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More about our training and education, facilities hire and video production services.
Arena
Discover a world of resources about
working in the media and read achievements of past trainees.
Support us
All your contributions enable us to continue our valuable work. Discover more about ways in which you can help us to help others.
About us
Find out more about Connections, including the latest news and annual reports.
Services
If you’re unemployed and want to work in the Media, are freelancing, or are already working in the industry and are black or from an ethnic minority, check out our range of courses.
Production
View our latest showreel > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/services_showreel.html
How to commission a video > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/annual_reports/commission.pdf
Connections can meet all your production needs.
With 25 years experience of producing high quality videos for the not-for-profit sector, why not talk to us about your filming requirements? We can provide you with expert help in all aspects of the filmmaking process – from scripting and pre-production to the final edit and dvd authoring.
Recent productions include a promotional video and 6 case studies to showcase the London Development Agency/ESF 2004–2007 programme. You can view these films along with other films we’ve made by clicking on the link below.
We’ve also produced a short guide to help you if you are new to the process of video commissioning. You can download it from this page. If you would like to talk to us about any aspect of our production service, please call us on 020 8735 6015, or complete the form further down the page.
Contact Form > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/services_production.html
Media industry coaching
Want to take your business or career to the next level?
It’s lonely at the top. The most successful top executives have coaches because they recognise that a coach can help them reflect, prioritise, make decisions and focus on the important stuff.
It is just as lonely getting to the top when building up your media career or business. Whether you’re just starting out, or you have many years experience, the questions are the same: who do you turn to for a perspective on what really matters – your goals, your direction? How do you get from where you are now to where you really want to be? Who can you talk to about those weak points you know you need to deal with, but don’t know how?
From our experience of working with hundreds of media professionals, many of whom we supported as they took their first steps into the industry, Connections has developed a coaching programme specifically tailored for the media. We can match you with a coach who:
• Understands and has experience of your sector of the industry
• Has been trained on our professional coaching skills programme
• Can link you to further business support, technical training and industry networks
Coaching gives you the edge.
Learn more about our coaching services
Contact form >http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/services_coaching.html
Training
We have 25 years experience of inspiring creativity and providing opportunities to help young people to develop life-changing skills. There are courses and workshops in video and sound, DJing and music production.
We also provide professional training courses for all ages and levels.
Age 13-25 >
Try out video-making, DJing, music production and more
Starting your media career? >
Develop your skills and realise your potential
Freelancer or running a business? >
Get the skills you need for greater success
Our trainers >
Meet the people who teach our courses >
13-25? Want to make your own videos and music?
Interested in making films or music, we’ve got two projects for you to get involved in.
Young People’s Creative Forum
13-25 and want to write and direct your own videos, make music or start DJing?
We hold a media workshop every three weeks where you can get involved with film and music projects, learn new skills and meet new people. Connections work closely with the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and recent animations have been screened on BB2 and the ITV local website. There will be an opportunity to link with youth TV in New York.
Visit our Myspace page for more info or call us on 020 8741 1766 http://www.myspace.com/youngconnections
Media Writes
13-19 and live in Hammersmith? Want to make a film? Media Writes is our filmmaking course for budding directors, actors, writers, sound engineers and camera operators.
You’ll work with professional filmmakers on six individual short films about things YOU want to talk about.
The finished films will then be screened on the online TV channel, www.urbancre8ors.tv and put on a DVD next spring. Past films have also been broadcast on Channel 4 and BBC 2.
The course could lead to a qualification and there are bursary opportunities for 10 people who show a flair and passion for post-production and marketing.
Each course runs for a week and is totally free.
Learn more about the course on our myspace page http://www.myspace.com/youngconnections
View films from Media Writes> http://www.urbancre8ors.tv/
Starting your media career?
Just starting out? Living in London and looking for work in the audio visual industries, Compass Campus is for you. The course is free and you get industry training and career mentoring to help you develop your skills for success.
More about Compass Campus> http://www.ontrack.uk.net/course.php?cid=391
Freelancer or running a business?
