The Space
The Space
The Sell: The Space is a monthly media and arts event that provides an excellent opportunity for networking and gaining valuable contacts.
This statement contains the reason why I was not particularly interested in attending.
Networking: creatives-types feigning altruism whilst leaching the contents of your mind into their snuggling it into their blackberrys.
Plus, if everyone is there to gain valuable contacts, what is the point of the speaker on the stage? Why not just meet-up at Dukes Mound and take it in turns to make furtive dives into bushes, stroke PDAs and move on?
But, I am nothing if not polite. I was invited; so I went.
Latest Music Bar’s troglodyte theatre was the venue. Lots of people -standing room only- and on the stage; a little round table with two chairs.
First up was NME Editor, Connor McNicholas. He was an engaging speaker and gave the kind of “anyone can achieve their dreams” talk that Mrs Obama used to inspire London’s primary school kids.
Question One: How did you become Editor of the NME?
Answer: Worked really hard, never turned down an opportunity, better to try and fail than fail to try (or some such stuff).
I was left feeling inspired to go and do something successful and make something of my life, the enthusiasm that coursed through my veins must have drained down the urinal because it wasn’t there by the end of the interval.
Next speaker, Terry Rawlings, Film Editor on, Alien, Watership Down and lots of famous films. Really, LOTS of FAMOUS films, ask google. Terry seemed to stress skill as the foundation of his career. And patience.
So, the evening’s speakers nicely illustrated generational approaches to life/careers/success. Connor McNicholas is thirty-six running an empire. Terry Rawlings is seventy-six and once spent a jolly nice afternoon drinking/chatting with Barbra Streisand.
Both were good speakers, both had lots to say. I could happily have listened for much longer to either of them. I failed to network. I didn’t make any valuable contacts. Had a nice time. Resolved to win an Academy Award or become the editor of a significant publication. Just as soon as I get chance…..
The Space, thoroughly recommended.
For info tickets and stuff www.thespace.me.uk
