Kate Duffy Film Oxford - Staying on the block....

The last two weeks have gone well, I seem to have my routine now and am able to get on with work even if there's no one about to give a specific job at that time. Every ones been great and the work environment is relaxed and friendly. Still doing a variation of jobs from technical, practical to general office work. This has been interesting and I've been able to spot what I really like doing and what feels not so suited to me.

The pre -course preparations are now complete for the The Reel Women course which starts this week. I've really enjoyed this and am looking forward to helping out on the actual course. I think I can confirm that I prefer to be working with people, organising, doing some marketing, communicating. This I have found really enjoyable and it's great to be able to be part of the teaching course and I can't wait to meet the group of women and get hands on.

I've also discovered that computers are not my friend. OK, well i know they're not supposed to be, but what I mean is that I don't get as much satisfaction when it comes to the technical side of stuff. Don't get me wrong I'm really eager to learn and fully understand that the skills I'm gaining are extremely useful, but I just don't get as much satisfaction when doing them. No that's not right either, what I mean is that I feel a bit of a bubble head when trying to learn the skills.  I find myself staring on with a blank expression as my brain tries to absorb the information, not a good look in front of an employer! I do get there in the end, it just takes a little longer than other stuff. The old lack of confidence plays a part as well, if I start to fluster then I can't concentrate making things even worse. I have learnt that I just need to take the time it takes for it to sink in, not be scared to ask questions if I'm unsure. It can sometimes feel uncomfortable when asking for the 4th time to have something explained, but I've learnt it's best to feel like a numpty for 5 mins than be dumb to the job in hand for the rest of the time I'm there!

 That said, Nomita (the graphic design volunteer) and I have been editing a film she made with a group on one of the courses and I've loved it! I even came in on a day off to do it, it's addictive. So even though I'm using editing software, because there is a creative side to it I find it enjoyable and satisfying. I've discovered a few things about myself to date at Film Oxford and I'm trying my hardest to handle things differently not allowing my lack of confidence beat me and prevent me from developing. This experience could end up being just what I've needed on a personal level to encourage me to continue in the future, an unexpected side to the placement that I hadn't really thought about before starting. Steady on....getting a bit deep here!

Kate at Film Oxford - Still on the Block.

Had a great week after my wobble last week. Got down to some good work and felt like I was contributing to the work force. Met with Ali again and got the posters for the Reel Women course updated by Nomita the fantastic graphics design volunteer at Film Oxford. She did a brilliant job and Ali and I were really pleased to get them printed off and distributed. All we need now is for people to sign up so if you're a woman reading this and feel like giving film making a go, then go to the Film Oxford website http://www.ofvm.org/training/ under Training check out the criteria and if you match then get signed up. I thoroughly recommend it from experience, don't do what I have for years and put yourself off, get signed up!


Helped Rodger prepare equipment and got on with other office duties,  feel much better about myself, feeling inspired again. I came in on Thursday night and attended the AGM, it was interesting to hear about the great work and achievements Film Oxford have made over the past year. It was also really useful to hear what was coming up in the next year, and to meet the new committee members. There was a short compilation of finished film projects completed in the past, it's always nice to see the end product on screen makes it real.

At the weekend I attended the Adobe Premier editing course. When I make my 3 min short, a project for term 3 at college, I intend to do as much of the work as possible myself, including editing. I wasn't sure whether my brain would be able to absorb all the techi stuff involved when learning new software, lets face it I live with a 5 and 7 year old, my technology abilities aren't that stretched. As long as I can hook up the Wii and Nintendo I'm a winner, in fact I have to ask my 7 year old for advice on that! Anyway, to my surprise and delight I was able to understand the course, even if it absorbed a little slower that some of the other group members. Andy, the tutor, was excellent and made it clear and easy to follow.

Nomita and I on editing course.

 Hands on tuition is always good for me and this was his style of teaching so it was excellent. I've got the bug now and have already begun editing a project with Nomita.

Andy on editing course.

It's been such a productive and encouraging week, still got a mountain to climb but at least I feel able to get my climbing boots on. Something has changed in me, for the better, and yeah check me out with photos and a link. Steady on, I'll be taking over the world at this rate!

Girl on the block....still

Another week at Film Oxford and things are going nicely. I must admit though I've had a dip this week, nothing to do with Film Oxford, it's me. I have this terrible curse that I live with involving my lack of confidence. 'Confidence?!' I hear those who know me cry. I don't mean talking to people and mixing, Lord knows I'd talk to a goat and I'm definitely not shy. What I mean is confidence in my capabilities, there's only been one person holding me back all my life, and that's me. I just doubt my abilities and let it get to me. I want to learn so much whilst I'm here but I know that If I'm not careful I will not push my self and fail to achieve the goals I set out to. Whats become apparent, and a running theme through out Film Oxford is that 99% of film making/writing is just getting on with it, getting stuck in, giving it a try. Now when you have no confidence in what you're doing this can be a problem. I know I just need to get over it and crack on and I'm really not going to let me get in the way of me! Right! That's my talking to, continue.....

So, another interesting week, meeting with Ali, assisting with the ongoing arrangements for the Reel Women course and screening event. On the practical side I helped Rodger prepare equipment for the Shooting Video course Suzy Prior runs in the evenings. I did this course before Christmas and had a great time, Suzy is a fabulous tutor with a great sense of humour which always helps, I thoroughly recommend it to any new budding film maker. Also, I've done some general office stuff I'm updating the film libraries back catalogue , this gives me the chance to become familiar with some of the finished films. On the whole it's been an interesting and varied week and I feel I'm settling in well (not sure what the other staff members would say!).

I'm on an Editing course this weekend at Film Oxford so looking forward to that. I really hope that I shake off the feeling of inadequacy allowing myself to develop instead of taking a back sit and just going along for the ride. I need to get hold of the gear stick, Oh Matron! But you know what I mean. There is nothing Film Oxford can do about it, this is my mission. To infinity and beyond.......oh shut up woman!