As a freelancer, I’m always on the lookout for work, and if it involves meeting people, filming people, or helping people, then so much the better.

So what can I actually do? Well, these are some of the things that I’m good at and that I love:

• Filming theatrical performances: I’ve done this a lot recently. What tends to happen is – you contact me with the dates and times of your show. If I’m free I turn up to your dress rehearsal and one of your performances, equipped with a Sony camcorder and a very flash Nikon HD camera (which has the advantage of making me look like a pap because it essentially looks like a normal professional camera, but also takes very, very nice film because I can change lenses and thus do cool things with focus and zoom). I take as much footage as I can from as many angles as I can. After the performance I go backstage if I’m allowed, and film some footage of the cast and crew for behind-the-scenes footage. Then I go back home, download everything onto a big hard drive and set about editing it all together. The finished product is a DVD that contains not only the full production, but also a special ‘backstage’ extra. Costs from £100, which includes 10 free DVDs.
• Documenting events: Does what it says on the tin. You have an event: I come along and film it. I go and edit it all together and send you a film of it. Usually I create a music video of sorts: something that’s short, fun and energetic. This works well if you’re looking for something that reminds you of the good times, or if you need it to show to potential clients as a portfolio piece. I can, however, make longer films if that’s what you need. I’ve made films like this for the Cambridge Lindy Hoppers, the Cambridge City Council and as portfolio material for various artists. Costs vary depending on how long the event is. For a full day of filming you’re looking at £200; this includes me going away and cutting everything together.
• Editing footage: Got a load of video footage? Only have Windows Media Player or IMovie? Want the finished product to be a bit more polished? I use Adobe Premiere Pro, and simply adore editing things together (especially if it’s a joyful event: it always puts a smile on my face to make something that will bring back good memories for people), so send it across to me with a specification of what you want (length of video, any particular moments you simply have to have in, etc etc) and I’ll make it happen and send you back a DVD and a CD with the file on it so you can upload it to YouTube/Vimeo/website of your choice. Again costs vary, but you’re looking at around £50 for a ten minute film.

Anything there that you’re thinking, ‘hmmm, yes, I could use this lady’s help’? Then contact me at holly[at]hollyrace.com. (Obviously remove the [at] and replace it with @).