Sue May Oram

Sue May Oram
Sue May gained her first experience of the film and television industry as a Runner at the BBC and Films of Record. She attended a post-production course at Connections at the end of 2002. On leaving the course, Sue May worked on Eastenders as a 3rd Assistant Director, setting up their shot in Portugal. She is currently working as a researcher on A Place in the Sun. Sue May was a recent recipient of Connections’ e-famous for 1.5 minutes bursary.

Francis Brown



Francis completed a post-production course at Connections, where he learned how to edit using Final Cut Pro and Avid. As part of the course, Francis and his classmates were taken to Shepperton Studios to observe the editing of Ted and Sylvia with awarding winner editor Tariq Anwar. During the visit they were shown how to synch sound and picture rushes, met the director and had a question and answer session with Tariq.

In his spare time, he films celebrities enjoying their nights out. His proudest moment to date was when he filmed Jamiroquai's lead singer Jay Kay involved in a fight with a photographer,

"I was fortunate to be standing by them when it happened. There were other people filming but never got as good footage as me."

The footage that Francis captured has been shown on a variety of television programmes and news items.

Since finishing the course, Francis has been working on a music video for a rising artist. Hopefully all the skill's he learned on the course will shine through.

"I have come a long way but the journey has just begun"

"In 2000 I was given a chance to develop my skills in TV and video production, I was accepted on Connections’ Into-Production Video Production and Post-Production course to qualify me for work in the media industry. The course enabled me to gain formal qualifications in camera operation and sound recording, consisting of theory and practical work experience. I was selected to work with a professional crew on one of Connections own video productions. This was a promotional video for the Calvert Trust, a charity that provides adventure holidays for disabled people and their families. It was a great opportunity for me. I worked as a camera assistant and was able to observe professional camera and sound operators in action. It also gave me a credit on a high quality production with a narration by Heather McCartney.

Whilst on the course Skillset came in to talk about their Millennium Award scheme. I was encouraged to apply and was lucky enough to be accepted. This gave me further qualifications in Digital Video and Film Camera skills and I achieved an award for a project called Bounce Back. This was about youth in the community and was accredited by the BBC.

Since then I have moved on to establish a community group called Wizum Community Project. This has enabled me to further develop my skills by attending courses in Management Committee roles and responsibilities and community group formation. The Wizum Community project provides mentoring and training to support young people to develop their skills and achieve their goals.

I have also achieved some of my own goals. I have produced and directed videos for local carnivals, summer projects and Black History Month. I am also continuing my own development through courses in digital editing so as to keep abreast of new software and technology."

Dan has achieved a tremendous amount considering his age. When he was just 15, he had a work placement on 2nd Unit Camera department of Die Another Day. He attended a Digital Camera course at Connections in the summer of 2003 which led on to an NVQ Level 2 in Camera Assistant. Throughout the process Dan has had regular advice sessions, CV and showreel development and technical guidance sessions with tutors as well as the formalised training. Since doing the course, Dan has completed his first paid position as a Camera Assistant on a BBC drama. He also works and has trained with YCTV and is currently shooting content for their channel.

Vanita joined Connection's Women in Broadcast programme to advance her skills and allow her to move further into Production or Post Production. Vanita had previously gained experience in working as an Office Manager for a Production company, as well as a Production Co-ordinator for Breakthru Films on a short film and volunteering at London Film Festival and London Screenings International Film Sales Fair.

Vanita is a single mother who had completed a BA in Spanish and French. The course was ideal to give her the confidence to apply for jobs and to give her more technical experience in using cameras and editing packages.

For three years Vanita had an incomplete film which she had shot, but did not have the skills to edit. Through the skills that she learned on the Women in Broadcast course, Vanita was able to complete the film.

As part of the course, the Community Channel commissioned the beneficiaries of the Women in Broadcast programme to produce a series of short films on the theme of Inspirational Women. Vanita also co-wrote and directed a short film during the project entitled "My First Blockbuster".

Since completing the course in December, Vanita has found a position as a Production Co-ordinator for a company producing titles for the 2004 Athens Olympics.

I was also funded by The Film Council to research and develop a film exploring the change in attitudes towards gay people and was able to complete a pilot film for this programme.

In 2001 I directed the Calvert Trust video produced by Connections which was a promotional video challenging disability through outdoor adventure at the three Calvert Trust Centres. This gave me the opportunity to work with a professional crew on the road. Also with Connections and produced by the ACE was ‘Carnival On De Road’ a 20-minute documentary monitoring and evaluating Carnival workshops including costume design and skill-sharing.

The success of ‘TO A FUTURE....WITH LOVE’ back in 1999 inspired me to apply for a Millennium Award in 2001 to bring light to the dramatic rise in the number of new HIV infections, particularly among young heterosexuals between 20-30. I received the award and with Connections as my local partner was able to make my most recent film ‘LIFE ON THE LINE’

From this I would like to make LIFE ON THE LINE an independant organisation for projects dealing with the promotion of HIV awareness and other sexual health issues. I am at the moment working on other ideas within this area."

Fahim is particularly interested in broadcasting and all the operations surrounding it. Recently furthered his knowledge of lighting, sound and editing using PD 150, PD 170 and Final cut pro.

"Over the last 3 years I have been developing my skills. I have done this in a variety of ways. For instance I have completed courses on basic video production continuing to web design and video production. Alongside these I have completed Photography NVQ level 2.

My interest in films started when I was young and living in Afghanistan. Although photography as banned under the Taliban regime I had a camera and I was taking pictures. It is due to this that I have come to this country as a refugee.

"Political Refugees" is a 20 minute documentary about the difficulties that refugees face and the problems of integration. As part of a 5 month course called Productions Lab being taught at CCC Media in Hammersmith by Industry practitioners. My role involved operating the camera and editing. We are currently in post production and plan to screen at the Tricycle Theatre in February 2005.

Over the last 3 years I have been developing my skills. I have done this in a variety of ways. For instance I have completed courses on basic video production continuing to web design and video production. Alongside these I have completed Photography NVQ level 2".


Afra Dojaily

Afra has been at Connections where she enrolled in training for video editing, and developing her passion for photoshop and digital media, as well as having her work exhibited here.

Since studying at Middlesex, Afra worked in mixed media using digital photography and photoshop. Exhibited work at Hammersmith Information Centre and Riverside Studios. Hammersmith Council used her images in their 2003 calender.

In 2004 as part of the Visual Arts Season at Hammersmith Information Centre she had her work shown. Worked with video and showed the film 'Possible', in the Shundadahai Festival in Area 10 the same year.