A new art film for Vital Xposure

Over the past few months we have been working closely with Clare and Jo, the dynamic duo of Hot Coals Productions to create a film about our company, supported by City Bridge Trust and Media Trust.

The two days of filming back in August were definitely one of our summer highlights! We were thrilled to meet and work on set with the very talented team of disabled, d/Deaf and Neurodivergent artists and film crew that Clare and Jo brought together.

The film is currently in post-production, and whilst the magic in the editing room is in progress, we will only say how excited we are that two outstanding artists, Jack Hunter and Sophie Stone, are the protagonists.

A young man smiles to a film crew member. He has short hair and beard, he wears glasses and a bright orange T-shirt.

Jack Hunter, performer in the film, on the set with Assistant Director, Viki Carter. Photo credit: Jessica Sansom.

Two women on a film set outdoors. On the left, the woman with long curly blonde hair and wearing a bright orange jacket, looks and smiles to the woman on the right, who wears a green top and cap, and gestures directions.

Sophie Stone, performer in the film, on the set with Director, Clare Louise-English of Hot Coals Productions. Photo credit: Jessica Sansom.

The rest will be revealed later this autumn, when we share the film: watch this space!

Creative Freelancers: Shaping London’s Recovery

White letters read 'Creative Freelancers: Shaping London's Recovery. facilitation Team. Advisory Group. Partner Organisations.' The background photo shows the shadow of a human going up a step ladder against a white backdrop curtain. The logo of Fuel Theatre appears at the top hand-right corner.

 

We’re delighted to be part of Fuel Theatre ‘s ‘Creative Freelancers: Shaping London’s Recovery’ scheme that will support the powerhouse of our sector: wonderful arts freelancers.

About the programme

Creative freelancers, particularly those in the performing arts, have been hit hard by COVID-19. From the very start of restrictions, up to 60% of freelancers had lost all of their work, and it is estimated that at least 200,000 Londoners have been excluded from any Government support. The pandemic has also highlighted existing inequalities facing creative freelancers – including a lack of security at work, unequal access to freelance opportunities, and a lack of a basic safety net.

This new programme will enable a diverse group of freelancers in the culture sector to come together to explore and make recommendations on the future of freelancing.

Creative Freelancers: Shaping London’s Recovery (CF:SLR) will amplify the voices of the self-employed in the culture sector, giving space for freelancers to shape and demonstrate their role in the recovery of London’s creative and cultural industries, as well as in wider civic spaces.

The programme brings together 50 diverse freelancers from across the performing arts, including performers, directors, writers and designers, with 50 leaders of cultural organisations, funders, councils and other key decision makers.

How will it work?

In collaborate with a cultural partner organisation, each freelancer will receive a fee to complete a six-month research project in targeted working groups, supported by a freelance facilitation team.

It has been enabled by Fuel, and funded by LEAP, the London Economic Action Partnership.

Programme aims

This project will empower creative freelancers in the performing arts sector to make recommendations for London’s recovery from COVID-19 in distinct areas:

  • Improving job conditions, creation and retention for creative freelancers
  • Advocating for an improved statutory position for creative freelancers
  • Establishing skills and training opportunities for creative freelancers

This programme will support the civic role of creative freelancers in London’s recovery from COVID-19, in policymaking and in delivery.

You can find out more here: https://fueltheatre.com/projects/cfslr/