Welcome to Initial Step!
On this channel, we bring you short, engaging conversational interviews where we talk with talented individuals from the creative sector, focusing especially on those who have risen from low socioeconomic or working-class backgrounds.
Our aim? To shine a light on the barriers that often exist when trying to break into creative roles. But more importantly, to showcase inspiring stories of how these challenges can be overcome. Join us as we explore the journeys of remarkable people, learn about their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Because no matter where you start, breaking into the creative sector is possible, and we’re here to prove it.
Make sure to subscribe to avoid missing any episode!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Initial Step!
On this channel, we bring you short, engaging conversational interviews where we talk with talented individuals from the creative sector, focusing especially on those who have risen from low socioeconomic or working-class backgrounds.
Our aim? To shine a light on the barriers that often exist when trying to break into creative roles. But more importantly, to showcase inspiring stories of how these challenges can be overcome. Join us as we explore the journeys of remarkable people, learn about their struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Because no matter where you start, breaking into the creative sector is possible, and we’re here to prove it.
Make sure to subscribe to avoid missing any episode!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Michael J. Diamond, freelance producer and director at WEIGHT. Films, shares his journey from a single-parent home in East London to carving out a space for himself in the UK’s creative industry. Drawing on his working-class roots, Michael reflects on how upbringing, location, and access shaped his path. He opens up about the challenges of breaking into film without privilege, the limits of university education, and the power of community and lived experience.
Michael also talks about forming WEIGHT. Films to tell stories often overlooked by mainstream media, and why embracing your background can be a creative superpower. From advice on building a network to the importance of being "easy to help," this conversation is packed with insight for anyone navigating the creative world, especially those coming from outside the usual pipelines.
Topics Covered:
- Defining working-class identity
- The role of geography in creative access
- Challenges of breaking into film without privilege
- The importance of mentorship and self-belief
- Founding WEIGHT. Films to tell diverse stories
- Advice for emerging creatives
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- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/initialstep.co.uk/
- Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/initial-step/id1758128198
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZizcM5a2HEQKcaAPToysk?si=79fb1e8a830a4ec9
- Linktree - https://linktr.ee/initialstep
Follow Michael J. Diamond
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjdiamond/
- Personal Portfolio Site - https://www.mjdiamond.com/
- WEIGHT. Films - https://www.weightfilms.com/
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/michaeljdiamond/
Thanks for listening!
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.