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Day: 23 October 2012

Ice Hockey Varsity – Live!

Good evening everyone! Welcome to our live coverage of the Varsity fixture between University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University (starts 7.30pm). Stay tuned for live, minute-by-minute updates from Altrincham Ice Rink.

 

21:41: Matthew Barber —That’s all from us at the Altrincham Ice Rink, thanks for sticking with us. The announcer has declared to all of the crowd, who were fantastic tonight, that they should come back to see UoM defend their title in three months time. We couldn’t agree more – it’s been a brilliant night for Manchester university sport!

21:36: Ciaran Milner —Ben Brown takes MMU’s man of the match award, with Joe Holder scooping the accolade for UoM.

Our vote in the press box would have gone to Ciaran Long, who showed some exceptional composure and control throughout the game.

The players complete a lap of honour now as the crowd applaud. As they should; this was a truly great game of ice hockey.

21:32: Ciaran Milner —FULL TIME – UoM 8 – 7 MMU

A fantastic game ends with UoM claiming the victory in a close fought contest. Some brilliant hockey was played here tonight. MMU looked dead and buried at the end of the second period, only to attempt a brilliant fightback in the final third. UoM looked rattled, but managed to clinch it at the death. Breathtaking stuff.

21:28: Matthew Barber —Superb double save from the UoM goaltender as MMU are denied an equaliser. Man Met call a 30 second timeout, with just less than a minute to play.

21:25: Ciaran Milner —GOAL! UoM 8 – 7 MMU

What a game! UoM go for the jugular immediately, launching an attacking which results in Ciaran Long bagging the goal.  Long has been outstanding this evening.

21:25: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 7-7 MMU.

MMU respond to going behind in the best possible fashion, restoring the deadlock  through Etherington here at Altrincham. Game on, what a finale!

21:23: Ciaran Milner —The MMU fans here are really trying to get behind their team and are in full voice now. Their fans have easily outsung the UoM faithful tonight.

21:21: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 7-6 MMU.

After a number of opportunities, UoM finally net their 7th of the evening. Joe Holder grabs his first of the evening, assisted by Alex Pugh.

21:20: Ciaran Milner —A brilliantly worked move by UoM. It’s slipped into the path of Long, who takes a touch before smashing his shot just over. Long has been excellent tonight and that was only just off target.

21:20: Matthew Barber —5 minutes left, and McDonald is in scintillating form in the MMU goal to keep out a barrage of efforts on his goal.

21:17: Ciaran Milner —Ouch! MMU’s James Lloyd sprints down the right side, only to slip and crash into the wall behind the goal. That looked painful.

He doesn’t seem affected though, and gets up immediately to help his team defend.

21:16: Matthew Barber —A superb block from MMU’s McDonald keeps the scores level, saving from Long who was 1-on-1.

21:14: Ciaran Milner —An outreagous effort from MMU! One of their players lets fly from close to the halfway line only to see his shot cannon back off the bar. A truly fantastic effort and terribly unlucky.

21:12: Ciaran Milner —The MMU fans in the crowd are getting behind their team now. The atmosphere is really building.

Their cheerleaders are still crap, though.

21:11: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 6-6 MMU.

Another goal in what is turning into a thrilling contest. Ben Brown slots home, assisted by the excellent Day and Bayne.

21:10: Ciaran Milner —This has been a truly breathtaking passage of play so far. Maybe the cheerleaders performance at half -time had something to do with it…

21:09: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 6-5 MMU.

An immediate response from UoM, in truth their first impetus of the section, who retake the lead.

21:08: Ciaran Milner —GOAL! UoM 5 – 5 MMU

MMU equalize! Their outstanding performance this half has paid off with a nicely taken shot by Oliver Bayne on the powerplay.

21:06: Ciaran Milner —MMU continue to threaten in the third here. They look a different side. Completely rejuvenated.

21:05: Matthew Barber —Alex Pugh, so vital for his side so far,  has been given a two minute penalty for ‘slashing.’

21:04: Ciaran Milner —A body check on Sean Day results in the crowd begging for blood. The DJ amusingly plays the Darth Vader ‘Imperial March’ theme tune over the speakers to add some atmospherics.

21:04: Matthew Barber —Looks like the cheerleaders don’t matter too much, as MMU continue to threaten…

21:03: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 5-4 MMU.

