Hello world! Welcome back to another blog. Last week (which was also #NeurodiversityWeek), it included helping out some students who I know will be directors of the future, my first short film festival, and finally completing the core module of a course I signed up for in August. So without further ado, here is what I got up to on the week commencing 17th March aka diversity week!
Film Festival:
This week, “Unmasked” made its film festival debut in the wonderful city of Beeston. What a night that was. I met a former workshop member, I met new people, and the films shown were second to none. Yes my film didn’t win the whole thing, but the one that did was no surprise to me, as the whole audience were in tears due to the topic of the film. It also had a range of emotions, from horror, documentary, comedy and micro shorts. But at least I came home with a certificate of appreciation, which for me is the main win of all of it (along with getting the cinema experience by having some Popcorn and a Tango Ice Blast as seen below)! Fingers crossed more festivals will be on the way! And be sure to click the link to my Go Fund Me page where you can make a donation to see the film go to more festivals in and out of the UK.
Passion Show:
This week I managed to do some runs of my online passion show! This was beneficial and I’m at the point where I can start recording the chunky parts of the two videos. And slowly but surely I’m getting everyone’s clips in together and also rehearsing my piece to record on camera. So I’m excited for this adaptation!
Student Film:
This week I helped out with some students from Nottingham Trent University on a student project. I haven't helped out on one of these for a while, but it was great to do it again, as not only was it a chance to do some acting, but it was also a chance for me to meet some upcoming filmmakers and directors of the future. And even though they said they were nervous, they did a grand job of the location, what to shoot and got to meet another amazing actor in the process. So overall it was a brilliant day, and I can't wait to see the final product.
Acting Class:
This week we went back to learning some improvisation. I’ve done improv before but going back to it did feel daunting. But I also couldn’t help but laugh my head off at some of the scenarios! We also looked at some scenes in the hope to get them on camera, one of which I wrote inspired by a film screening I saw last year and is also an adaptation of a scene made as part of a screen acting course my teacher does (which is available to watch on YouTube). Seeing someone else do it was really nice to see, and it was also quite a good feeling to have. We also got hints from my acting teacher about an upcoming live event and how to get involved. Providing its commutable for me, I’m eager to audition and hope to perform live again! So I can’t wait!
Actors Pro Expo:
This week I settled into another Actors Pro Expo seminar. This one was all about success in the west end with casting director Natalie Gallacher. I’ve learnt so much including myths that were debunked and also how to develop your craft as an actor and get seen in the theatre world if you’ve mostly done screen work. I’ve also made a list of which seminars I need to listen to next, prioritising those I’m keen on hearing first before the recordings expire on 6th June. So as long as I get my top favourites down first then that is win for me and also getting the value I need.
First TV Role Fast Track:
I finally managed to complete the final core module of this course! I won’t reveal all, but the advice has given me food for thought on how to look after myself mentally. And after watching a video of a famous athlete’s world record, it’s made me feel even more inspired to keep going. Now all I need to do is the two guest speakers and then I’m done. Yes I do have the bonus calls and tutorials, but I’m going to take everything one step at a time.
Coronation Street:
This week I watched the show on 10th March. It’s obvious that Daisy is grieving for her baby, and David telling her the truth about the accident only made things worse, as she shut the pub and using alcohol to escape her troubles. But what she said to Jenny hit the nail on the head for her, but I do hope she doesn’t mean it. Brown was also keen on asking Julie out, little do they know her real troubles when she finally told Eileen the truth. Betsy also realised that she was right when Lisa at old her to stay put when she spotted rob, and you know what? I would be in her shoes of getting scared to leave the house. And Yasmeen finally set off on her new adventure, with Leanne having the shared, but I wonder if this will be the start of a new feud when she mentions her ideas? And even though Dylan is grateful for Brody not grassing him, I have a feeling that what Dylan owes him may get dangerous.