If you want to gain the upper hand in your career or need to gain new skills, Innovation for Success is for you.
A four-week leadership programme, Innovation for Success offers training in essential skills as well as helping you focus on how to take your career or business to the next level. During the course you’ll:
• Pinpoint areas you want to focus on
• Get training in essential skills
• Build networks
• Understand how changing technologies will affect you
The course is industry-led by highly experienced tutors. It’s designed to give you the advantage when it comes to getting where you want to be in the media industries.
More about Innovation For Success > http://www.ontrack.uk.net/course.php?cid=381
Our trainers
Simon Brise
Electronics Engineer, Broadcast MCR, Facilities, Maintenance Engineer, Broadcast Studio Cameraman & Lighting operator, Video Editor, Web Designer, Digital Artist, Lecturer in Broadcast Engineering & Video Editing.
Rebecca Knapp
Rebecca is an experienced independent producer/line producer who works internationally between Europe, Africa, Canada and the US, past feature film projects include POPCORN and ROLLIN WITH THE NINES. She has secured funds for her projects from some funders including UK Film Council, Film Four, BBC, Screen East, Screen South, Scottish Screen, Carlton Television, Scottish Media Group, and more. Her productions have been nominated for 3 Baftas and won 24 international awards. Rebecca has been teaching professional courses for the past five year in the area of fundraising, film finance, budgeting and scheduling, legal issues, pitching, running a creative company for the New Producer s Alliance, City University and the National Film and Television School.
Anton Califano
Originally trained as an editor, Anton has been making films since the mid-90s and his short films have been shown in over forty film festivals worldwide. His film “The Seafront” recently won second prize in the Current TV launch contest. He has recently completed several short documentaries and is currently working on a series of short films for the London Development Agency, produced by Connections. As a qualified teacher Anton has considerable experience teaching film, as well as working with students and new entrants to the film industry in the UK and internationally. Anton is also currently the Executive Producer on the Eastern Edge Film Fund in East London. He has delivered workshops in Portugal, Poland, Iran and Argentina, as well as teaching on the MA in Documentary Practice at Brunel University run in partnership with DFG Docs. Anton has also worked as a mentor for Connections as well as teaching on a number of their short training programmes.
Ellie Land
Ellie Land was born in Somerset and grew up in a small ex-mining town called Radstock. She escaped briefly, living in former West Berlin for a couple of years, when she was six years old. As a filmmaker Ellie works with animation and documentary. Her films screen at festivals worldwide and have won numerous awards. Ellie has an MA in Animation from the Royal College of Art.
Duncan Sones
Duncan has over ten years’ experience of facilitating training and personal development programmes. As Chief Executive of the National Training Organisation for the Arts and Entertainment Industries he increased the turnover by ten fold in seven years. Duncan has also worked for West Midlands Regional Arts Board in a consultancy role supporting arts and media organisations with marketing, business planning and training. He has co-presented over fifty careers education programmes for the BBC, including the ground-breaking Hot Pursuits (BBC Knowledge and BBC Learning Zone).
Deb Durrant
Deb Durrant is a change agent who works with individuals and organisations to help them raise their game. She has 15 years experience as a change agent, consultant, project manager, trainer, facilitator, mentor, coach and evaluator. She is experienced in working with organisations that are in recovery from crisis, and also those on a more stable footing and wanting to thrive. She holds a Masters in Change and is a Certified Organisational Cultural Transformation Tools™ Consultant. Before starting Be Curious in 2004, she was a sole trader for two years, and before this headed up the Arts and Cultural Unit of a regeneration agency for almost three years where she led on number of change and evaluation initiatives with cultural organisations. Deb has had a varied career in the creative industries as Training Manager at ITC for seven years, Director of two Arts Centres, Education Officer, set painter, DJ, rock promoter, musician, media production and as Board member of a number of organisations.
For Deb Curiosity is: natural inquisitive behaviour; to seek information and interaction with our environment; the emotional aspect of living beings that engenders exploration, investigation and learning.
