7 Essential Cinematography Tips I Wish I’d Known Before Picking Up a Camera
These are the cinematography tips I had to learn the hard way — from the rule of thirds to getting off Auto. Practical advice for filmmakers at every level.
Entries by Gary JJ Spate
Why Amateur Theatre Is Better Than Professional
It’s not about polish or budget. It’s about love. A Front of House Manager makes the case for why your local amateur theatre might just be the real thing.
The Stage Is Not Dying. It’s Waking Up.
Theatre attendance is booming nationally — but south east venues are fighting for survival. Why live performance matters more than ever, and who’s being left behind.
7 Proven Ways to Find Filmmaking Ideas (That Actually Stick)
Where do great film ideas come from? From homage, instinct, and a Garth Brooks song — here’s how I find my projects and how you can find yours.
Stealing Hours: The Games That Keep Me Sane
From managing Kings Lynn Town to Champions League glory to losing entire nights to Civilisation, here’s what I play when life finally gives me a moment to breathe.
Why I Write About Grimsby (and Apparently Wales) When I Live in Kent
A wry, personal look at why a man who’s lived in Kent for over a decade still writes about Grimsby — and finds himself inexplicably pulled toward a Welsh town he’s visited once.
My Website Is Now Fully Pirate-Themed and I Cannot Fully Explain Why
My website just went full pirate-themed overnight—no strategy, no reason, just vibes. Here’s the confused, honest story behind the rebrand.
Why Every Brilliant Idea I Have Arrives at 2am and Leaves by Breakfast
A comical confession about the brilliant 2am writing ideas that feel genius in the dark and ridiculous by breakfast — and what they’ve nearly done to two unfinished novels.
When the Dream Job Stops Feeling Like a Dream
An honest reflection on what happens when the passion for your dream job quietly fades — and learning to sit with that without forcing it back.
Is This the End of Theatre? (Spoiler: No, But We Need to Talk)
A look at why South East theatres are struggling with falling ticket sales this year, what’s really driving it, and how venues — and audiences — can help buck the trend.