I set myself a goal in March. By the end of June, both my stage and screen showreels will be updated. This wasn't just about re-editing clips however, I wanted something new to show. 

So I got amazing creatives involved that I'm lucky enough to call friends, to devise and film a scene. Inspired by Bill Nighy's and Imelda Staunton's scene in Pride, we wanted to create a two-shot, single take short where the characters' relationships and unspoken hardships are the focus. 

Abdul Rahman Chanara as Zak 
Directed by Nicki Davy
Cinematography and editing by Akeelsworld

And here's the result:

So I've now hit my goal of updating my showreels and I'm so pleased with the range of projects I've been lucky enough to work on. Check them out below:

So this is a project I've been developing behind the scenes for over a year now, and I'm so excited the day is finally here to share it!

I'm producing and hosting a new radio show for BCB Radio (106.6FM) celebrating unconventional routes into creative industries. Each 30 minute episode will feature a local artist sharing their career journey, warts and all. I hope to amplify unheard voices and demystify the process of building a creative career from the ground up. As a full time performer reliant on cleaning in the early days of her career, I want to use this platform to destigmatise 'survival jobs' and imposter syndrome prominent in the arts, especially for working class creatives.

Any form of creative vocation is welcome to apply! This includes, but is not limited to:
- Actors, Dancers and Singers
- Filmmakers and Photographers
- Directors, Choreographers, Intimacy Coordinators, Producers
- Writers and Poets
- Visual artists
- Musicians
- Textile artists
- Potters and Sculptors
- Makeup Artists, Props and Costume Designers

The show will deep dive:

- Invisible barriers in creative fields
- Imposter syndrome
- Obvious and not so obvious routes in
- Realities of networking and industry connections
- Real 'days in my life' for different art forms
- Realistic, achievable actions aspiring creatives can take to pursue their creative vocations
- The many different roles creatives play to sustain a business
- Celebrating those feeling the fear and doing it anyway!

Please note: you do not have to be earning full time from your creative vocation to be considered for this show. I recognise the time, commitment, and individual circumstances that affect career progressions - and this is a huge focus for the show too. This is a safe, supportive space to shine a light on how any form of professional work, regardless of percentage to other income streams, qualifies a creative as professional. I want to champion everyone regardless of their current career stage, asking only that guests are open and transparent about how they got to where they are today. 

To register your interest in featuring on an episode of Creative Frequency, please complete the form below and I'll be in touch!

I've been lucky enough to be involved in Unspun Stories behind the scenes since it's R&D at Salts Mill in 2024 for the Saltaire Arts Trail and I'm really proud of its evolution into a second immersive exhibition and now digital experience. Please go give it a like and share with anyone interested in Bradford's textile heritage, multimedia art or cool new music!