The National Science and TV Museum in Bradford was a childhood favourite (it had a different name then, that’s how old I am!), contributing to my eventual career as a filmmaker, turned writer, digital creator and TV broadcaster. I remember ‘flying on a magic carpet’ simulation as a child in one interactive activity there demonstrating special effects, and even sat at a news desk, reading the news towards a huge TV camera on a tripod. I was sold. I knew in those moments that the career for me needed to be dynamic, creative and as exciting as working in the TV and film industry.
That’s what museums do, they show you the how but importantly the why. They inform but the best ones, show too, involving you in the action, giving you a taste of what working in the STEM or media landscape might feel like. If you don’t try things out, how will you know what you enjoy?!
I actually returned to that very venue as a filmmaker pre kids, screening my short films at film festivals held there, even meeting the late, legendary film star Om Puri many moons ago.
It’s always surreal returning to places that were poignant to me as a child, as an adult and no more so than as a parent, now with my own children in tow.
Saturday’s special screening of Aardman Animation’s latest film, Shaun Of The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom was just as special as any Leicester Square premiere we’ve attended with a drinks bash in the foyer with activities at the start of the day, followed by a baah-rilliant pun-filled quiz on the franchise, hosted by presenter Ben Shires (we sadly lost) pre-film and a super stop frame animation workshop afterwards.
Florence is 5 in November and was engaged throughout the film, which is a thrilling, funny, silly, smart and ultimately heartwarming rollercoaster reminiscent of classic spooky films, wrapped up in Aardman’s signature cuddly style that never fails to make you marvel at the fact these characters are all handmade and every second of action took hours of hard graft!
We spent a whole hour after the screening (which is great when it comes to concentration time for little Miss) looking through interactive exhibits on the advent of photography, TV, film and digital. What a wonderful space the museum continues to be, inspiring the next generation, and many more to come!
Shaun Of The Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom is in cinemas now!
Order my debut children's book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