Facilities
Ravenscourt Media is a social enterprise that donates all its profits to Connections. It provides high quality production and post-production facilities tailored to the needs of your production. We offer a range of services designed to help you get exactly the equipment you need. Read the scenarios below to get an idea of how we can help.
Independent producers or freelancers
If you are running a production and know exactly what equipment you need, why not become a member of Ravenscourt Media? It’s free to join and the benefits include:
* A longer period of equipment hire
* All the accessories you need
* One-day rate over the weekend
* Seven days for the price of four
* Choose between a laptop or a full edit suite for post production
* We’ll never charge you extra for late drop-off and will always try to be flexible
To join you’ll need to present three forms of ID and the first time you hire from us we’ll keep your passport. There’s no cash deposit and you’ll pay when you come to pick up the equipment. You can also take out extra insurance for damage.
Student planning to shoot a film or documentary
If you are a student, we can help you work out exactly what equipment you’ll need for your project. If you’re shooting indoors we’ll be able to help you choose the correct lights and reflectors. Want to get a particular look for your footage? We’ll be able to advise you on the right camera for the job. We can also help you choose a camera that is compatible with your post-production needs and we’ll help you work out a plan so that you can stay on budget.
Running a video training workshop
If you’re running a video training workshop in a school or college we have a number of packages available. For trainers with their own camera we can supply you with lights, reflectors, microphones, laptops for editing and a tripod. If you also need a camera, we have a number of entry-level models at low cost.
Learn more about Equipment hire
if you would like to hire equipment please send us your details and we will get in touch with you. Alternatively you can call us on 020 8563 7184. or visit Ravenscourt Media website > http://www.ravenscourtmedia.co.uk/
Contact Form > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/Services_facilites.html
Arena
For inspiration or information about working in the Media, we’ve put together a collection of useful links and openings to explore. Plus, check out success stories of past trainees and find out where they are now.
Useful links
Useful resources and links to other media organisations
that can help you develop your career.
Download our PDF commissioning guide > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/resources.pdf
Case studies
See how it’s been done before by reading about the
experience of past trainees.
Want to know how other people got involved in Connections? Or find out how they got on in their course and what the course was
like for them? Or discover what happened to them after the course? Then take a look through the case studies below.
Jay McCatty
Jay has been involved with Connections since 2004, when he
took part in the Urban Cre8ors programme and made his first
short film, Gerald Williams. This was subsequently broadcast
on Connections’ Dare2Dream website and at the Portobello
Film Festival.
Jay has overcome dyslexia to gain an award for outstanding
achievement on a BTEC Diploma and an HND course in Media,
and is now studying Contemporary Media Practice at Westminster
University. With support from Connections, in 2006 Jay applied
for, and was awarded, over £3,000 from the Brent Youth
Opportunity Fund to write and direct another film, Broken
World as well as to work towards his Youth Achievement Award.
Alongside studies and film projects, Jay has gained work experience
at Cinnamon Films with producer Louise Decoteau and award-winning
director Alrick Riley and been interviewed live on BBC Radio
One about his film projects. Jay has also enrolled on the
Channel 4 ‘We Need U’ programme for young talented
black people.
“I have been helped by Connections in many ways on many
different things. They are an insightful and inspirational
organisation for aspiring film-makers. Mentoring and support
has helped me to make two short films, gain work experience
and achieve results in technical qualifications.”
Hedeel Hassan
Hedeel joined the Urban Cre8ors: Young People project at the
age of 15, and is still involved with Connections as a university
student.
Hedeel worked on the short film, Park Life, which was produced
in collaboration with BBC Blast and has been broadcast on
the urbancre8ors.tv web channel, the Community Channel, BBC
2’s Learning Zone and at the E-volve Youth Arts festival
at the Barbican.
From this experience, Hedeel discovered a passion for working
with teams of young people and developing skills in supporting
others. She went on to gain experience with Millennium Volunteers,
and has trained to assist disabled people – skills she
has been able to practice as a peer mentor on another Connections
film project at Hammersmith & Fulham Action on Disability
(HAFAD).
