Palesa Amadi

To be young and to pursue the ambitious career that you want.

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What unexpected blessings have you discovered through your work? 💼 I’ll go first… As a video editor, every project I undertake isn't just about cutting footage; it's about crafting on screen storytelling which aims to captivate, entertain and/or educate. But what I didn't anticipate was how this journey behind the scenes would help shape not only my professional skills but also my mindset. 🎥 I have been privileged throughout my career so far to work with clients who are experts in their fields, providing a wealth of knowledge on valuable topics such as networking, business strategy, personal development, the list goes on. Through editing their informative and educational material on a regular basis, I receive a masterclass in something which benefits me and my business every single time I sit down to do my job. We say that everyday is a school day, but that literally is the case for a lot of the work I do. 🌟 As a result of this, I am so much more advanced than I otherwise would have been in all of these skills and am now in a position to provide more value to my network as a result. Starting out as a young person in business, fearing the lack of value I could provide to my connections was a huge driver for imposter syndrome to develop. But now being able to give well informed advice on key topics with real world examples has been a great way that I can give back to my community. This blessing certainly was not something I anticipated when first starting out in the video editing world; nor is it a factor I take into account when choosing the clients I want to work with. However it has given me an unexpected advantage in both my personal and professional life, which I am very grateful for. What is an unexpected blessing you have discovered through your business journey so far? #videoediting #personaldevelopment #networking #mindset #unexpectedblessings #impostersyndrome #addingvalue 

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ScreenSkills - the skills body for the UK screen industries – is collaborating with The Adobe Foundation to fund a series of programmes to provide opportunities in film and TV for people from under-represented communities across the UK. The value of the grant is $250,000. “This collaboration with the Adobe Foundation will help encourage and support people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and communities to follow a career in the creative and screen industries,” commented Laura Mansfield, CEO, ScreenSkills. “A diverse and inclusive workforce, made up of a rich and broad range of views and experiences, can help us all to see the world from multiple perspectives and enables us to learn from, as well as respect and value the contribution of others, challenging our own and other peoples’ potential preconceptions.” The ScreenSkills programmes will be funded through the Adobe Film & TV Fund, which is being extended to the UK for the first time. The Adobe Film & TV Fund was launched in January 2024 to help address the inequity in funding career and training opportunities across the entertainment industry. The funding will enable ScreenSkills to create face-to-face opportunities for over 350 people from communities that have traditionally found it challenging to either consider a career in the screen industries, or to progress their careers. Additionally, ScreenSkills will be able to extend the reach of specific programmes through further digital engagement. The programmes are #FirstBreak for Unscripted Television (Unscripted TV Skills Fund); #DreamBig (Children’s TV Skills Fund); a new #FilmForward pilot programme from the Film Skills Fund specifically to support film professionals who have declared a disability; and a bursary specifically for women from minority ethnic groups to progress their careers. ScreenSkills will also host a Film Skills Fund Inclusion and Diversity Conference to mark the 25th anniversary of the Fund, and in partnership with DISCOVER! Creative Careers, will undertake a roadshow to schools across England. “ScreenSkills and The Adobe Foundation Present ..” will be a podcast series discussing the importance of, and challenges to increasing diversity and inclusion in the screen industries. Stacy Martinet, Adobe’s Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Communications, said: “Diversity in front of and behind the camera is key to unlocking more diverse and inclusive storytelling across TV and film. Bringing our global Film & TV Fund to the UK underscores our commitment to opening doors for underrepresented and marginalised communities around the world and empowering those already in the industry to grow and further their careers.” Read the full story on our website: https://lnkd.in/e8g4b-xB