The fightback is on for MMU as Shaun Day grabs another goal for his team. MMU immediately break after the restart and threaten to equalise but the chance is squandered.

21:02: Ciaran Milner —Cheerleader watch: roused by their half-time show victory, the UoM cheerleaders are back to a full compliment and equipped with pom-poms to support their team, which they do in full voice. Outstanding stuff.

The MMU cheerleaders are nowhere to be seen.

21:00: Ciaran Milner —GOAL! UoM 5 – 3 MMU

A goal for MMU at the start of the third section. An attack from MMU results in a UoM defender making a mistake, and Adrian Rajkumar is there to capitalize. A composed finish.

20:58: Ciaran Milner —A rendition of ‘Call Me Maybe’  has Matt and myself bobbing our heads. Shameful.

20:57: Matthew Barber —Just noticed the funky disco ball arrangement above the centre of the rink. It suits the current techno soundtrack quite well. I bet there’s been many a cracking ice-party here… I digress, players are now back on the ice for the 3rd and final passage.

20:51: Matthew Barber —Just to clarify, the ‘press box’ that Ciaran refers to in his previous post, is in fact a refreshments stall that we’ve commandeered because it has working power plugs.

20:50: Ciaran Milner —The announcer comments that the cheerleaders are welcome at ‘any Metros game’. I’m not sure whether subjecting their players ‘Gangnam Style’ every week is a good thing.

20:48: Ciaran Milner —UoM up now. They ditch the pom-poms for a more stripped down approach. It works, as they now manage to build a small human pyramid. Take that, MMU.

20:46: Ciaran Milner —The cheerleaders do begin the half time show.

MMU up first. They dance to ‘Gangnam Style’, much to the delight of the crowd.

I can’t say that in the press box we are equally impressed.

20:45: Matthew Barber —HALF TIME! UoM 5 – 2 MMU

An enthralling third, with UoM dominating for the first section before MMU came back into it, taking good advantage of a powerplay.

20:44: Ciaran Milner —Number 58, Pugh, for UoM drops his stick mid attack much to the delight of the crowd. He doesn’t seem to care, though, and skates around for the last thirty seconds unarmed until the half time buzzer goes.

20:42: Ciaran Milner —As the second period draws to a close, the cheerleaders appear to be setting up for some sort of half-time show in the stand opposite us…

20:39: Ciaran Milner —Tom Steadman, number 38 for MMU, thinks he’s Ronaldinho and  tries some outrageous juggling with the puck just in front of the UoM goal. He slips as he goes to shoot, though, and the attack fizzles out.

20:39: Matthew Barber —The crowd get a bit restless, and call ‘fight’ when a UoM player goes to ground. Come on lads, make it a proper Varsity!

20:37: Matthew Barber —MMU back at full strength. End to end stuff.

20:35: Ciaran Milner —MMU are down a player, with number 20 Ben Robinson put in the penalty box for 2 minutes. UoM have a chance to capitalize and launch a quick attack, Jacques getting down well to save again.

20:33: Ciaran Milner —What a save! UoM look certain to score but Jacques in the MMU goal manages to get a glove to it. An outstanding save.

20:32: Ciaran Milner —The cheerleading has really dropped off. Only a handful remain in the stands. Some Man Met students take it upon themselves to liven proceedings instead, chanting ‘lets go Man met, lets go!’.

The pace of the game has really slowed in the last few minutes.

20:31: Matthew Barber —Chance for Tyler Schock to increase UoM’s lead, but he skews the chance wide.

20:30: Ciaran Milner —A slip from a UoM player sees the crowd respond with delight. The game has been well tempered so far, but I’m not entirely sure that’s what the audience here want to see…

20:26: Matthew Barber —GOAL U0M 5-2 MMU.

MMU’s best spell of the third, as they take advantage of the powerplay to reduce the deficit, Shaun Day the scorer.

20:25: Ciaran Milner —UoM’s  98, Andy McKinney, has been put in the penalty box for 2 minutes boarding. Here’s an opportunity for MMU to get back in the game with a powerplay.

20:24: Ciaran Milner —Another brilliant run from the exceptional Ciaran Long sees a shot from his teammate blazed over the goal. Some of Long’s control has been outstanding tonight.

20:23: Ciaran Milner —A patiently worked attack sees UoM have a decent shot go wide. Very nice play in the build up there from the boys in purple.