Hedeel is now studying Law with Business at Kingston University,
but is still practicing her film-making expertise with friends
on a short film inspired by Alfred Hitchcock.
“The BBC Blast film was probably the most fun I’ve
had during a summer staying in England - mostly because it
was made by us and we were given our own budget, and the way
the tutors worked around the teenagers’ ideas as opposed
to dictating what should happen.
For me, although I love watching and making films, I wouldn't
have thought of that as a career. However, if you're incredibly
shy, which I was at 15, then it was pretty much the best thing
I could have done. It not only made you involve yourself with
the others, but it was exciting.
Connections has basically been there all the way to aid those
who want to fulfil goals. They take it very seriously - I
was actually amazed at the support offered and events organised
to help realise these goals.”
Hedeel Hassan
Participant, Urban Cre8ors: Young People.
Dan Cassen
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.
Joseph Nicholas
"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 Mills 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."
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.
David Grahamn
"Since finishing several training courses at Connections (including 'Crewing on Live Event' and 'Into-Production'), I have made several films. Most have been promotional videos for charitable organisations including the RNIB and St. Johns Hospice.
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."
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.
Support us
Support> Help more children to be out of the streets and have a better future. Children/teenagers, start today. Thank you.
Support Us
Last year, 394 young people who were not in education or employment were engaged in music or film production activities through Connections.
That means 394 young people not hanging around the streets with nothing to do. Instead they were exploring the fascinating possibilities of new media discovering their creativity, telling their own stories, working together and learning new skills.
This wouldn’t be possible without the support of people like you. Help us to make a difference to a young person’s life in the following ways:
You can make a difference to a young persons life.
One-off or regular donation
Each £10 you donate will provide access to a video or music editing station for 1.5 hours or pay volunteer mentoring expenses for one session.
As a volunteer
Connections values every donation that it receives. So if you have any time that you would like to donate please get in touch.
By giving up three hours of your time each week to act as a mentor or coach you can share your creative talents, skills and knowledge. There are lots of areas within CCC's departments that could benefit from your time and experience (All volunteers are subject to interview and satisfactory enhanced CRB check).
Partners
Connections is looking for having partners with common values. Companies, communities or anyone who is willing to change young people’s lives. If you are one of them who want to make the difference, please do contact us.
Leave a legacy in your will
Leaving a Legacy in your will is the certain way you can be sure your wishes are carried out and many children/teenagers will be out of the streets. You can make a difference by adding a provision to your will to leave a legacy to us.
Use Ravenscourt Media
You are supporting us every time you use Ravenscourt Media equipement hire services. Ravenscourt Media is a social enterprise that donates all its profits to Connections. It provides broadcast quality video equipment, editing facilities and support to enable people to create the programmes they want to make, at very affordable rates.
Contact Form > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/support.html
About us
About us > Discover more about Connections. Catch up on our news, check out annual reports, find out about our history and our funders.
News archive
News
MERGEFORMATINET
28/08/07 Ministerial visit On 28th August, Connections were proud to host Beverley Hughes MP(Minister for Young People, Children & Families), Andy Akinwolere (CBBC Blue Peter presenter) and Clive Jones (Chairman of Mediabox and YCTV), who came to see the Media Writes project in full-swing.
28/05/07 Young People Media Forum Connections is launching it’s first Young People’s Media Forum, a committee of talented and committed young people from west London who are keen to have their say on the creative industries. Monthly meetings will provide a chance for discussion on training, media ownership, effective publicity, careers and opportunities for young people. With 10 people already signed up, the group is expected to grow over the coming year with guest speakers, and organised trips. The first meeting will take place on June 5th.
28/05/07 ILM Award Connections is now an approved Institute of Leadership & Management training centre. Delivery on the Level 3 Award in Leadership is already taking place, and Connections is also able to deliver level 5. This approval is a great boost for Connections, and acknowledges the excellent provision of leadership, management and networking training that is taking place on the Innovation for Success programme. ILM Website.