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❓ What's the FUTURE OF MUSICAL THEATRE in the UK? Spent yesterday at the Royal Court Theatre in London absorbing what the best and brightest minds think at #UKMTConference 2024. 📣 My net takeaway? 😃 EXCITEMENT. People are really positive and passionate. 🔦 Could it be time for the UK to step up and take the mantle from the US, where it's become so expensive to mount a musical that producers generate the ideas and jukebox shows dominate? ❣ TECHNOLOGY I was excited and heartened to learn how technology - notably extended reality - is creating engaging, immersive projects. Cool ideas from choreographer Rebecca Evans of Pell Ensemble. 💡 A.I. I had a major shift in my attitude. Joel Hall of Royal Shakespeare Company had a brilliiant idea: use it to create pitch materials (ie costumes, design). This doesn't replace real people for the real thing but helps sell the piece to money people. 🇺🇸 AMERICANS in the house. Loved seeing folks like @Nancy Medina from the Bristol Old Vic. That NYC "figuring it out" vibe. Refreshing honesty and humor. 💰 MONEY. Everyone talked about it A LOT. I know it's hard to make a living doing theatre. But I don't remember it being front-and-center like this all the time in the US. 🙀 TRAINING - lack thereof. I was shocked to hear there was no equivalent of Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) or ASCAP to train musical theatre writing talent. It's not taught in a meaningful way in the schools, like at NYU. Writing groups, residencies, one-off sessions from Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network - yes. Same for performers. Doesn't seem to be a major in it at school. Huh? 😃 HEARTENING - a debate on whether 20th century musicals are "fit for purpose" in 21st century. A resounding "yes" - they still have value (even if some need a new eye). 🙃 A PROVOCATION. This word was everywhere. Like a challenge to confront a perplexing problem. Never heard it in this context in the US. Is it a debate technique? The average Brit is so much better educated here! 😂 BRITS ARE FUNNIER. There, I said it. Case in point: the panel with the creators of the musical @Operation Mincemeat, moderated by @David Byrne of the Royal Court Theatre (not THAT David Byrne). Would have been even more hilarious if I'd understood every word. As they say, the US and UK are two "countries" separated by the same language.) ▶ BOTTOMLINE - so glad I went. I knew no one, except for Simon Warne, who I'd only met the day before. All were super friendly. Thanks @Kate Mckeown and all the people at Mercury Musical Developments and Musical Theatre Network for making it happen! LONDON MUSICAL THEATRE ( 1 of 2)

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Extract from my Keynote on the Future of Governance at House of Lords last week,

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How would you improve working practices in television production? Our panelists from our recent webinar on this issue recommended: - joining BECTU - ensuring Commissioners properly resource projects - Most importantly that TV people stand up for their rights. Do you agree? If you want to catch up on the debate click the link below. Let us know what you think in the comments below. #RiskAssessment #WorkingPractices

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Today marks a significant moment in UK politics as Labour emerge victorious in the general election. Congratulations to Keir Starmer on becoming our new Prime Minister. This victory is not just a political shift, but a testament to the trust and hope placed in new leadership. From personal experience, I have always believed that the simplest role in any business or government scenario is being the political opposition or a critic within a company. It’s easy to sit on one side of the fence and criticise without bearing the responsibility of implementing solutions. But when you’re in the hot seat, whether as the Prime Minister or a CEO, the responsibility is immense. Every decision, every action, and every outcome rests on your shoulders. Personally I believe that in both government and business, the best leaders are those who not only critique but also offer a clear plan and alternative solution. They don’t just say, “I wouldn’t have done it that way”; they explain what they would do differently and why. The worst critics are those who sit on the sidelines, gripe, and snipe without offering any constructive alternatives. For Keir and his team, Now the real hard works starts! I am genuinely excited to see how this new government performs and wish him all the best in his new role. Leading a country is no small feat, and I hope he proves to be a great Prime Minister who brings the positive change we are all longing for. As he moves from opposition to the hot seat, it will be interesting to see how he handles the immense responsibility and challenges that come with leadership. To all leaders, remember that while the journey is tough, the impact you make is invaluable. True leadership is about more than just criticism; it’s about vision, solutions, and the courage to make tough decisions. #Leadership #KeirStarmer #UKElection #RhapsodyMedia

