#neomelaurence

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4 Things That I have Learnt from Today's Alumni Panel - By Neome Laurence.

Today (21.09.20), I took part in a panel with previous participants of the London 360 programme, Fred Bhat who is a Digital Creative Producer at Discovery, Jordaan Shelley who is an Assistant Producer at ITN and Fayida Jailler the founder of Freedom is Mine and a Freelance Multimedia Journalist. From today’s session I feel that I had learnt some important lessons on how to handle nervousness and anxiety when first entering the media industry.  So here are 4 things that I have taken away from our panel today.

1. It’s okay to feel anxious.

Jordaan said that it is normal to feel worried and Fred mentioned imposter syndrome. Starting a new job in a new industry can be challenging which can cause a person to feel nervous, worried and anxious. This is not a problem as it is a common feeling that you will learn to overcome.

2. Don't second guess yourself

Second guessing yourself is also something that is common when starting a new job in the media industry. But this is something that you cannot afford to do, as this can be a hindrance. Second guessing yourself can lead to missed opportunities. Fayida said let people know who you are and what you are about.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Jordaan and Fred both made the same point about asking questions and doing research on things that you don’t understand. Fred said that it is better that you ask questions early on than pretending you know what you are doing and getting caught out later. Not asking questions when you are stuck, can result in you feeling overwhelmed by your tasks.

4. Don’t worry about having a long term goal.

Fayida said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This statement highlights the importance of planning and setting yourselves goals. But, Fred made the important point that our goals are constantly changing and you may not know what you want to do or not do until you try. This means that you shouldn’t worry if you don’t have a long term goal as your experience moulds where you want to go.

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Are Celebrities The New Social Media Influencers?- How Coronavirus Has Affected The TV and Film Industry.

By Neome Laurence 

Thanks to COVID-19 we are all trapped indoors and if you're anything like me then you are probably eating a lot… like an unhealthy amount. But have no fear this is a common side effect of boredom. Another way that we may be combating boredom is by using our phones more than usual, probably for social media. If that is you, you may have noticed that many celebrities have also picked up their phones and become more active on social media. This is probably because most of the film and TV industry are at a standstill. 

Actors are some of the most influential people in the world. Social media is a great way to harness the influence that they have. Many actors have decided to use their platforms to be a good example to impressionable fans. Back in March Danny DeVito posted a video to Andrew Cuomo the Governor of New York’s twitter page to warn people to stay at home using an age old tactic… guilt. 

As well as encouraging people to stay at home they have attempted to entertain, encourage and cheer fans up. Gal Gadot rallied together her famous friends to sing a cover of the John Lennon song Imagine With castmates of old TV shows and movies reuniting over zoom like twice a week, celebrities have utilized nostalgia to uplift individuals’ moods. From High School Musical to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air all the celebs are reliving their glory days.

Although the increase of celebrity presence on the internet has been met with mixed reactions. For example Gal Gadot and pal’s Cover of Imagine did not go down well with fans as they felt that it was out of touch with the rest of the world who don’t live in big houses and have lots of money.   

Coronavirus has made a big impact on the TV and film industry but thanks to social media and the internet entertainers try can spread joy, encouragement and support through the many platforms that exist.

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4 Iconic old school R&B music videos

By Neome Laurence

Growing up I was always surrounded by music and R&B eventually became my favourite. The music videos were just as important as the songs for me but thinking back there have been have been some standout music videos over the years. Here are 4 of the weirdest and most memorable videos that I can think of.

1. Who do you love-Deborah Cox

How could you not love this video it has everything, from a young Flex Alexander to a mass choreographed dance on a freshly rained-on street. This music video is special to me because I have spent many years learning and perfecting the choreo (which means choreography in dance talk). The most standout out moment for me has to be the beginning when Deborah questions Flex's whereabouts the night before and he simply "I was chilling", classic.

2. Crossroads- Bone Thugs N Harmony

This is a video that has stayed since I first saw it as a child. Watching the grim reaper as he takes lives really scared me. But what makes this video so profound is that at the end, the grim reaper is revealed to be an angel and he is just leading souls to the afterlife. After doing proper research into the song I found out that it is dedicated to the late rapper Eazy-E and then it became even more significant to me.

3. Free your mind-En Vogue

This video is just so edgy it really complements the song. They sing about prejudice as they confidently strut down an isle and demand that we listen to them. Everything from their outfits to their unconventional hairstyles shows how they are confident and don't care how others may perceive them. Because of this I think the video is just as empowering as the song.

4. Don't leave- Blackstreet

I chose this music video because I find it hilarious. I don't think its supposed to be funny but it just is. The idea of them doing a whole choreographed dance in matching white outfits while ultimately begging their girlfriends not to leave them is pretty amusing. Then to top it off there are a bunch of sad guys who build a tower made from pictures of their exes, it's just a lot to take in. But don't get me wrong the song still slaps.

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#TheGoodInWhereILive

Neome Laurence

This is the Bruce Castle museum it's over 100 years old and is located in Tottenham. I love it because it is right by my house. I have been visiting it since I was a little girl and it never disappoints. The fact that it is in a beautiful spacious park just makes it that much better. I always enjoyed trips to the museum with my family followed by a picnic in the park that surrounds it. It has always been a venue for different event all year around from black history month exhibits to arts and craft day for children during the holidays.

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#VlogstarChallenge

Neome Laurence

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#MakeADifference

Neome Laurence

This is a short video showing what I have been up to during my time in quarantine. As you can see I have kept some of my usual routine by still attending church, (even if it is online). But I have also had to learn new skills like how to do my acrylic nails which is not as easy as the youtube tutorials make it seem. In addition this time has allowed me to spend more quality time with my family like playing Uno and watching and learning from my sister about makeup.

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#GreaterLondoner- Community Heroes

Neome Laurence

The Corona crisis has been a trying time for many. Being cooped up at home can leave people feeling bored and even anxious. Thankfully a local North London artist, Taz Gray is offering quarantine friendly art classes via the zoom app.

She hopes to provide aspiring artists and art enthusiasts a way to relax and unwind through art therapy as well as learn from each other. She also believes it's a chance for like minded individuals in the local area to come together (virtually) and feel a sense of belonging.

To find out more and how to get involved visit: http://www.tottenhamartclasses.co.uk/

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Neome Laurence

Neome Laurence is a diligent 23 year old from Tottenham, North London, brought up by working class Nigerian parents and being the oldest child she learned the value of hard work from an early age.

Growing up she always had an interest in the arts and the industry behind it. In her spare time she enjoys watching movies, TV shows and spending time with her family. Going to the cinema with friends and family has always been her favourite past time.

After spending some time in hospital, she was inspired by the play specialists (who kept her sane) to become a children's entertainer as she liked the idea of making children happy and causing them forget the troubles that they might be going through, she also loved children's television.

She recently spent 3 months abroad in Dublin in order to complete a summer internship. During this time she learned how to be fully independent while gaining valuable work experience working as a Human Resources Administration Assistant in the Radisson Blu hotel.

Her ultimate goal is to work in the multimedia industry. She would like to start in an entry level role and make her way up.