14/05/07 Connections Magic Moments On Wednesday 10th May, Connections CEO, Jacqueline Davis, and former student, Yenabi Mezghebe, spoke at a cross-party conference on media literacy at the House of Commons. Yenabi spoke enthusiastically about her time working with Connections on the Channel 4 ‘Breaking the News’ project. See Yenabi’s comments on the BBC website.
20/03/07 Connections Magic Moments CCC tutor, Ellie Land , has had her internationally award-winning short animation ‘Everything Was Life' selected for the BBC Film Network. To wacth her film click more...
20/03/07 Reinforcing its vision. Connections undertook another 'Values Day' with consultant Deb Durrant in which staff reviewed the organisation's guiding principles, identified strengths and weaknesses and looked forward to a dream Connections in 2010.
24/01/07 Compass Campus brings together five leading audio visual training providers as delivery partners: Connections Communications Centre (lead partner), Hi8us, Space Media, Vital Regeneration and WAC Performing Arts and Media College to deliver a range of digital media and audio visual training, including emerging technologies (e.g. pod/webcasting, online streaming). more...
Connections' annual AGM for 2005/06. On 25 January, Connections staff, students, board members, friends, partners and funders gathered at the Riverside Studios for Connections Annual General Meeting. Following the AGM a series of short films were shown presenting work from the Urban Cre8ors young adults programme, introducing Innovation for Success, our new industry training programme, and launching On Track, a state of the art monitoring and online learning system bringing together a community of training providers. After a break for refreshments there was a special screening of short films, animation and music videos made by young people on the Cre8 Your Future and Urban Cre8ors projects. In addition, prizes were given out for young CCC participants including video iPods, meals at Nandos and HMV vouchers.
Blast Takes Over on BBC Two
A short film made by 13 to 17 year old London based young people will be screened on BBC 2 Thursday 1st December.
Breaking the News
Young People training at Connections Communications Centre have been cutting the news for Channel 4.
Annual reports
Download our annual report 05-06 > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/annual_reports/report05_06.pdf
Download our annual report 04-05 > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/annual_reports/report04_05.pdf
Download our annual report 03-04 > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/annual_reports/report04_05.pdf
Download our annual report 02-03 > http://www.cccmedia.co.uk/annual_reports/report02_03.pdfOur history
To read a report, you’ll need acrobat reader > http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html
The history of Connections
From its humble beginnings in 1982, when two graduates travelled around with the Hammersmith and Fulham Playbus delivering video production and animation activities during the summer holidays, Connections has grown to be one of the UK's leading providers of media training.
Here's some of our achievements.
1992 Locates to larger premises providing a fully wheelchair accessible broadcast standard editing facilities.
1993 Lord John Brabourne becomes the patron
2000 Anna Home OBE became patron
1998-2004 Employment training and film bursaries for refugees
1999 - 2000 Awarded a UK-wide video production bursary for disabled filmmakers –there are twelve production bursaries and four research and development bursaries available for disabled people. The theme was to produce a programme that challenged current images of disability. The twelve films produced premiered at the Soho Curzon cinema in the West End.
1999 - 2000 Animation project for refugee children. The children animated a favourite story from their country of origin to produce a series of animation stories from around the world. Eight animations premiered in the West End hosted by journalist and writer Yasmin Alibhai-Brown and were screened on the Thames on New Millennium's Eve where it reached audiences of approximately 3 million. Culture Secretary Chris Smith MP also enjoyed a private screening on Millennium Eve. The production company 'Illuminations' made a documentary about the making of for Channel 4's Dope Sheet and the project was featured on BBC News Room Southeast during refugee week in November 1999. The films are on exhibition at the Museum Of London, and were part of 'Celebrating Sanctuary', a festival held in June by the Refugee Council and London Arts.
1999 - 2007 New entrant training programme people who would otherwise be denied access.. Vocational training and production and employment opportunities for unemployed people. Covering all aspects of video production, providing the skills necessary to move into work in the film and television industries. Trainees achieved Skillset NVQ Level 2 assessment in Camera Assist.