20:23: Matthew Barber —The last time I blogged a Varsity tie – rugby union – the streaker counter was in double figures. We’re yet to see any tonight, but hey, there’s still time.

20:22: Ciaran Milner —MMU desperately trying to get back into the game. The pace has quickened significantly. A decent attack from MMU sees the UoM keeper make a good save.

20:20: Ciaran Milner —MMU finally launch an attack, only for it to fizzle out with a hopeless shot. UoM on the attack again.

20:19: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 5-1 MMU.

A second in quick succession for the boys in purple.  It’s Pugh again who grabs this one for his side, securing his hat-trick!

20:19: Ciaran Milner —UoM are turning the screw here. The entirety of the second section so far has been played in MMU’s defensive zone.

20:18: Ciaran Milner —After taking photos and, er, grabbing some pints, I’m back for the resume of play. UoM’s cheerleaders have lost some of their enthusiasm since I’ve returned, with some of them sat down now. I don’t blame them, mind, it’s freezing in here.

20:17: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 4-1 MMU.

Slack play from MMU allows Pugh to sneak in and grab his second of this contest.

20:15: Matthew Barber —A goalmouth scramble at the UoM end, but they are able to clear and break away themselves.

20:13: Matthew Barber —Both teams have changed goalies at half-time. An interesting move… We’re back underway.

20:12: Matthew Barber —If you’re wondering where the posts from Ciaran Milner have gone,  don’t worry. He’s on pint duty. Needs to hurry back though, the game will be starting again very shortly.

20:11: Matthew Barber —A quick check of the football scores. Celtic are 1-0 at Camp Nou?! Braga lead by two at Old Trafford?! Has the world gone mad?

Anyway, bag to ice-hockey as the players re-emerge from the dressing rooms.

20:09: Matthew Barber —The ice-resurfacer is back out and Muse is booming around the Stadium. Not long now until play recommences.

20:04: Matthew Barber —Coming into the tie as something of an ice-hockey novice, I’ve really enjoyed this match so far. Fast-paced, action packed and exciting – just as sport should be.

19:58: Matthew Barber —That’s the end of a breathless first period. The score is UoM 3-1 MMU. Stay tuned!

19:57: Ciaran Milner —The MMU cheerleaders try and rouse their side with ‘we are MMU, say we are MMU’. The UoM cheerleaders don’t look amused and start waving their pom-poms.

19:56: Ciaran Milner —GOAL! UoM 3 – 1 MMU

A brilliantly taken goal! Ciaran Long is through after a mistake from an MMU defender. He’s one on one with the goaltender, dummies him brilliantly with some excellent control and finishes superbly. The best goal we’ve seen so far.

19:53: Matthew Barber —The crowd are really getting into this tie, helped along by the cheerleaders. If we’re feeling cold, goodness knows how they’re feeling.

19:52: Ciaran Milner —GOAL! UoM 2 – 1 MMU

UoM keep the pressure on and it results in a well taken goal, held up by Cassidy and finished by Pugh.

19:51: Matthew Barber —Jack Miller on Twitter: ‘Alty feels like TD Garden with Dropkick playing over the PA. lets hope it gets rowdy in here.’

19:50: Ciaran Milner —A lightening fast counter nearly sees UoM score, but the MMU keeper gets down well to save.

19:50: Matthew Barber —MMU taking the upper hand, forcing a string of great saves from the UoM goaltender.

19:49: Ciaran Milner —It must be said, some of the skating on display here is top-notch. Coming from someone who struggles to walk in a straight line at times, it’s hugely impressive.

19:48: Ciaran Milner —In the battle of the cheerleaders, UoM’s have come out on top so far. The silver pom-poms have given them the edge over MMUs dull blue affair.

19:47: Matthew Barber —Quick update while we get chance to catch our breath. The first UoM goal was from Pugh. The score remains 1-1 here.

19:45: Ciaran Milner —Death embarks on a fantastic run again, only for play to be stopped for a foul.

Gangnam style is then blasted over the loudspeakers, resulting in the majority of the crowd attempting PSY’s famous horse dance. Oh dear.

19:44: Ciaran Milner —UoM attack quickly after the goal, striking the post from distance.

And again!  Another attack from UoM sees the puck fly off the bar.

19:43: Matthew Barber —GOAL! UoM 1-1 MMU.