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Is Your Workplace Turning You Toxic? ☣️ We all know the feeling of walking on eggshells around a difficult colleague or manager. But have you ever stopped to consider how a toxic environment can subtly change you? Constant negativity, blame games, and a lack of respect can chip away at your best self. You might find yourself: -- Mirroring negativity: When surrounded by negativity, it's easy to fall into complaining or gossiping, behaviors you wouldn't normally engage in. -- Becoming overly critical: A culture of constant criticism can make you hyper-critical of yourself and others. -- Losing your empathy: Dealing with uncaring behavior can make you less empathetic towards others' struggles. Here's the good news: You can break the cycle! -- Recognize the impact: Awareness is the first step. Acknowledge how your environment might be affecting you. -- Set boundaries: Limit negativity by politely disengaging from gossip or unproductive conversations. -- Focus on the positive: Make a conscious effort to connect with positive colleagues and build a support network. -- Prioritize self-care: Maintain healthy habits and activities that keep you grounded and resilient. Remember, your worth isn't defined by your workplace. If the environment is chronically toxic, consider exploring your options. #toxicworkplace #wellbeing #mentalhealth #careeryou Let's discuss! Have you ever experienced a toxic workplace? How did you cope?

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It is not your fault, and you are not alone. I hope this message reaches people in the film and TV industry, those who are currently struggling with loss of income, loss of jobs and work opportunities, fallen projects, dead-ends. It is not your fault, and you are not alone. The industry is in an unprecedented crisis that very few saw coming. Combined with massive inflation, post-Covid struggles, and governments cutting culture spending, (let alone two wars raging in the Ukraine and the Middle East), these are incredibly hard times. If you’re an actor struggling to get cast, or a writer desperately looking for the next gig, or a crew member trying to make ends meet after months of unemployment - you are not alone. I don’t have magic words for you, just some thoughts. 💡There is no shame in finding other means of employment or going back to school. Learn a new skill or hone your existing craft - it can only take you forward. 💡If you can work on something on your own, do it. Write that pilot script you’ve dreamed of, shoot mini-monologues or sketch reels on your phone, or learn to master AI tools. Small trickles eventually lead to big rivers. 💡Stay connected and aware of what’s happening in the industry. Watch movies, plays and series to keep yourself inspired and up-to-date. Meet colleagues at industry events and find new collaborators. Connect with like-minded people on LinkedIn. 💡If it’s financially possible, take some time to rest. Our industry is tough, and opportunities for rest&reflection are rare. 💡Talk to friends, family and colleagues. Reach out to others who might be struggling. Talk to a professional, if needed. You are not alone, and this is not your fault. To end on a positive note: There are signs that things will get easier in the film&TV industry towards the end of the year. There’s light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s all hope it’s not a train. #support #inspiration #filmandtv Image description: A tired and sweaty writer-producer standing in an elevator holding a sandwich bag.

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Today I was called to film a project that aims to dispel doubts around the creed of Islam. I'm not a camera man by trade but I learnt a thing or two when working at Islam Channel. I continued to apply the techniques when filming videos for my YouTube channel - Dadhood. Eventually my self taught skills opened up doors to join projects like this. Reflecting upon this I have learnt two important lessons: 1) Do not let perfection paralyse you: not every project requires an expert, you may have the requisite skills to deliver the project even if those skills are not yet fully developed. 2) Say YES more often: I could have easily said "it's not in my job description" when being told to film during my time at Islam Channel but I took it on knowing that this can become an invaluable skill in my back pocket. Now I am earning from that skill

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Are you a filmmaker or part of a film production company, then claiming Film Tax Relief (FTR) must be a part of your funding strategy. Film tax relief is available for British qualifying films if they: either pass the cultural test: This is an easy process. You only need 18 points to qualify. They ask questions such as if the film is in English, the number of cast and crew who are British, locations in the UK, if the theme of the script is British. My current application has 39 points and that is only because it is not fully crewed: Qualify as an official co-production: Intended for theatrical release: Have a minimum UK core spend requirement of 10%, including those made under official co-production treaties. Tax relief is available on qualifying UK production expenditure on the lower of either 80% of total core expenditure or the actual UK core expenditure incurred. There is no cap on the amount which can be claimed. The film production company responsible for the film needs to be within the UK Corporation Tax net. There are several companies who will advance up to 90% of the Film Tax Credit prior to the start of your production to ease cashflow. Even if your film is a low budget film, don't miss out on applying for FTC to finance your work, 🎥 Lights, Camera, Tax Relief! 🌟 For more details, visit the official HMRC or BFI pages. #FilmTaxRelief #CreativeIndustry #FilmFinance #UKFilmIndustry

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Setting the context to one side, this UK-based aspiration contains an admirable top 'key ask' that could apply worldwide about access to theatre at any level. This talks about politicians funding access. Private enterprise and charities can and do get involved in this sort of thing: "Invest in children’s access: Every child has the right to access our world-class theatre sector. It supports wellbeing, educational attainment and talent pipelines. However, access to the theatre is declining, despite the fantastic work producers and venues do across the country to improve and develop children’s engagement. This is why we are calling on politicians to support our campaign to fund at least one trip to the theatre for every child before they leave school. #TheatreforEveryChild.