2000 - 2002 A drop-in Saturday Video and Music Club for 10-17 year olds at risk of offending. Local musicians and filmmakers were at hand to provide one-to-one and group tuition.
2001-2007 Pan London programme delivering creative media activities to young people who are at risk of exclusion.
2001 Production commissions presented Connections trainees with the opportunity to work on higher production budget and professional crews. Location shoots took them throughout the UK.
2000-2004 Supported a number of community groups to produce information videos and websites.
2003-2007 Provided subsidised media technology training to freelancers and employees, who, in the fast-moving world of media needed to update and develop their skills. The courses range from Final Cut Pro, Digital Camera, Making Short Films for the Web, Webcasting and Streaming and Movie Magic, EP Budgeting and Scheduling.
2003 Dare 2 Dream, an innovative streaming website was launched on 1st May 2003 at the BFI IMAX in London. The launch was attended by beneficiaries, industry professionals and funders.
2002-2005 Film bursaries for new and emerging talent. E-Famous for 1.5 minutes This was screened as part of the Big Issue Film Festival at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square.
2002-2003 Women in Broadcast programme began in mid-February 2003 with a series of technical workshops in camera and lighting, editing and web design. In addition to this, the beneficiaries received training and support from the BBC and were allocated mentors from the technical departments. As part of the programme, the beneficiaries were commissioned by the Community Channel to create a short film on the theme of inspirational women. Films were screened at BAFTA
2003 Trainees went to make a series of short films in Lisbon.
2003 Skillset Freelance Training Fund, part financed the delivery of courses in Movie Magic Budgeting and Scheduling and DV Camera.
2004 An e-mentoring site enables mentors and mentees to chat in real time, to download learning materials and guidelines. The mentees can upload their script or film and receive feedback from their mentor.
2004-2007 Mentoring and coaching programmes Specialist one-to-one support to build up a portfolio of competence.
2004 An online TV channel to screen the work produced by the young people engaged on our projects. www.urbancre8ors.tv
2004 A Saturday morning girls only project.
2005 BBC BLAST. A BBC mentor supported the young people to produce a short comedy sketch show that was broadcast on BBC 2 ‘The Learning Zone’ as part of ‘Blast Takes Over’.
2006 Young people worked with ITN/Channel 4 News team to produce a number of news features for a brand new website called ‘Breaking the News’. The website is a learning resource to support schools teaching news journalism. Connections was selected along with 9 other schools throughout the UK. Our young people researched, shot and edited a local news feature story, which was awarded prize.
Over 80% beneficiaries are BAME
Our team
Want to know who are the people at Connections?
Connections Patrons
Anna Home OBE
Anna Home OBE, Chief Executive, Children’s Film & Television Foundation, UK. Anna joined BBC radio as Studio Manager in 1960 and made the move to BBC TV in 1965 as part of the original Play School Production Team. From there she went on to help set up the ‘Jackanory’ series where she had the opportunity to work with many famous actors from the theatre and television. Director, Producer and Executive Producer for BBC TV’s Children’s programmes for over two decades, she specialised in children’s dramas, being responsible for starting ‘Grange Hill’ as well as bringing ‘The Narnia Chronicles’, ‘The Borrowers’ and many other classic children’s books to the television screen. After 20 years in the BBC she became a member of the winning consortium that set up TVS, the ITV licensee for the south and south east of England. There she became the Controller of Programmes (SE) in 1981, responsible for setting up a completely new production centre in Maidstone. She was also responsible for children’s and young people’s programmes and started the ground breaking and popular Saturday morning show ‘No. 73’. In 1986 she was invited to return to the BBC as Head of Children’s Television, where she was responsible for more than 1,000 hours of programming, for children of all ages. Her final commission for the BBC was ‘Teletubbies’.
