I am just.....

 I had the pleasure of attending an event at Bournemouth University yesterday which was celebrating 100 years since John Logie Baird demonstrating his first television and considering what is in store for the next 100 years. The speakers were all very eloquent and gave different perspectives based on their experience with leading production companies, advertising and even the BBC. 

Discussions varied from the introduction of the TV itself, how the position TV holds in society has risen and changed, how YouTube, TikTok and others have affected viewing styles and figures and that in the end TV is here to stay (at least for now). Here is the link to the full conversation https://www.youtube.com/live/3Fbxy7gk-gs?si=GMLHxKmCEQMSEtfO 

After the event we had the chance to speak to the speakers but I wanted to make sure the students got the chance first and so I took a look at the cameras they have at their disposal to train on. I was considering the expertise the students showed when maneuvering these full size TV cameras across the floor and how things were done to put this all together and I found it fascinating. 

I then spotted a small group of ladies who were clearly involved in the production but must have been behind the scenes as I had not seen them prior to this point. I started talking to them and they were so enthusiastic. They offered to show me into the booths where the equipment was held for lighting, sound and camera production. It is all mind boggling how many buttons and switches there are involved in TV. They told me that they were happy to be on their courses but would like a bit more hands on experience as their course has changed direction in the second year. 

I thought they did a wonderful job and told them so. Then one of the ladies said something that really stayed with me. She described her role as being “just involved in sound.” Describing herself as "JUST", feeling like she needed to diminish herself as something small really struck a cord within me. I assured her that there is no "Just" here. She played a very important role and she should be proud of herself along with the rest of the crew. I am reminded of a quote by Constantin Stanislavski "There are no small parts, only small actors". 

Everyone has their own part to play in life. All of us have meaning, purpose and we are vital to someone, something or situation. Without us something will go wrong or will not be achieved fully. We cannot always know what or when but each of us has a part to play in this world and diminishing ourselves to something small or making ourselves smaller to try and placate something / someone is very disheartening.  

I definitely do not have all the answers, but when someone is complementing you on a job well done, accept the compliment and be proud of what you have achieved. It resonated with them and moved them to say so. This is what I feel the future of TV will be. People. Gathered around a story being told in a shared experience much as all of our ancestors have done for millennia. I am proud of the part I play with my YouTube channel and the wider community I have around me and I will always strive to not be a small actor. 

Until Next Time

xx