Meet the team...
Presenters: Ahmed
| Nikki | Rebecca
Survivor's guide: Ashton
| Elizabeth | Gavin
Researchers:
Caroline | Melissa
| Lydia | Samantha
Nikki Stratton
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Yummy fruit salad with sunflower seeds.
What have you been up to since the last series of VEE-TV?
Setting up my business and doing some freelance work. The business is
a service provider in areas of translation from English to BSL and vice
versa – interpreting training, TV presenting/in-vision training and so
on.
What are your favourite and least favourite parts of working for VEE-TV?
I love meeting new people, and I love getting all dolled up for the camera.
I hate getting up at something like five in the morning so I can look
the part for VEE-TV!
How did you land the job?
Got asked to come along to the audition and voilà –
nabbed the job.
What are your favourite things about the show?
The show deals with a really wide range of issues and information. And
the best thing about this programme is the fab look of it all – so
very up-to-date. I really like the 'stings' – the little visual signatures
– for example the VEE-TV one itself and the one for 'end of part
one'. I think they're really cool and definitely stay in my mind. I also
like watching RUSH as there are some really talented actors/actresses.
What do you think is the most important issue facing the Deaf community
at the moment?
Well, in this generation I see buzzing young deaf people with high ambitions
and inspirations, and I have seen some make a real success of achieving
their goals. This was really difficult back in my parents' time – my parents
are also deaf – as equal opportunities and interpreters were not
really 'on hand' (pardon the pun). And this in turn made it difficult
for a lot of deaf people to follow their dreams. So I am really grateful
that we are in today's generation and definitely don't take things for
granted. The world's your oyster!
Tell us a little about your education.
When I was 11 years old I went to a mainstream school and was the only
deaf girl there. After three years, my grades were starting to fall, and
my parents and I decided that there was no way I could continue in the
mainstream for the next two years. So both myself and my wee sister went
to Mary Hare school. And I am so glad I went – for once in my life
I really felt part of the norm, as everyone was deaf and everyone was
treated the same.
Had you always wanted to work in the media?
Not really, not until I left uni a couple of years ago, when I was offered
work for a commercial company doing in-vision signing.
What other media jobs/activities have you been involved in?
I've done a lot of in-vision signing for the Cartoon Network. In case
you're wondering what this actually involves, I study programmes and revise
scripts that I have been asked to translate for a deaf, signing audience.
When my preparation is complete, I then sign the contents of the programme.
You would see me normally in the right-hand bottom corner of the TV screen.
Other than working for the cartoon Powerpuff Girls, I have done
some signed songs, including performing a signed version of 'Nothing compares
2 U' (Sinéad O'Connor) in an advert for NME on Bravo channel.
Barely recognise myself!
What advice would you give to young deaf people interested in working
in the media?
Have the right attitude and create a network of contacts to keep yourself
up-to-date.
Who's your hero or biggest influence?
Clive Mason, who is my fave deaf presenter and mentored me at the beginning
of my filming days.
Who's your biggest fan?
My mum!
What do you do with your time off?
I go swimming and running and I work out in the gym quite regularly now,
as I got the biggest shock of my life recently when I noticed my 'love
handles' growing. Yikes! No, seriously, after each activity I just feel
so full of energy and positivity. Most importantly of all is spending
quality time with my boyfriend, who I adore.
Can you recommend something that you really enjoyed recently – book,
show, film, website, whatever?
Really enjoyed watching The Lord of the Rings, but was really
miffed about the ending for both films!
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