She has been a member of the Councils of BAFTA and the RTS and chaired the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Children’s Group for many years. She is a Board member of Telemagination, the Polka Theatre for Children and is the Chair of Cinemagic. She also works as a freelance consultant in children’s television. Currently chairing the Board of Eurokidnet, an organisation aiming to set up a Pan European Public Service Children’s network. She was awarded the OBE in 1993 and has received numerous awards and accolades for her contribution to Children and Young People’s Television. She is the author of a book about the history of children’s television ‘Into the Box of Delights’.
Board Of Trustees
Paul Brett Chair of the Board of Trustees of Connections
Paul is a founder member of Prescience Film Finance one of the leading providers of money and financial expertise to the UK and international film industries. Paul’s credits as Executive Producer include The Edge of Love starring Keira Knightley, How About You… with Vanessa Redgrave and Terry Gilliam’s Tideland.
Previously Paul was Head of Cinema Services for the British Film Institute, where he devised and implemented the UK Distribution and Exhibition Strategy. Paul is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and a member of the European Film Academy (EFA).
Paul also lectures throughout Europe and beyond on international film marketing and distribution with bodies funded by the European Media Programme including ARISTA and EAVE, as well as AVEA in Africa and the British Council throughout the rest of the world.
John Mandrak Vice Chair
John Mandrak came to the board in 1992 after moving to London with the BBC. His broadcasting career covered a wide range of disciplines, including Promotion & Publicity Assistant (BBC Engineering); Research Assistant (BBC-TV); Radio Reporter (BBC local Radio) and News Output Assistant (BBC World Service). John is registered blind and currently works at the Disabled Living Foundation, giving advice on solutions to independent living for older and disabled people, on their helpline.
John is married with two sons, and enjoys socialising and meeting people.
Gideon Okungo Treasurer
Gideon Okungu, ACCA: "I joined the Charity sector in 1999 as an accountant. I have worked with different Organisations including NCH Action for children, Prisoners Abroad and the Public Trust Office, currently I am an accountant at the Disabled Living Foundation. I am a financial consultant for different ethnic organisations within UK through City Accountancy Services. I joined the CCC Board in 2003 and was elected as a Treasurer."
Vera Haywood
Vera has been a founding member from its inception and has been involved in giving great support to Connections. Her input and involvement at meetings has been invaluable. In addition to this she is an active participant with other voluntary oraganisations including women, minority and local community groups.
Phil Harding
Philip Harding
iPhilip Harding is a journalist and media consultant. he spent most of his career at the BBC where he held a variety of jobs. From 2001-7 he was Director of English Networks and News at the World Service where he was responsible for all the BBC’s international radio programmes in English to its 42 million listeners. From 1987-1993 he was Editor of the influential Today programme. During that time, the programme received four Sony Gold Awards and a Broadcast Press Guild award. He left the project to found a news and sport network for the BBC which became Radio Five Live. The network received six Sony Awards and won Station of the Year. In 1996 he became Chief Political Adviser for the BBC, then in 1997 Controller, Editorial Policy with responsibility for the editorial and ethical standards of all its output: television, radio and online.
Philip Harding is married with one daughter. He enjoys watching football ( though "enjoys" is not always the phrase when supporting QPR )- loves walking and listening to 1960’s American Rhythm and Blues and current Cuban and African music.
Tim Wilson
Tim Wilson is a consultant in public affairs and communications, particularly within the media sector. Until March 2005 he was Director of policy at TV and film production trade association Pact, among other things leading on issues around diversity in the production sector.
Prior to this he was a senior consultant at top consultancy Westminster Strategy, with clients including blue-chip companies, local government and non-governmental organisations. As well as his work with Connections Tim regularly advises small charities via the Media Trust.
He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
A fan of music and cinema, he is a member of the Institute for Contemporary Arts. He can also regularly be spotted watching Queens Park Rangers Football Club.
Connections Staff
Jacqueline Davis CEO and Company Secretary Jacqueline.davis@cccmedia.co.uk
020 8735 6015
Jacqueline has led Connections since 1991, taking the organization from a turnover of £30k to £800k. She now leads a team of 20. Jacqueline graduated from the University of Essex with a 2:1 honours degree in Sociology. She then went onto achieve a post-graduate diploma in Management and a City & Guilds in TV & Video production. She has credits as executive producer on seven films that have premiered in a West End Cinema, one at the New Zealand Film Festival and eight animated films screened to an audience of three million people and as producer on many social documentaries and promos.