Oliver Bayne for Man Met grabs the equaliser with a tidy finish!

19:42: Ciaran Milner —A great run from Ethrington gives MMU a chance, but his teammate Day skies the shot over the goal.

19:41: Matthew Barber —The stadium announcer has just warned the crowd that he hopes we can all catch the puck. Up here, typing on our laptops, Mr Milner and I hope he’s joking.

19:41: Ciaran Milner —GOAL! UoM 1 – 0 MMU

A great strike from UoM from close range. Unfortunately we were unable to identify the scorer.

19:40: Ciaran Milner —MMU back to full strength now.

The puck flies out of the rink, much to the delight of the crowd who go wild.

19:39: Ciaran Milner —UoM keep coming, with Ciaran Long attempting an audacious shot on the turn. A great effort but it flies wide of the post.

19:39: Ciaran Milner —And UoM do attack quickly, with the MMU goaltender saving excellently from a close range shot.

19:38: Ciaran Milner —Alex Frewin has gone into the penalty box for MMU. A chance for UoM to have an attack here on the powerplay.

19:37: Ciaran Milner —Schumacher looks to play a ‘saucer’ pass over the top for UoM but MMU are straight onto it. They charge down the left quickly and fire a quick shot on goal only for it to fly wide of the post.

19:36: Matthew Barber —The Man Met goaltender has been the busier of the two so far. I’ve counted four top saves in the last few minutes.

19:35: Ciaran Milner —Man Met look to launch an attack, but UoM defend well and keep them in the corner before launching a quick counter which results in a good save from the MMU goal tender.

19:33: Ciaran Milner —A fantastic run from Death down the left nearly fashions an opening for UoM. Some great close control on display there.

19:32: Ciaran Milner —The ref calls a foul as Man Met look to launch an early attack. Nothing being held back here early on.

19:32: Matthew Barber —Many of them might be teammates, but there are certainly no prisoners being taken in these early exchanges.

19:31: Ciaran Milner —A scrappy opening exchange. UoM on the attack here, forcing a good save from the MMU goaltender.

19:31: Matthew Barber —And we’re off!

19:30: Matthew Barber —MMU lineup tonight:

Bayne; Day; Etherington; Pollitt; Lloyd; Crannee; Grewal; Robinson; Cromack; Steedman; McDonald; El-Hage; Rajkumar; Revesz; Williams; Keelan; Brown; Frewin; Smith

19:30: Ciaran Milner —As the teams lineup against each other, the national anthem blares over the loudspeaker. The crowd go wild.

19:28: Ciaran Milner —UoM lineup tonight:

Death; Cassidy; Jones; Brumby; Walker; Maey; Brumby; Thomson; Jacques; Shock; Valentine; Pugh; Rohani; Holder; Wallace; Long; Greaves; McKinney.

19:25: Ciaran Milner —Ice-hockey is not often a sport live-blogged, and I can see why. It’s absolutely freezing in Silverblades Ice Rink this evening, and the frenetic pace of the action is not going to bode well with our already numb fingers.

Uni of Manchester and Man Met are both on the ice now, warming up. The line-ups are being announced over the loudspeakers.

19:23: Matthew Barber —The music is blaring away, and the ice-resurfacer has done its job. Tension building, the players start to emerge onto the rink.

19:22: Ciaran Milner —Goalie William Wells was in high spirits before the game .

“It’s going to be a great match. It’s a great chance for some of the players further down the pecking order to prove themselves to the coach.”

For those of you who don’t know, the two sides competing tonight are normally part of the the same club, Manchester Metros. Expect some ‘friendly’ scores to be settled on the ice tonight.

19:15: Matthew Barber —Hello and welcome to the first ever Manchester Ice Hockey Varsity tie! We’re fifteen minutes away from face-off, pre-match player views coming up shortly.

Top 5: Bond songs

5. Skyfall

Once Bond himself came to Her Majesty’s not so secret service at the London Olympics, the anticipation for Skyfall went into orbit.  You may or may not think that it’s the film to grace Bond’s 50th anniversary, but the Skyfall theme has got it all. Adele’s smoky voice plus seductive strings equals classic bond.

4. Thunderball

British ladies’ man? There’s only two people you’d think of: James Bond and Tom Jones. Beating Bassey, Dionne Warwick and Johnny Cash in the competition for this song, Thunderball secured both Bond and Sir Tom’s pulling potential for many years to come.