Hollyoaks:
This week we saw new romances blossom, revenge plans for one resident, a dark turn in a so called business, and backstories being revealed. Mondays episode saw Leela still shaken by the horrid videos online, and I get that Joel is trying to help her, but I also get why she is still cautious. But inviting Tommy over may seem like a bad idea, unbeknownst to Joel, and it looks like Tommy may have used it to his advantage. Mercedes has also got good news with regards to her latest chemo results, now more than ever determined to prove her innocence, with Maxine’s help. And speaking of grace black, her business is well underway, and even though Rex is still on board, his suggestion to Ste of their relationship may make things more complicated. Frankie was also getting flashbacks when Rex got Jacob to do “a job” for him, and I feel it’s going to get more sordid for her. And sienna may be abit jealous of Cleo and her trip to Bali, and it’s obvious they both like each other. So I hope they just make things official soon! Tuesdays episode saw Leela go back to Tommy, and his suggestion to get Joel to go to therapy has got disaster written all over it. Sienna and Cleo have also gotten closer, and even though there are some mixed views from both Myra and Martha, that didn’t stop them from taking their relationship to the next level. And good on Cleo for making her family aware that after everything she deserves abit of happiness. Finally, grace really knows how to twist the knife, as Oscar’s fake appointment was the perfect opportunity to get Frankie where she wants her. And after seeing spoilers, the party grace is holding will probably take a dark turn. But I do still wonder if Rex will abandon the whole thing in order to pursue a relationship with Ste? Finally, Wednesdays episode saw Rex's backstory. I always believe that there's always a reason for how people turn out, and lets just say his backstory and why he's doing this horrid business with Grace is one of them. But his new relationship with Ste and feeling deep love for the first time may make him sway away from that world. But Grace is keen to keep going, as she stll managed to get Dillon and Frankie under their spell of why there are men of a certain age. And Coopers revelation had doubts in Dillons mind following hearing Robbie (not knowing its him) in the basement. But I wonder if whilst Frankie is convinced that this is her way of taking control, if Dillon is under her spell or is unsure of this whole thing.
Eastenders:
This week in Walford, we saw funeral arrangements, reunions and a thought provoking journey. Mondays episode saw Nigel’s dementia taking its toll, both in the workplace and at home. But we all need a Linda in those times or need. Kathy is also feeling guilty about her affair with Harvey, as Jean is having her struggles with organising the funeral. But some wise words from Kathy have managed to help Jean and Ruby see eye to eye. Lily was also showing her loyalties when Avani taunted Tommy for his AI game, and the big one was the drama between the Mitchell clan. Harry’s ex brother (who may I say is quite good looking), was here for one reason and one reason only… to confront Teddy Mitchell. Things seemed intense, and I wonder what Harry was doing afterwards? And Teddy may not be so guilty after all when Nicola revealed a shocking secret to her henchmen. Tuesdays episode saw the Mitchell drama slowly unfold. Ravi's shocking truth about the dodgy pills ha Nicola in worry, knowing Harry bought some the previous episode, and I wouldn’t want to mess with Harry Mitchell. And teddy finding out about Nicolas dealing business only tensed things up more. It they had bigger problems when Harry was at the Albert drowning his sorrows. But that tension turned into passion between teddy and Nicola, little knowing the secret she has been keeping. Lily is also still grieving, and kudos to Avani for apologising and offering her a shoulder to cry on. Jean is also feeling the pressure when Ruby has her own ideas for Martin's funeral, but Jean's feelings just became too much. But Kathy’s idea about a cocktail in honour of Martin was a great idea, but I still feel the awkward tension between Harvey and Kathy. And Nigel has seemed to make things worse for Billy when Lexi had been sent home from school again, wanting to know about Phil. But it’s a good job Yolande and Linda were able to help him, but after Nigel called Lexi by a different name, something tells me she’ll start to suspect that something is not right with Nigel. Wednesday's episode saw Jack get Amy to help Lily with her grief. This then led to both of them and Avani letting out some anger in a way which seems to be helpful, but when Lily found out hay jack set any up it did not go well. Teddy was also taken aback when Nicola announced to the boys of their reunion so soon, but sometimes people like a bad girl. But after some earlier business with juniper on dartford, and a phone call to him later on, it might be ending in heartbreak. Jean is still not liking the idea of making a cocktail in honour of Martin, but when she mentions about Harvey’s antics, it took me by surprise to notice knowing she’d been pushing him out (when I know he was trying to help). But Kathy was clear that she wants him to end things with her otherwise he might end up losing both of them. And everything got too much for Billy when Lexi kept asking for the truth, which resulted in a hurtful comment to Callum and a threat towards Nigel. But thankfully Linda was there to help calm Nigel down, and after Callum finally revealed the truth, Billy made a heartfelt confession on why he kept Phil’s whereabouts a secret. But things are about to get more intense when they discover that Phil is missing. And Thursdays episode saw Phil’s journey through the mental health unit from when he first entered until Wednesday's episode. I won’t reveal all as it was one which I can’t spoil, but let’s just say that it took seeing his friend doing something dangerous that made him change his mindset after trying to take his own life during the 40th anniversary week. And kudos to Natasha Patel who played care worker Yasmin. To be part of a special episode like this next to an iconic character is something you don’t see everyday. She did a grand job of the performance she brought. And well done Phil for leaving the past behind and yes even though he’s still the iconic Phil Mitchell who’s bad side you don’t want to get on, at least he’s in a much better mindset now.
