Lifers, a documentary:

This summer I predominantly spent my time either filming behind a camera, or editing in front of a computer screen.  The reason for this was my MA Journalism postgraduate dissertation, and the final outcome was a twenty minute long documentary about the modern music industry, which I've decided to call Lifers.

I still cringe at the parts I feel are badly filmed or edited, but overall I'm fairly proud of how my first stab at documentary making turned out.  I was only brave enough to post it online yesterday, but I've already had lots of lovely comments and feedback from family, friends, colleagues and those who appeared in the film.  Matthew from Song, By Toad even wrote about Lifers on his blog today (you can read the post here) which makes me feel a teeny bit famous!

The documentary features Three Blind Wolves, Dan Willson of Withered Hand fame, Neil Pennycook (Supermoon/Meursault) and Tony Taylor (formerly X-Lion Tamer), as well as my industry experts (Nick Mitchell, Nicola Meighan and Matthew Young).  If you're a fan of the Scottish indie music scene, or just music in general, you will hopefully find the topic interesting - maybe even enough to watch the whole thing!

There is a fairly amusing (at least to me) 'making of' documentary still to come, which I'm in the process of editing right now, but in the mean time I hope you enjoy Lifers, if you can spare the time to give it a watch.  Rather than get all mushy about it again, I'll leave you with a heartfelt message from my past self, posted last night on my Facebook:

Please stand by:

Source: here

Today I should be posting my Inferior Book Group review of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest but (with kind of a heavy heart) I'm postponing it until next month.  My review will go up at the end of next month instead.  This is the first time I haven't finished a book since I started the series in September last year, so I'm giving myself a break until my exams are over.  The good news is that this time next week I will be totally finished with uni classes and exams!

Spare me a thought as I retreat back into the world of highlighters and index cards until Tuesday afternoon...  Things should become a lot livelier around here after that!

Inferior Inspiration #12:

As strange as it feels to write here, in a few short weeks I will be finished all of my postgrad classes.  Honestly, I didn't even make a dent in all of that stationery I bought...  The course isn't quite over yet, though.  Between May and August I will be working on my dissertation which will involve plenty of research, writing and also filming.

As I'll be lugging books and camera equipment around Edinburgh and Glasgow (and possibly even further afield) for months, I thought it might nice to treat myself to a sensible yet handsome backpack.  The bags I've been looking at for inspiration all have a specific padded pocket that would fit my laptop and keep it safe.  They are also all extortionate!  You can't beat a good rucksack though, right?

1. The Pop Quiz Plus backpack from Herschel Supply Company is basic in design but still beautiful.  Inside you'll find a cute red and white striped lining and as many useful pockets a girl (or boy) could ever need. (£50ish)

Source: here

2. For something a little more feminine (but no less practical) there's the Jill-E laptop backpack in a more traditional style.  Budding photographers might be interested to know that you can purchase a camera insert for this bag to keep your equipment safe and secure on the go.  I love the style of this bag, but the pale beige colour makes me nervous.  I know it would end up filthy in no time! (£40ish)

Source: here

3. This Goodordering retro backpack in forest green fondly reminds me of primary school bags and the '90s in general.  I'm not sure how good the quality of this bag would be in reality (I found it on Amazon) but it comes in several colours and looks like it has plenty of space for books as well as a laptop. (£59)

Source: here

4. The interior of the Incase Campus mini backpack is - to be frank - pretty ugly.  However, I really love the exterior shape and colour combination of bright yellow and muted grey.  It's modern, lightweight and the hideous interior is very useful and (mostly) hidden from view. (£39.95)

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5. I am a sucker for anything bright blue, and this Unique Vintage Korean style backpack is no exception.  It actually comes in a whole host of beautiful colours, but the blue is my favourite.  I like the classic design, and it seems like this one can hold a lot whilst still looking cute! (£20ish)

Source: here

6. Curveball!  The JanSport Superbreak Sleeve is nothing like the other rucksacks on this list, but it still appeals to me.  Clearly not much would fit into this bag (aside from a laptop) but it's such a neat design that you can just grab and go.  I love it! (£15ish)

Source: here