3. Diamonds are Forever

And ever and ever….Dame Shirley Bassey was chosen to bid adieu to Sean Connery’s Bond for the title theme to Diamonds Are Forever. It’s difficult to think of a trickier act to follow than Goldfinger, but the girl from Tiger Bay produced another classic that has stood the test of time much better than the film.

2. Live and Let Die

Whilst we’re all now sick of the sight (and sound) of Paul McCartney after he beatled his way round every single televised event this summer, there was once a much simpler time when McCartney was just a singer with another band, Wings. And his finest hour was the theme to Live and Let Die, Wings’ best selling single and the best selling Bond theme up to that point.

1. Goldfinger

Bassey’s back in and she’s number 1. (Who else?!) My first ever Bond film was Goldfinger and the title sequence alone was enough to get me completely hooked. Dame Shirley’s first Bond theme was a total hit, and became just as iconic as the film itself.

Great Adaptations

The recent BFI London Film Festival closed with the premiere of Mike Newell’s Great Expectations, due for general release on 30th November and, true to its title, the expectations are indeed huge for this Dickens classic. Director Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire) reunites with Goblet of Fire actors Ralph Fiennes and Helena Bonham Carter to bring this much-loved story to life.  With David Nicholls (One Day) penning the screenplay, it’s no wonder that this film was set to be hailed as a tribute to both British literature and cinema. What could possibly go wrong? Well, if the reviews are to be believed, quite a lot!

Perhaps the problem lies not with this particular adaptation, but with adaptations themselves. Firstly, there are simply too many, and Great Expectations is case in point. This is hardly Pip’s cinematic debut, having popped up on the big screen not once, but twice before this one.  And of course Mrs Haversham has already spread her ethereal glow onto our TV screens this year in the highly successful BBC adaptation.

The danger with taking on the mammoth task of adapting books to the big screen is that people get territorial, and if the film adaptation then turns out to be rubbish the gloves are definitely off. Who could forget Julian Jarrold’s 2008 flop of an adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited? Don’t even remember it? My point exactly. Through reading a book, we become attached to the characters, we have our own ideas on what they’ll look and sound like, so that by the time we’ve finished reading it, we’ve already planned our very own feature film. Consequently, when that film finally does come out, the hardest critics to please are the audiences themselves.

But as with everything, there are two sides to this debate, and in cinematic history it is often adaptations that have become the classic films of their time.  Invariably this happens when the unique opportunities that film-making presents have been used to take the tale to another level.  We all have a favourite, but Roman Polanski’s Tess stands out for me as a film which took a phenomenal story to new heights with its cinematography, direction and superb cast.  Equally, sometimes a film can simply bring a great story to a wider audience at just the right time, connecting with a generation as a commentary on society itself, just as was the case with Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, and Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting.

What filmmakers and directors have got to learn to do is to avoid the obvious, to show a bit of originality (and faith in their audience!) by taking lesser-known quality works to the screen. Joe Wright certainly learnt from experience on this one. After a reasonable but ultimately slightly tired attempt to adapt the monumental masterpiece that is Pride and Prejudice, his star-turn came with the contemporary classic, Ian McEwan’s Atonement, from which he crafted a beautiful piece of film-making to rival the book itself.

So, keep an open mind, go and see Great Expectations. Apparently Ralph Fiennes’s Magwitch is worth the price of the ticket all on his own. If that fails to please, then let’s look ahead and look forward to Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit and Baz Luhrman’s The Great Gatsby. You can’t avoid great adaptations, so you might as well get stuck in – there’s certainly something for everyone.

Stockport Film Festival returns

It is exciting when new film festivals begin to take root on our own doorstep, like the Greater Manchester Film Festival, which debuted last month. However, an equally promising festival in the North-West is already in its second year. Screen Stockport is an independent short-film and television festival that has aimed to bring together filmmakers of all ages, regardless of background or experience.

After a successful first year the Screen Stockport team came back in force last month with a diverse look at film-making in all forms. From features on music videos, to short films and international works, the festival’s events proved fascinating for those with a burning interest for independent cinema. Furthermore, the day’s screenings were broken up by stimulating discussion with speakers of notable calibre; such as IMDB Founder and CEO Col Needham, who was in fact born and bred in the North-West.

