Northwest Nurtures Hot Media Talent

YOUNG Cumbrian editor Mark McKenny knows a thing or two about being Shameless. His big break came through an innovative Northwest Vision and Media training scheme last autumn, that placed him as a trainee editing assistant on the major Manchester drama. Now he’s enjoying the kind of success it can take years to achieve.

“I’m now working across the board of production companies in the Northwest, and I’m taking advantage of some amazing opportunities,” beams Mark. “It all started with Northwest Vision and Media and the Shameless scheme, and I’m very grateful,” he adds.

Now Northwest Vision and Media have returned the favour by crowning Mark Crew of the Month for September. The 23 year old has recently finished work as the Assistant Editor for brand new BBC 3 comedy sketch show It’s Adam and Shelley, debuting later this month.

“I couldn’t have predicted how far the trainee scheme would take me,” he confirms. “Two years ago, I was watching Shameless on Channel 4 at home!” A year later and the budding editor had landed himself the coveted placement with Frank and the gang.

The traineeship scheme plucked five people with potential from Cumbria and launched them into the production of the fourth Shameless series, in a number of different roles. Mark landed the key role of Trainee Assistant Editor.

“It was fantastic.” beams Mark. “I’d fallen into editing at university – everyone in my class wanted to be the next Spielberg, but I wanted to be different. I learned about editing technology on my course, but going into a professional workflow like Shameless was an eye opener. It was a real step up.”

Mark has been making massive strides ever since his initial placement. With the continuing support of Project Co-ordinator Daisy Ashton, and the skills department of Northwest Vision and Media, he has established himself as one to watch in the editing world. As well as It’s Adam and Shelley, he’s also squeezed in time for commercial work for Channel M.

The training scheme didn’t just involve a placement in the industry, support has kept on coming. “Through free technical training, networking workshops and sessions on how to market myself, I’ve discovered how to take charge of my career and be pro-active,” says Mark.

“It’s helped me create my own opportunities,” he adds. “By developing an ever-expanding database of contacts, I’ve kept track of which companies I’ve been in touch with, and when I need to pester them again!”

Mark also found his first editing soulmate in his allocated mentor through the Shameless scheme, Jim Mooney of Manchester post house The Basement. “The relationship I had with Jim throughout my placement, and beyond, has been invaluable. He’s still helping steer me in the right direction,” nods Mark.

He’s also learned a lot from his Adam and Shelley colleagues, a prestigious group that includes Tim Kirkby and Dan Nelson, director and editor (respectively) of soon to be released film The Blind Spot. Seasoned pros Charlie Fawcett (Bo Selecta!, The Friday Night Project), and Peter Hallworth (Phoenix Nights, The League of Gentlemen, Cutting It) also worked on the show.

“The long days have really been worth it, as I’m getting to work with people I admire,” says Mark.

Editing is a long term love for Mark. “I equate it to alchemy – you get handed raw material and you turn it into something different. Everything is refined in the editing process.

“The peace and quiet away from the set, balanced against the pressure that builds towards the end of a production really suits my personality,” he adds.

Mark’s future looks bright - his goal of becoming a fully fledged Drama Editor gets closer with each job he takes on. Now freelancing at Granada as well as Chief Productions, and volunteering at CSV in Manchester, means Mark’s experience is growing rapidly. He’s making sure his talents don’t go to waste.

And developing his skills is something Mark sees as an ongoing mission. “As technology changes so quickly, an editor has to keep up,” he says, looking forward to the Final Cut Pro training course he’s currently embarking on.

Liverpool is another new horizon for Mark. “I have my feelers out. The next job is always around the corner,” he grins. “I’m proof that if you work hard and take the help available to you, your career can really take off.”

Just like the Gallagher clan, Mark is unashamedly Shameless, but this time it’s about his career!