The Peak’s Post

A social-impact focused ask to the industry. This work shouldn't stop, stall or be questioned. It has been, and will always be, needed. #socialimpact #participant #leadwithleague

Why is it, whenever they talk about art or performance, some people resort to ridicule? Artists are stereotyped, the creative process trivialised. There’s a deeply ingrained tendency to trivialise the craft of acting - to mock what actors do. The powerful repeatedly trivialise or openly attack artists, seek to suppress the wisdom of our craft. The powerful co-opt those they can, make them the allies of power, give them patronage, influence and celebrity. Those who can’t be tamed, are neutralised. It’s a feature of every period of radical political change. Actors who are not co-opted into the power-structure are neutralised, redefined as 'just' entertainers. Performance is treated as no more than a temporary relief from reality, separate from the important business of life. It’s as if the powerful want to deny access to the deep-level benefit that comes from participating - as performer or audience - in creativity. The value of participating in drama, especially in schools, is ignored. Why study drama when you’ll not be an actor? Behind this, superficially rational attitude, is an implication that what someone learns through performing, has no intrinsic value, and is only useful when it lead to marketable product. We know this isn’t true. The evidence from research is clear. When children participate in acting and performance, the outcomes are transformational. Yet performance is squeezed from the curriculum. Actually that’s not true. Performance is not squeezed from the curriculum of schools attended by the children of the rich and powerful. Eton College’s website has a whole suite of pages dedicated to its Drama Provision. It proudly announces: ‘There are three different theatre spaces, staffed by professional theatre practitioners. The powerful recognise that performance delivers a significant technology of learning. Evidenced by relentless cuts to arts provision in the schools most children attend, it seems it’s a technology reserved for the children of the elite. Why? ‘What Actors Know’, is how to be more fully human. The deep-level mystery of acting is awareness of our interconnected humanity. Actors connect - inwardly, with their bodies, thoughts and imagination, outwardly with their fellow-performers and audience. To learn to act is to learn to connect. Here’s the core of the democratising threat in ‘What Actors Know’: we're all actors. We can all connect. Connection empowers. Interconnection is a threat to those who would control others. ‘What Actors Know’ heals disconnection and reminds us of our collectivity. On Tuesday 20th at 7.30pm, I’m running a FREE online session at School of Human Kind called: ‘Being Authentic: What Actors Know About Playing Your Role in Life.’ In it I’ll be exploring some of the fundamentals of What Actors Know. You can register for the event here: https://lnkd.in/eNAyk_iC

Codesign call outs New film Codesign call outs 17 New Story While telling stories can lead to empathy, the act can also create barriers between the speaker and the listener. Storysharing, by contrast, is reciprocal. We believe that if you want to connect with someone, you have to be open to sharing a part of yourself as well. Making sense of each other by showing vulnerability helps us build compassion and break down barriers, rather than creating new ones. #ToLoveIsToAct

Attention all , only 18 more backers needed, we are getting closer and closer to making our event a huge success. As the countdown begins, we would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who have already backed our event. Your contributions mean the world to us and we are grateful for your support. What will this event bring to Lancaster? 1. Showcasing Local Talent The primary purpose of this event is to showcase the work of local filmmakers. By providing them with a platform to exhibit their work, the CIC is giving these artists the recognition they deserve. This not only boosts their confidence but also encourages them to continue pursuing their passion. Moreover, it allows the community to discover and appreciate the talent that exists within their own locality. 2. Promoting Community Involvement Events like this bring people together and promote community involvement. Everyone from the filmmakers to the audience members and the CIC team is part of the community. By hosting an event that brings them all together, the CIC is fostering a sense of unity and togetherness. This also encourages people to take an interest in the local arts scene and support their fellow community members. 3. Encouraging Local Economic Growth An event like this can have a positive impact on the local economy. With the screening taking place in Lancaster utilizing local businesses. https://lnkd.in/eFdRf3_4

It's Global Accessibility Awareness Day. Perfect to author my first post and say, "I did a thing!" https://lnkd.in/gdzsUv-x Maybe more accurate to say, "I'm doing a thing!" Both because it's a work in progress and because it's high time to involve others. I've been getting into audio description (AD) increasingly over the years, and I wanted an outlet. After several months of squirrelling away minutes during naptime... it's time to launch! A colleague has encouraged me with the ethos of learning in public. Posting attempts/progress is far more valuable than waiting until it's perfect with trepidation. What's more, AD isn't very good when done in a vacuum. I know I need input! I'm keen to see how iterative releases of AD might change tides. No channel welcome/trailer yet, or calls to action, or a donation pipeline, or [insert the many things I know would help if this were a full time job]. Just a hobby project for now, but happy it's alive. And I feel alive just by posting! And I hope you feel alive just by interacting!

Destiny Theatre supports our community with Sensory Friendly Movies!!! What an incredible opportunity! "Sensory Friendly movies are unique because the lights are up a little, the sound turned down a little, and the audience can get up and move around if they need to." #horizonprojectinc #savethedate #inclusion #inclusionmatters #parternishp #disabilityawareness #disabilityinclusion #supportus #DisabilityAwarenessMonth

“In times of societal change, unity is our greatest asset. Regardless of differing opinions, let’s harness the power of collaboration and understanding. Together, we can drive meaningful progress, advocate for vital causes, and shape a more inclusive society. Let’s stand united for positive political and social activism. #JorgeNeves #Happiness_Hub #Unity #Collaboration #ActivismForChange”

Telling a good story through film isn't just about recording; it's about discovering! Storyfinding goes beyond the lens to dig deep into the roots of the narrative space. Before the cameras roll, we engage in robust research and countless conversations. And believe me, your audience may not have the words to describe this when watching, but they can feel it when this is done! Why? Because the strength of a story is measured by the depth of its characters and the authenticity of its context. It's about listening with intent, exploring various perspectives, and uncovering the heart of the story that needs to be told. In this film we created alongside Friends of Westchase, we applied these story-finding principles to create a compelling narrative that resonated deeply with our audience. Dive into the process where every character's voice adds a unique layer to the narrative, paving the way for films that are not just watched but felt.

Short film funding criteria are one of the barriers that the industry imposes on working-class artists and filmmakers. Particularly, the requirement to have a separate producer/production company attached to be able to apply. Where would someone from a working-class background meet a film producer? What if you don't live in London? How many working-class film producers are there? A report by the Creative Industries Policy & Evidence Centre found that only 25% of people in the screen industries are from working-class backgrounds. That covers the whole industry, at the Producer/HOD level, that number will be even less. The industry is all talk and no action when it comes to working-class representation! https://lnkd.in/eYyBc7fP #filmindustry #filmmaking #cinema #workingclass #art #ukcinema #funding

Things I like about Crawley Stories: ▶ future proofing 🙌 Involving the young generation in the project allows Crawley to understand the viewpoint of the next generation - and what is important to them! ▶ local content 🙌 The teenagers contributing to Crawley Stories are locals who experience the 'here and now' in Crawley. ▶ they engage the next generation 🙌 Using locals and representing a specific demographic , Crawley Stories are relatable for the local teenagers and engage them in their local area ▶ relatability 🙌 Keeping it real! #placemaking