What perhaps is most impressive about this festival is that it was founded by 19 year-old Manchester student Joe Barratt.

With parents who had careers in film production, Festival Director Joe took the knowledge he had been exposed to from an early age and applied it, to give his hometown of Stockport a cultural event they could be proud of. Currently a second-year Drama student at the University of Manchester, Joe’s standing is certainly reflected in the festival’s events, with a whole day dedicated to students. Young people from universities, schools and colleges were given the opportunity to submit short films to be presented and judged on the silver screen of the Stockport Plaza Cinema.

This year’s events were rounded off with two hilarious screenings with quintessential ‘northern’ roots. The first was a short called Escape Plan C which followed a husband in a dreary northern suburbia desperately trying to build a spaceship in his shed to escape his incessant nagging wife. Imaginative and quirky we were told at the end that it has already been considered for a TV adaptation. Finally we were shown new Zombie comedy flick Harold’s Going Stiff. Set in the countryside of the North-West, groups of men start suffering from some kind of extreme arthritis which progresses to a mental deterioration and through to a zombie-like frenzy. We follow elderly Harold who is the first sufferer of this disease, but whose symptoms do not extend beyond this stiffness. It’s a wildly inventive and, at times, touching escapade, which was apparently all shot in less than week and entirely on a SLR Photographic camera – the first feature-length film to have been done so.

After a highly successful second year it’s clear the Stockport Screen festival is doing much to establish itself as a major hub for the celebration of filmmaking in the North-West.

Preview: ‘The Silver Linings Playbook’

This November brings the arrival of the buzzed about Silver Linings Playbook to our cinema screens. It’s already a festival favourite, beating Ben Affleck’s much-hyped potential Oscar contender Argo to the Audience Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film tells the story of former teacher Pat as he tries to patch up his life after returning home from a stint in a mental institution, and his meeting and growing bond with Tiffany, a young woman still struggling in the wake of her husband’s death.

Director David O’Russell has brought together a cast of well-loved actors who have already proven themselves in various fields; Jennifer Lawrence already has a legion of fans from her lead in The Hunger Games and an Academy Best Actress nomination for Winter’s Bone, but this now gives her a chance to showcase her comedic talents alongside that emotional depth. Whilst Bradley Cooper won over both the males and females in the audience as the suave best man of The Hangover films, with Robert De Niro and Jackie Weaver rounding out the cast this is decidedly more grown up fare.

Although the trailer focuses on the humorous elements of the film, and some reviewers are assuring belly laughs, both the protagonists are dealing with some serious emotional issues. Mental illness is rarely addressed in Hollywood with the amount of warmth and understanding The Silver Linings Playbook appears to promise. The characters are not supposed to be defined by their illnesses and O’Russell points out that they turn out to be some of the sanest people in movie. It is instead the blunt honesty of Pat and Tiffany, apparent in the trailer – “You look nice. How did Tommy die?” which is designed to provoke reactions and provide something refreshing for the audience. Who hasn’t ever wished they could just say whatever is on their mind regardless of consequences?

The storyline may seem fairly predictable, with the down-on-his-luck man meeting a quirky and unusual female to trade witty comebacks with, but this is no ‘manic pixie dream girl’ in cute 50s dresses. This is a smart comedy drama which has won praise for treating its audience like intelligent grown ups. However, festival audiences don’t always represent the majority of the film going population and what with having no superheroes or strippers in it The Silver Linings Playbook may not appeal to everyone. Though it does promise to be a warm and well acted (there is talk of nomination number two for Lawrence) film that deserves to be a must see. Even if it is just for the reason that you want to witness with your own eyes the evidence that Bradley Cooper can look good even wearing a bin bag.

Year abroad: working at ELLE, Paris

How did you land yourself with a position at ELLE, Paris?

I just sent them a cheeky email with my CV and then had a telephone interview.

Describe a typical day working at ELLE.

I worked in various departments, but a typical day working as an assistant stylist would consist of going to the studio, checking emails, meeting with the stylist to discuss which look we were going for for a shoot, search for and order in clothes in relation to the brief, maybe go to a press presentation for additional research on a designer’s new collections, which was always the highlight of the day as they would give out presents after each presentation (I once received a Swarovski necklace and Ray Bans!) I would then head back to the studio and start organising the clothes as they arrived and do the returns for any I didn’t like. Then a nip to the canteen for lunch where a three course meal would be less than a euro! They were very generous.