Big Boys:
This week, these next two episodes of this show saw the gang work out where they want to go after university is finished. In episode 3 “Thin Lips, Fat Lines and. Poem on…”, the gang all had their futures to think about. It really tested Corinne and Danny’s relationship, and jukes actually made a decent point to make when Danny was worried about his future. There was also an emotional moment for Yemi a he left the gang, and whilst helping Shannon to get her maternity clothes back, Peggy made a decision about Russell. But kudos to her for following her heart. Finally, jack and his decision to join the poetry course really didn’t go to plan when he mentioned a certain joke. But Danny’s gift to him was very thoughtful. Episode 4 “Eurovision, Brexit & Schloer” saw the gang do their dissertations. Whilst Jack was getting some fun in between studies (which i wasn't ready for and liked this side of Jack), Danny and Corinne seemed to be drifting further apart, especially when Danny’s friend from prison called, but something tells me that it didn’t end well for him. Eurovision was filled with all sorts of drama. Danny using alcohol to cope, Shannon’s mum constantly talking her down, and Peggy telling Shannon to follow her gut, leading to a heartwarming moment between the niece and auntie. And Tariq's grand gesture was beautiful. If only I could say the same for Danny when the care home called, leaving Corinne heartbroken.
Waterloo Road:
This week we saw secrets revealed, relationships growing and some of the individuals true colours beginning to show. Episode 4 saw Libby work on her drama school audition, but we saw Jared slowly showing his dark nature. First making her feel guilty for not getting him to help her, then criticising her performance and then questioning her choice. Amy seemed to notice it, but Jared has managed to twist Libby's brain to tune against Amy. Schuey is also on edge after agreeing to fight a fellow student, with Agnes not being very happy about it. But thankfully she was able to stop it after telling Stella what really happened, which in turn after talking to him about the severity of violence, helped Schuey see the bigger picture, and him releasing that Agnes’s will help him get on the straight and narrow. But I dread to think his reaction when she keeps Billy’s letter from him… speaking of Stella, she’s clearly still on edge after the incident, and despite the mathlympics going well (even though Ashton did have a stumble when his dad left and Mog getting ill), the truth about Nisha and Jas finally came to light. But after hearing Donte talk about his life, Ashtons path of going in a good direction may be ruined after overhearing this secret. Episode 5 saw Amy try to uncover Jared’s true nature, using Luca and contacting Jared’s ex, which got to the point where Stella had to fire her. But despite Stella changing her mind, kudos to Amy for sticking up for herself and doing what’s right after revealing her experience in a abusive relationship and why she had to get involved with Libby and Jared. But surely by now she has got to see Jared’s behaviour after he made her cancel her party and deleting Noel from her contacts. And speaking of Stella, whilst she is convinced she is fine after the attack, a trip to the police after going over the limit didn’t help. And despite joe thinking she was hiding something secretive, after she revealed all, it was good on him to offer her help. Donte is also in hot water after Ashton reveals all not only about how Donte has got with both Nisha and Jas, but the relationship between the two of them. But Tonya's words of encouragement may have helped change his decision. And Schuey took a trip to see Billy after Agnes set up the meeting. Billy definitely has some home truths as to how Boz was killed, and that Schuey was the real target, and why Billy was targeting him. But you know what? It might have worked. As his relationship with Agnes seems to have grown, but he’s still the same old rebel to the teachers. But at least that’s a start.
Boarders:
This week we saw huge decisions, near misses and a certain headmistress trying to set a plan to get rid of the gang. Episode 3 saw the gang prep for a big open day. After successfully having his first time with Dilton, a slip of the tongue from Omar May have destroyed his new relationship already (whoops). And Jaheim had problems of his own when Caleb is yet to call. So he, along with Toby, managed to sort things out. But Toby’s real reason as to why he went away from school was purely to impress Abby. But I must say, his Italian is flawless. First Japanese now Italian. He is a literal language genius. But Rupert may have caused a stir again where after the showcase, he frames Jaheim which Florence (who was working tirelessly for the event bless her) didn’t know about. But something tells me that Jaheim's love life may get more complicated. Leah’s plans are also ruined when Devonye takes her spot again after meeting Koku, had an encounter with her and Mabel. And Femi managed to deliver the speech perfectly where even his “posh friends” were in tears. But I feel like Carol is literally trying to get rid of the Boarders gang one by one as she managed to brainwash his uncle. It’s only time before her little sneaky tactics are uncovered. Episode 4 saw Jaheim go to a board meeting for Carol, but Gus has managed to convince him that he needs to enjoy being a child. It didn’t work in his favour when he was stripped from head boy, and Felix made a point on how everyone feels about her. But it was good he enjoyed Florence’s party, and it was good to see him have fun for once, and also get closer to Florence herself. Tony’s reckless behaviour as well had consequences when Carol was officially the headmistress and cancelled the spring ball. Abby won’t be pleased when she finds out the truth (but more about truths in a moment). Leah also found some surprising secrets on devonye when trying to find her book. But she may need to find a way to cover her tracks. Femi was also on hot water when his uncle tried to take him back to Nigeria, but he managed to stand up to him on something he wants to do for himself. And a blackmail from the head of drama to Carol may have put her in her place. But Omar had the task of getting the secrets from everything that’s happened. From Jaheim and Florence, to Tony’s betrayal, to Leah’s cover up and a misread situation between Femi and the drama teacher. And after the book goes missing, it’s not only affected his relationship with Dilton, but the consequences for the raisinettes.
