2024 Highlights
I am so grateful for all of the wonderful collaborations I have been a part of this year. Paid writing commissions started coming in from January, so I finally feel like a professional writer. I appreciate my support network of creative and caring friends and family, they have helped me overcome any obstacles along the way.
Theatre and Directorial Debuts
This year, I made my directorial debut for stage production with Dances With Seagulls following a winter of intense rehearsals and culminating in a Brighton show on April 6th. The project was a collaboration with writer Mark Tournoff and his company Fun And Laughter Mob (FALM); he is planning to adapt it into a feature film which he wants me to direct.
On stage, I danced in FALM’s Fringe comedy Marvin and the Dodgyspinners, with three fun-filled performances at The Rotunda Theatre. These opportunities reminded me how much I love both performing and directing.
I had the pleasure of working with Arcanic, writing the script for Emotions In Motion – How Circus Saved My Life for the Brighton Fringe Festival, a dynamic and creative project with fantastic performers that enabled me to showcase my storytelling potential. This collaboration includes ongoing work and for our Christmas party, Natalie and Steve arranged a Great Gatsby photoshoot for promotional material in 2025. I look forward to exploring new ideas and bringing fresh, visually striking concepts to life.
Zashion Haus and Drag College
As a performer with Haus of Excess, I created a concept merging ballet and burlesque at the Cabaret of Excess as ‘Eva Electric’ while also teaching dance at Drag College, where I serve on the board of directors. It’s been deeply rewarding to share my skills and support emerging artists in the drag and burlesque communities.
Script Development and Shark Tank
This year, the Shark Tank Script Readers became a cornerstone of my development as a writer and script editor. Their feedback helped me refine Somewhen BCE, supporting me in completing a proper first draft in March and a second draft in December. Giving feedback on their scripts has been an invaluable experience for my script editing services, which are now fully up and running! (Link). The Screenwriter’s meetings have also been really useful, offering the opportunity to have 15 pages of a script read outloud, something every writer should try before sending pieces to industry professionals.
Asking 4 It
Assistant producing on Asking 4 It and organizing the Sirens photoshoot were major professional milestones. From recruiting all of the lovely extras, it allowed me to connect with a vibrant network of creatives while honing my on set skills! It was also a refreshing break to work on someone else’s passion project. I look forward to sharing this impactful and relevant film.
The Year Dot
The Year Dot had its public premiere this year! Hosting it online meant family and friends from around the globe could join in celebrating my first film. The script and film have garnered numerous awards on the festival circuit, including wins at FilmHaus in Berlin and The White Rose Film Festival. Traveling to Harrogate for The White Rose was a standout moment, even if I didn’t make it to the writers’ retreat, I met lots of great filmmakers for future collaborations and am hopeful that I will get to experience Pam’s wonderful retreats at some point soon.
Travel and Inspiration
Travel played a key role in fueling my creativity. A standout trip was my first visit to Italy, where I attended the Screenwriters Conference in Milan—a city that captivated me with its vibrance and charm. The conference was an invaluable opportunity to learn and connect with other screenwriters. Although my Fusion5 tablet broke before I’d even arrived in Naples, it gave me time to explore the city, bond with locals, and enjoy the region’s phenomenal cuisine.
Journeying from Dubrovnik in Croatia to Sarande in Albania gave me time to write and be inspired, while also giving context to the path taken by the contestants in later seasons of the sitcom I’m writing, Somewhen BCE, through historical landmarks and museums.
2025 Looking ahead
In January, I will begin work on three exciting shows for the Brighton Fringe Festival, collaborating with Arcanic, FALM, and Haus of Excess. Alongside these projects, I hope to perform at Boomtown for one final time, soaking up the creative energy and unforgettable experiences it brings. Additionally, I am in discussions about developing Romanticide, an upcoming gangster romance project, and plan on scripting teasers to bring this thrilling story to life. Beyond these artistic endeavors, I aim to embrace my passion for travel, exploring as much of the world as possible and broadening my horizons.
As I look ahead to the rest of the year, my primary goal is to complete my script portfolio and secure a manager to support my creative career. I am determined to prioritize my own writing over projects that promise future pay but compromise my well-being. Setting boundaries and advocating for my needs will be essential to ensure I don’t exhaust myself trying to meet others’ expectations. To take the first step toward these goals, I plan to schedule regular meetings with Zasha and hold planning sessions with Arcanic and FALM. Alongside these commitments, I intend to teach TEFL online, balancing my creative ambitions with meaningful, flexible work.
Resolutions:
Have one day a month without any plans or work booked.
Prioritize my own writing above other projects/ Find a manager/agent.