Did your language improve?

Very much so. It was incredibly difficult at first; I started to question my five years of education in French and wondered if I had in fact been learning the correct language, but as the months went on I found myself speaking much more fluently and naturally. Thank god I improved though, otherwise work would have been hellish!

What was the hardest thing about working in a foreign environment?

I reckon the hardest thing was the daily struggle of trying to impress your managers in a foreign language. Your communication skills have to be spot on in order to get anywhere in that line of work. Your brain is just constantly working all day and by the end of it you’re absolutely knackered!

Did you notice differences between French and English culture? 

There definitely are some interesting differences, for example, when you get into a lift you simply have to say hello and goodbye to everyone who gets off, otherwise you’re literally the rudest person on the planet and given many a dirty look. Also when you’re socialising with people you know, the french custom of kissing everyone hello and goodbye even when you’re in a group of ten people can get a bit awkward.

In terms of guys, if you get with someone on a night out or go out on one date with them you’re immediately their girlfriend. This English custom of ‘seeing people’ does not exist…I guess it avoids confusion.

Was the French fashion industry really like it is portrayed in films?!

Oh lord no, it’s more tiring than glamorous. You spend your life doing returns of heaps and heaps of clothes in a dimly lit, stuffy studio which can be physically demanding and not very mentally stimulating. (Mostly) everyone was lovely, but I did have some Devil Wears Prada-esque managers and the token fashion bitch.

What was the highlight of your year abroad?

Probably the Fete de la Musique in Paris. It’s this annual street festival, and there’s really good DJs playing on every street corner. It’s literally such an amazing atmosphere and you just get mega drunk and party on the streets of Paris with cool french people all night. Amazing!

60 seconds with…Umar Kamani

What did you study at university?

I studied Business Studies at Manchester Met Business School.

What was the inspiration behind boohoo.com?

Boohoo is a family business that my dad first set up. I am now focusing on our new accessories business, PrettyLittleThing.com, which is really exciting and great to have the experience and knowledge from Boohoo and taking that into a new business or ‘baby’ as such!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I wouldn’t say there has been one such highlight. This whole journey has been surreal, and overwhelming. Everyday presents new challenges for me. The highlight of my life is having my four grandparents still as a part of my life.

What advice would you give to anybody wanting to start their own business?

The advice I would give (and I don’t want to sound ‘cliched’) is to go with your instinct. You have to go with what makes you happy so you can enjoy your success once it happens. You can never be the best if you don’t cherish your work. I would say it’s important to surround yourself with good people and wise people, and work hard. Nothing comes easy.

What does Manchester mean to you in terms of fashion?

I absolutely love Manchester. Everyday I feel like we’re growing as a city within the fashion world. People understand that so many talented designers, businessmen, artists etc come from Manchester. It’s a beautiful city. I have to travel a lot and spend a lot of the time in beautiful places with great weather, but the feeling of landing in Manchester is second to none. I believe that there is a growing fashion culture, and I really hope we maintain this as a city.

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Dream Job – TV Presenter

Qualifications: BJTC accredited courses
Location: Worldwide
Salary: 14K – 100K+

Do you have a clear and attractive voice? Likeable personality? The confidence to be quick witted and handle unexpected events smoothly? If the answer is yes to all of the above then a job as a TV presenter may be just the ticket for you. Being a TV presenter offers up great experiences from travelling the world to meeting inspirational people but as with all jobs it does have its challenges. Some presenters, particularly at the beginning of their careers, have to work long hours till late at night or even early in the morning. But putting in the work can pay dividends later with primetime slots for the most successful. There are no set entry qualifications, but a BJTC accredited course may help. These courses aim to make you more employable and give you the skills necessary to enable you to cope with the demands of life in the broadcasting industry. The courses can also open up doors as the BJTC holds members such as the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and Sky. However as much as a qualification can help personality, enthusiasm and determination are as, or more, important. Getting involved in broadcasting and getting as much experience as possible is essential so sending off CVs and harassing (to a certain extent!) is a must and you may well start as a runner, which involves collecting coffees and doing all the jobs no one else wants to. If you are interested get in touch with Manchester’s own FUSE TV and see if there is anything you can do to get you on the path to stardom