, click on the link to see our webinar.

http://www.livestream.com/presenternetwork/video?clipId=pla_70b6a533-a87d-4be1-a31c-d0c77dbc8052

Interview with Patrick Murray (Mickey Pearce from Only Fools and Horses)

Only Fools and Horses is my all time favourite comedy on television. I can watch the same episode countless times and never get bored of it. I was delighted to be asked to film an interview with one of the actors from this series - Patrick Murray. Patrick is a very charismatic chap and was a delight to be interviewd. His passion for the game of poker and all things gardening was inspirational. He is currently working on a documentary to educate people about a plant that leaves a path of destruction 'Japanese Knotweed'. He calls its presense on land an alien invasion as its regarded as one of the most invasive species of plant in Britain and it spreads extremely quickly, preventing native vegetation from growing. It is a problem to the construction industry as it is capable of exposing weaknesses in buildings, foundations, concrete and tarmac. Patrick is a well known face on UK television and has not only acted in Only Fools and Horses has also starred in the film Scum directed by Alan Clarke as well as many more productions on stage and screen.

Porridge

Working on daytime and late night television (sometimes from 10am - 4am) had a big effect on my diet. I found myself over eating to give myself the energy I needed to get through the shifts. I started to eat 4 meals a day - Breakfast, lunch, dinner and a late night evening meal with snacks in between. After a while people began to notice that I was getting chubby. I went from 12 stone to 15 stone over 4 months! The live shows involved talking non stop to camera for long periods so keeping my energy levels at their peak was crucial to my performance. It didn't help having a Senior Producer who would bully and shout negative comments down an earpiece to presenters. I didn't want to be at the receiving end of this tyrants temper tantrums so would overdose on high energy caffeine drinks and snack constantly to keep my energy levels up to avoid his ranting. Not only was my diet affected, the caffeine had an effect on my sleep.

I began to become depressed about my weight gain and couldnt see a light at the end of the tunnel until a fellow presenter gave me some useful advice: Eat Porridge. I initially laughed and thought it was a ridiculous suggestion until I noticed him eating a bowl at midnight. I decided to try it and it really helped my diet. Instead of eating 4 meals a day and snacks in between I would eat 3 meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and have a bowl of porridge at 11pm. I found this kept my energy levels high until 4am. I was tempted to put sugar on the porridge but resisted and had fruit for snacks. Slowly I began to notice my weight decreasing. Here are some facts about porridge:

1. Porridge has an extremely high carbohydrate content, which is just what you need when working long shifts. Load up on porridge and you won't feel so hungry later on.

2. Add honey or golden syrup (real luxury!) for a massive sugar boost. This will help to digest the porridge.

3. It's hot, so on cold days it warms you up and increases morale.

4. Porridge contains a lot of water, which helps to keep you hydrated.

5. If you're feeling greedy, you can add a little bit more oatmeal to the pot whenever you want. In fact this isn't such a bad idea, because there's always more left in the box than you think!

6. In dire circumstances, porridge can be eaten "raw" or substituted for other meals.

7. It doesn't go bad if it gets warm, damp, or squished (within reasonable limits, anyway).

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UK Election Night - 6th May 2010

Canal+ TV filming exclusive coverage of the UK general election 2010 from Carnaby Street, London.

Interview with Michael Jackson tribute artist 'Danny Oliver'

Danny Oliver is a Michael Jackson tribute artist who has dedicated his life to the star by impersonating his dance moves. Danny has met Michael Jackson on various occasions and on a visit to Neverland was personally given a jacket by Michael. Check out Danny's moves in the short video.