Trevor Burgess Director of Programmes trevor.burgess@cccmedia.co.uk
Trevor joined Connections in 2005. He has 20 years experience of developing innovative training and practice in creative and media industries, contract managing numerous publicly funded programmes. Originally trained as a gallery curator, he set up and chaired the Warehouse Artists Studios in Norwich for 7 years. He manages his own creative business as an internationally exhibiting artist, and is a SFEDI accredited business adviser. Trevor led the Feasibility Study and Business Plan for the recently opened Media Industries Training Centre at 56 Southwark Bridge Road and has contributed to a number of reports and evaluations in the field of culture and regeneration.
Gnanes Murugesu F.C.M.A - Accountant gnanes.murugesu@cccmedia.co.uk
Gnanes qualified as Chartered Management Accountant in 1985. She has led the Connections Finance Team for two years. In her spare times she enjoys photography and her two children.
Richard Freeman Project Manager Richard.freeman@cccmedia.co.uk
After founding Gobo Theatre Company in 1999, Richard worked with Theatre & Beyond, Intrepid Theatre , Sussex Youth Theatre and Oxford University as an actor and theatre-in-education practitioner. Richard has trained as an actor, director and writer with the Academy School of Speech & Drama, The National Youth Theatre and the Royal Court , and has appeared in a feature film. Richard holds a first-class honours degree in English & Theatre from the University of London and a Master's with distinction in English Studies from the University of Oxford alongside two academic prizes for excellence. Richard sits on the board of Metaplay Participatory Theatre Company as a non-executive director, but has been a member of the Connections team since 2006 and is responsible for the Media Writes programme and the 25th anniversary bursaries project. In his spare time, Richard enjoys photography, racquet sports and is a Samaritan volunteer.
Vanda Cota Project Manager Vanda. Cota@cccmedia.co.uk
Vanda graduated in Brazil with a degree in Publicity and Advertising. She is currently studying for a CIM Post-Graduate diploma in e-Marketing.
As a project manager she is responsible for the smooth running of the ‘Urban Cre8ors Young Adults’ and ‘Production Zone’ projects.
In her spare time, Vanda likes going out with friends and partying!
Maricelma Brito Finance Officer maricelma.brito@cccmedia.co.uk
Maricelma Brito joined Connections in 2005 as a Finance Officer, providing finance and administrative support for CCC. She is currently studying for her degree in Business Administration. In her spare time she enjoys travelling and socialising with friends.
Lewis Simmons Finance Officer Lewis .simmons@cccmedia.co.uk
Lewis Simmons has diplomas in information technology, computerised accounts and payroll. He is currently studying for his Association of Accounting Technicians. In his spare time he enjoys going to the cinema and socialising with friends.
Ruhel Miah Monitoring officer
Ruhel Miah Monitering officer ruhel.miah@cccmedia.co.uk
I have a Diploma in Business Management, and have been working in the Charity sector for 7 years, I have worked with some of the most successful and recognised charities in the UK. I joined connection in Feb 2006, my duties involve the monitoring and evidencing of beneficiary recruitment, delivery, outputs and outcomes for European and government funded programmes, as well as compiling monitoring reports for internal evaluation and preparing claims and reports for funder’s. Over the next 5 years I aim to develop my skills and become an expert in contractual compliances and management.
Amos Nek ICT Officer Amos.Nek@cccmedia.co.uk
Amos has a BEng in Electronic and Broadcast Engineering. After completing a six month course in Video production and web design at Connections, he started working as a volunteer. He is now working full time as an ICT officer. Amos enjoys films, music and travelling.
Peter Done Technical Assistant
Peter has been volunteering for Connections for over five years. He is a former BBC technician who donates his spare time to supporting new entrants into the media through Connections training and facilities.