When I first started The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt all those years ago, it was designed as a creative outlet for my own film reviews. I was writing for a few great sites but just felt like I wanted to strike out on my own.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and I’m really lucky to have a great set of writers and a lot of great supporters. I’ve met some amazing actors, directors and writers and been a little starstruck more than once.
During the lockdown, activity on the site slowed right down. Everyone was dealing with it in their own way. I was basically locked in the house with a baby and a toddler, trying to balance my freelance marketing consultancy with 24/7 childcare and no bubble.
So, while we pretty much worked our way through the entirety of every streaming platform, the last thing I wanted to do was write about it. My love of film and TV hadn’t diminished, but finding the time to write about them was just something I didn’t want to do and didn’t have the time to do well.
Now things are getting towards normality (what’s normal anyway?), I’ve been putting a lot of thought into the site and the direction I want it to go in.
A Brand New Look & Website
I’ve never been particularly happy with the website functionality. I built it myself years ago when I had zero ideas about web design and SEO. I created the logo myself through an online logo generator. I think I got everything up and running over a weekend for about £50.
Well, I’m absolutely delighted to say that there is a brand new website in the works. It not only looks better but it includes more multimedia content, links to buy items and our very own Amazon shop.
I was so excited this week when my new business cards from Aura Print turned up. I’ve not been able to attend an in-person screening or event for nearly 18 months, so I’m really looking forward to getting back out into the real world.
They are pretty good too. The ordering process was really easy and the designers have given it a really cool foil effect which really makes it stand out. I’ve ordered quite a few business cards during my career in marketing so I do know a good card when I see one.
They were really helpful with the design too. There’s a range of ideas on their website that you can visit for inspiration and get started on your order.
More Long-Form Content
Reviews are the backbone of the website and that will continue. We love reviewing and are an opinionated bunch, so expect the reviews to be coming thick and fast.
But in addition, we’re going to be adding a lot more long-form content like essays, features and interviews.
Focus on Social Media
This is something we’ve been neglecting for a while, but we’re going to be ramping up our Instagram and Facebook activity to ensure we’re getting our content there as well as our competitions and giveaways.
Supporting Aspiring Writers
I started the site because I wanted to get some experience writing about something that I loved. I’ve worked in marketing and communications since leaving university so I was comfortable writing with little guidance. But that isn’t the case for everyone. I’m often contacted by people wanting to get into film journalism, and while we’re always on the lookout for new writers, I haven’t had the time to mentor anyone or give more than basic advice.
I’d like that to change, which is why I’m developing a range of writers materials and taking some online courses in editing, so I can develop my own skills in this area.
So there you have it. Exciting times ahead for The Book, The Film, The T-Shirt. Watch this space!
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