Industry Blog

Fay James I've worked in comedy for some years - in a capacity where I've promoted a club and represented comics. I began my journey into comedy, when on a whim, I moved to Liverpool. After a short stint working in finance, I began work at the Rawhide Comedy Club. I'd always enjoyed comedy, but hadn't a real passion for it until I started here.

To me, comedians are enchanting people, (though some aren't that enchanting when you get to know them) but they possess a fantastical skill - humour. Most people have a sense of humour, but these beings have the dexterity to command it. And I'm so jealous.

Now, I work for Channel 4 4Laughs, a site dedicated to developing, supporting and encouraging budding comics to get their work seen. Working as part of a team, I advise and create opportunities for users work to get their work seen by the industry professionals. And we've had some success stories too! Two of the 4Laughs users have won the Amnesty International's Secret Policeman's Ball competition, one user has been picked up by Warner Bros and another works closely with Baby Cow Productions.

In the future, I plan to take part in a comedy course, which is scary for two reasons. Firstly, public speaking isn't my forte and secondly, no one wants to find out they're not funny...

My favourite film: Hmm... Escape from New York

What my school report said: One teacher wrote: "Fay reads like a train" - thinking back, that doesn't make sense. Maybe she meant like Ringo Star... peace and love, peace and love...

Posts from Fay James:

Week Three - November 14 2008
Week Two - November 06 2008
Fay's First Blog! - October 30 2008

Charlie Phillips

Charlie Phillips is the Marketplace Producer for Sheffield Doc/Fest, co-ordinating the MeetMarket, a unique opportunity for filmmakers and producers to present their most innovative and passionate ideas to commissioners, buyers and distributors. Before that, he was the Editor of FourDocs, Channel 4’s BAFTA-winning online documentary channel, and he continues to bring a cross-platform perspective to Sheffield’s marketplace activities.

My favourite film: Gallivant by Andrew Kotting

What my school report said: Charlie is an intelligent but shy young man prone to flights of fancy

Posts from Charlie Phillips:

Charlie's Blog 29 Sept 08 - September 29 2008
Charlie's Blog 9 September 2009 - September 09 2008
Charlie's Blog 27 August 2008 - August 29 2008
Welcome to the first industry blog - August 11 2008