John Appleyard - Media Studies

Before I talk about what I want from life, my ambitions or where I see myself in years from now. I think it would be good just to let you know what kind of person I am. I was born October 1989 to a run of the mill white suburban working class family. With little hardship and misfortune in my life (so far) I lead a comfortable uncomplicated lifestyle. I enjoy old movies particularly Laurel and Hardy, and Buster Keaton comedies. I'm also a big fan of early Woody Allen flicks, and the work of my favourite director Alfred Hitchcock. As a hobby I used to act in a lot of plays for theatre companies including Rosebruford, as well as writing scripts and acting at Hurstmere sports college. My favourite pastime (like most teenagers) is listening to music, and when ever possible playing for small, appreciative and drunk audiences. In my spare time I play (a mean) harmonica, and sing (badly and out of tune) in a blues group and have jammed with professional musicians in various blues bars/ clubs including the 'Piano and Sax' in Tenerife.

My favourite recorded artists are Sonny Boy Williamson 2, Bob Dylan (my two idols), John Lee Hooker, Billie Holiday, Otis Redding, Tom Waits, Howlin' Wolf, Carey Bell and Cab Calloway, (I couldn't settle on a top five).

What I have learnt from my college experience so far is that although I enjoy theory work (understanding media etc.) and find it really interesting, I am more partial to practical work such as film production, which I think shows in my college results. I have also exercised the skills I have learnt in my spare tie working on several student films at Ealing studios/University as well as a company commercial for 'Burning 2 learn' at Brandshatch, (which I still haven't seen). I would like to continue this further but am unsure whether this is the right career for me.

My true ambition in life is to one day open and manage my own blues bar, where musicians can play for fellow blues aficionados (geeks), and just people with quality taste in music. The reason for this is: inspired by the juke joint, barrelhouses and drinking dens of the Mississippi, Chicago and New Orleans. As well as the legendary bluesmen who passed through them; I hope to help revive the blues (this is all very personal!). I have spent a great deal of time looking into the work and preparation that goes into running a business of this kind. Seeing as in a few weeks of writing this I can (legally) gain bar work experience, and I can learn first hand just what is involved. However, I don't want to reach sixty years old and realise I've spent my whole life 'in the pub' (so to speak). So until then I plan to continue my studies onto University (whatever it is I'll be studying), and gain employment in whatever interest me.

Finally, I'd like to leave you with a quote from my favourite philosopher:

“All people are born alike- except Republicans and Democrats”

-Groucho Marx

(That's me….posing) (Sonny Boy Williamson 2)