Media Will Eat Itself

Shaun Weston talks to film producer Lauren Parker about what it's like to work in the British film industry. Lauren has worked across multiple roles and has gained an understanding of what other people do and how each piece fits together to form a whole. In her short career so far, she has produced short films, commercials and music videos, and has post-lockdown projects in development. The discussion covers the challenges of funding, attracting talent, the influence of Vimeo, the benefits of a professional showreel, and the importance of trust. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Justin Crosby of Boom PR talks to Shaun Weston about the effect of Covid-19 on the TV industry, as well as his fledgling TellyCast podcast series. We find out about Justin’s background through various PR roles across a number of high-profile companies, his work in the games and music industries, the challenges of producing a podcast, the effect of Netflix et al on how we consume media, and the opportunities the next phase of life beyond lockdown may bring. His advice for aspiring PR professionals borders on the unimaginable: can you envision using an iPhone to actually make a call? Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Alexandra Moxin is CEO and founder of Advance Tech Media, and produces the Advance Tech podcast. She talks to Shaun Weston about getting into tech, project management, podcast production and self-promotion. The conversation turns to the power of writing vs audio and video, leadership, and the cumbersome yet fascinating topic of artificial intelligence. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Martin Knight, managing director of Home, talks to Shaun Weston about the changing face of employee engagement and internal communications. Martin has enjoyed a 28-year career at Home, an employee experience agency based in Bristol, which itself celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2021. The concept of business communications has changed a lot since Martin joined Home in 1992. We talk about his personal and professional challenges in transferring skills across a long career, and the benefits of having worked at a single company. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Johnny Palmer and Shaun Weston discuss the events industry, how it has or hasn’t adapted to change, and Johnny’s Virtual Venue concept. We find out a little bit about his young entrepreneurial background, his move from Tasmania to the UK, his connections with the local community, and the energy demands on the physical and mental health of a self-starter. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Juliet Eccleston, founder and CEO of AnyGood?, joins Shaun Weston to discuss her mission to “change the recruitment industry”. Juliet’s professional background covers programme and project management roles across a handful of industries, including the BBC, Legal & General and Britannia Building Society. It’s Juliet’s role as a director and company founder that the show tries to tap into, particularly how she has adapted to changes in how businesses use modern media, the role of AI, and how Juliet envisions the future of recruitment, particularly for young people getting their careers up and running. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Experienced broadcaster Bob Ballard joins Shaun Weston to discuss his background in radio, his love and extensive knowledge of music and sport, and his career shift into lecturing. In 2019, Bob became a lecturer for UCFB, and can call the prestigious Wembley Stadium his office environment. His background in radio covers many local BBC stations, as well as nationals gigs such as 5 Live and TalkSport, and he’s an international commentary veteran, having enjoyed three Olympics, three Winter Olympics and four Commonwealth Games. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Owen Wheeler joins Shaun Weston to talk about the challenges of being a professional freelance videographer. He recently set up Repertoire Creative, yet he’s operated as a freelancer under his own name for several years. His portfolio includes work across a number of industries and brands, with his journey so far placing him in the company of ITV, BBC Sport, Red Bull and Manchester Pride. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Manchester-based poet Andrew McMillan joins Shaun Weston to discuss what it’s like to be a poet and writer in the digital age, and how modern life, mental health and social media influence our creativity. Andrew is author of the first ever poetry collection to win The Guardian First Book Award, and is a lecturer at The Manchester Writing School. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Shaun Weston talks to Will Chidlow about life as a designer, brand specialist and YouTuber. Will describes the demands of being a videographer, which he balances with freelance life and as a full-time senior designer for Liquid Light in Brighton. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.