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Grants to Decarbonise the UK’s Creative Industries - Round 2 Open The Creative Catalyst Challenge Fund enables creative talent to apply their capacity for innovation to tackle a specific challenge within the industry. The Fund is intended to be used for the research and development of an innovative new product/system or process that decarbonises or reduces waste within the creative industries, reducing impacts on the climate and/or leading towards net zero. For Round 2, the overall £250,000 funding pot will be allocated as follows: One award of up to £100,000 for more established businesses with market traction and customers of a product, ideally with co-investment in place. Two awards of up to £50,000 each for businesses 2+ years old looking to develop a new product or idea. Two awards of up to £25,000 each for very early-stage/new businesses and R&D ideas. Applications are invited from registered limited companies/SMEs based in the UK and working in the following sub-sectors of the creative industries: Music & Sound Advertising & Marketing Crafts Visual Arts Dance, Theatre & Performance Architecture Publishing AR, VR & Immersive Createch TV & Broadcasting Film Gaming The funding can be used for a variety of purposes, for example: Developing/ prototyping new tech for reducing excess waste at music festivals. Developing innovative new manufacturing processes for an everyday product within a creative industry. Innovation in access to power – eg on a film set. The deadline for applications is 22 July 2024 More https://lnkd.in/eGAxbVm3

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Sam Tewungwa, Managing Director at UKTV and President, UK Region BBC Studios, joins Jane Sparrow for the latest Change Maker podcast. Sam is currently leading the UKTV Digital transformation and has a wealth of experience leading change throughout his rich career. In this episode, they talk about their shared passion for remembering the human side of change, the importance of looking for feedback from all across the business and ensuring alignment throughout the change process. We love working with Sam! Listen now to hear Sam's top three leadership learnings. #podcast #changemaker #leadingchange #leadershiplessons #lessonsinchange 

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Giving back through charity, especially to children beneficiaries, is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on future generations. Children's charities address essential needs such as education, healthcare, and basic necessities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. By supporting these causes, donors not only provide immediate relief but also contribute to the long-term development and well-being of children. One of the most rewarding aspects of charitable giving to children is witnessing the direct and profound effect it can have on their lives. Educational support, for instance, opens doors to brighter futures by equipping children with the knowledge and skills needed to break the cycle of poverty. Healthcare initiatives ensure that children receive vital medical care, improving their quality of life and allowing them to grow up healthy and strong. Moreover, charitable acts foster a sense of community and shared responsibility. When individuals and organizations come together to support children in need, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging others to join in and contribute. This collective effort not only amplifies the impact but also instills values of empathy and compassion within the community. I hosted this event with 1,000 children in attendance for the AO Foundation. We had an amazing time.

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Technology has given young people a louder voice than ever. Gen Z and A are not afraid to speak up AND they're the most likely generation to boycott a product or company according to a BBC article (in comments). Activism has long been synonymous with youth. Gen Z and A are the latest in the decades-long encyclopaedia of young activists, however they communicate and mobilise in a way that makes them different. Two recent things that happened in gaming highlight the power of the Gen Z collective:  - The Helldivers 2 community negatively review-bombed the game and forced a Sony climb down when they invoked a requirement to register to continue playing months after launch and people had racked up hours of play and progress. - Welcome to Bloxburg on Roblox changed their in-game economics that ‘punished’ players by paying them less for work completed in-game and charged them often around 1600 robux if they ‘fainted’ due to working too hard. The game’s owner Embracer Group (that bought it for $100m a year ago) cited an unbalanced economy and so players protested and went on strike in the game. All of which highlights that the feelings of Gen Z are not to be disrespected. If you don’t invite them in to discourse, or you overestimate their reliance on your product, then if they feel wronged they will let you know. And they will very likely go and find an alternative that better serves them… #entertainmentindustry #gaming

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