Media Arts

22/09/2025

Meet the Media Arts office dog — Skye 🐾

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted a dog… but I convinced myself life was too busy.

Then, three years ago, my two kids (then aged 20 and 12) made a full-on PowerPoint presentation to persuade me, and they must have caught me at a weak moment, because to their surprise, I said yes.

Enter Skye.

She’s a classic springer spaniel: full of beans and genuinely seems to smile when she’s happy, which is most of the time!

These days, every morning starts with a long walk in the beautiful Durham countryside, and she keeps me company while I’m editing in the office. When you work solo most of the time like I do, having her around makes all the difference, even if she’s hopeless at helping with tough business decisions.

She’s part of the family now… and honestly, I can’t believe I waited so long.

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17/09/2025

Do you go to networking events?

For me, it was my worst nightmare, but over the last 12 months, I’ve pushed myself out of my comfort zone and braved it a bit more.

What I’ve found is this:
If you go expecting to land work there and then, you’ll likely leave disappointed. That’s my real dislike about it, I guess. Being sold at.

For that reason I’ve avoided certain, what I call ‘hardcore’ networking groups (I did try them, but it’s not for me although I accept this does work for lots of people!)

But… when you connect with someone over a coffee, and a few months later they recommend you to someone who needs exactly what you do, that feels right. That’s happened to me twice in the last fortnight.

So my conclusion?

Go to the right events. Be yourself. Build connections, not pressure.

People really do buy from people.

15/09/2025

Chatting about my work with Barrie McDermid on the About Business Podcast

12/09/2025

Five things you might want to know!

10/09/2025

Precious Memories Preserved

Earlier this year, alongside Kieron Young, I launched something a little different and very close to the heart.

People are fascinating, their stories and recollections. Hard times, good times and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. It’s all an important part of what makes us who we are.

That’s why we created Precious Memories Preserved, a friendly, cost-effective way to record those memories and lessons in the form of a video interview, which is then yours to keep forever.

Your chance to tell your story, in your own words. What you do with it once it’s finished is entirely up to you, you can keep it for yourself or pass it onto friends and family.

And it’s not just about legacy.

You might want to:

✨ Reflect on a milestone or achievement

✨ Pass on life lessons to your children or grandchildren

✨ Capture the early days of parenthood

✨ Or simply create space to tell your story, in your own words

We offer two packages to suit different needs and budgets, and we’ll even help you prepare questions.

And if the thought of sitting in front of a camera leaves you cold, don’t worry. We’re experts at making you feel relaxed and calm to ensure you get the most out of this unique experience!

🎤 It’s your story. We’re here to help you tell it.
👉 Learn more at preciousmemoriespreserved.com

10/09/2025

I’m a Newcastle United fan and while the last few weeks haven’t been the best, on the whole it’s a good time to support the toon.

Over the years I’ve worked a lot of events with ex and occasionally current players, mainly for my regular client NUFC Matters.

They say don’t meet your heroes but, with only one notable exception (who shall remain nameless!), this has never been true.

Shearer, Supermac, Keegan, Gazza, Bez, Ginola, Beardsley, Pavel Srníček, Sir Les and many more – all just a joy to work with and hear their stories.

Which makes me a very lucky lad!

03/09/2025

Over the last few weeks, I’ve shared some great stories about past projects and clients. But the other night, a friend asked me:
“What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?”

So Ben, this one’s for you…

I work with a regular client who provides online advertising for businesses. They often send me out to film a wide variety of jobs, being carried out in many different sectors, and sometimes I have no idea what I’m walking into until I arrive.

Cue the day I turned up at a waste management business… and quickly realised they specialised in human waste.

Still, ever the professional, I filmed their big tanker doing its thing while the very proud owner explained the process in great detail, as it got on with sucking up said waste from a tank.

Bad enough, right?

Wrong!

I was then invited to accompany them to the sewage farm, where I filmed the waste being dumped (pun absolutely intended).

When I finally got home, I had five showers, and it still took days to get the smell (and taste) out of my clothes and skin 💩

One I won’t forget in a hurry.

01/09/2025

One thing that keeps me excited about this work even after more than 20 years, is the chance to tell stories in new and original ways.

Whether it’s a corporate project, a heritage film or a small business promo, no two projects are ever the same. Each client brings a unique story and finding the best way to bring that to life is what drives me.

That’s the creative spark behind Media Arts: making sure your story doesn’t just get told, but gets noticed.

👉 What’s the story YOU would most like your audience to remember about your business?

29/08/2025

I’m often asked how I got into doing what I do and it’s actually quite the story 📖

Back in 2000 I was the Training Manager for a national video games retailer, who were about to embark on an ambitious plan to open 2 new stores every week.

There was no way we could train all the new staff so I went to the MD and asked if we could commission a video, hoping he would agree.

Instead, he opened his filing cabinet, pulled out a handful of cash and told me to buy what I needed and to learn it myself!

I ordered the kit, did the courses and before long I was producing video for the company for promo, training, conferences and all sorts. I'd found something I loved.

All was going well until 4 years later the company was bought out by Blockbuster Video (remember them?!), who already had a training manager and I was unceremoniously made redundant.

Faced with the decision whether to carry on doing what I loved with video for myself or to go and get a ‘proper job’ I chose the former, and the rest as they say is history!

20+ years later, I’m still helping businesses tell their stories on screen.

👉 If you’ve been thinking about using video to tell your story, let’s chat.

28/08/2025

Over the last few years, I’ve had the privilege of working more closely with vulnerable groups, children and neurodivergent people, and it’s something I’ve found really rewarding.

As a single parent to a teenager with autism and ADHD, I’ve learned a lot (the hard way sometimes!) about what works and what doesn't, when it comes to creating a working environment that supports neurodivergent people in a respectful and flexible way

I hold two enhanced DBS certificates for both children and adults and I’m fully insured, giving you peace of mind every step of the way.

25/08/2025

I’ve always enjoyed collaborating with others, especially when a client needs still images alongside their video content.

I’m a firm believer in staying in your lane. Mine is video, and I know I can deliver it well. But photography? That’s a different art altogether.

That’s why my go-to for images is always Gavin Forster Commercial Photography

We’ve known and worked together for over a decade, and he consistently produces cracking images.

Beyond the quality of his work, Gavin’s ethics and approach align perfectly with mine which makes collaborating with him not just productive, but a real joy.

Here’s to working with good people who make the job better all round 🙌🏼

20/08/2025

For nearly a decade, I’ve had the pleasure of working with broadcasting legend Alan Robson including running his website www.robsonsworld.com

Every week we release two brand new audio adventures to download via the site, researched and voiced by the ‘Flashing Blade’ himself in his own inimitable style.

Alan may have started out as a client, but over the years he’s become a real friend, like so many others I’ve been lucky enough to work with.

If you’re into strange tales, spine-tingling stories and a voice you’ll never forget go give it a listen.

Step inside Robsons's World. Experience a lifetimes work, extraordinary tales from across this earth, to horrify and frighten. Incredible new audio adventures added weekly. Enter at your peril…