Personal:
Exercise:
This week I only went to the gym once but I did plenty of exercise on the bike. I forgot to note down the time I reached the 10k mark for Monday (ooops!), but for the rest of the week, the timings of when I reached 10 included 14mins 48secs on the Wednesday, 14mins 44secs on the Thursday, and a whopping 14mins 14secs on the Saturday. I think I was quite pleased with that, as even though I was busy this week, I didn't excuse myself from not doing any exercise. Please see below how much I got done at the 20min mark as well for all of those days!
Darts:
This week I only had one darts practice, but I managed to hit a few doubles and trebles. This was a win for me, as sometimes one session is enough. And I'm quite pleased with myself as well.
Survey:
This week I managed to get a couple of surveys in. But I’ll take it as a win as anything is better than nothing. But next week I aim to do more next week, to not only use it as a self care, but to also earn some extra money in the first place.
Britains Got Talent:
This week on the variety talent show, it included all sorts as always. An eye popping dancer (literally), a lady from China, a nut cracker (don’t ask), a magician who blew KSIs mind, a ping pong style dance act, and a blow from Sunderland performing a Freddie Mercury classic. But my favourite act had to be a rock band where the aim was to make the arts more accessible, and with it being #NeurodiversityWeek, it was even more of an occasion to air it then! I’m aware that Simon broke the rules, but it’s moments like this where the rules deserve to be broken.
Gladiators:
The last quarter finals of the show was epic. There were broken records, errors from both contenders and gladiators and even Mark Clattenberg was not to be messed with. I’m also glad that giant is well, and even though it’s a shame that he won’t be part of the rest of the series due to injury, I know he’ll come back stronger for the next one. Nitro also showed another special skill whilst he was out due to injury. I don’t know if he actually did them or not, but either way they were impressive.
Gogglebox:
This week the gang reacted to a variety of shows once again. I loved their reaction to Chris and Rosie’s Ramsey on “The Great Bake Off for Stand Up To Cancer”, and I was also laughing with them when they watched “The Last One Laughing”. I loved how they got to see Bradley Walsh get his theories wrong in "Bradley Walsh: Egypt's Cosmic Code", and even I could know how to play “Jeopardise”. I was also not expecting the plot twist they were seeing in the last episode of "Fear", and they were all surprised when Meghan corrected her friend Mindy on her name in "With Love Meghan". I also got put off my lunch when they reacted to a guest on "this Morning" and her weird way of making money (which I have also seen before on YouTube), and I'm also with them with a contestant on "Temptation Fortune" when yes she was someone you would hate, it surprisingly makes good TV.
Hard times:
This weeks hard times including turning down an audition (which at some point will happen again as sometimes you need to get rid of the good to make room for the great) and also feeling anxious due to the upcoming mothers day. I knew this week I wasn't feeling right mentally, and a day like mothers day is probably the reason why. But providing I do the things that make me happy and focus on now recording my content for my passion show, I think I'll be okay. Another tough decision for me was to book my first smear test. Yes I haven’t been single since lockdown, but after recently turning 25 and with my dad advising me to go with what they say, thinking about my own history, they still recommended that I have it done. But I know that whilst it may be uncomfortable short term, the long term will be worth it. And I urge any ladies and young girls reading this that if you're invited to get a smear test, please consider doing so as it can save your life, and I will be posting a video on my YouTube to let you all know how I get on!
What have I learnt this week? You are enough. And given what's happened in the news linking to the benefits disabled people need, now is even more of a reason to fight the system, and fight for change.
See you soon for another blog. Until next time...
This is The Autistic Actress signing off :)
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