What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I currently work as a Storyboard Director, Scriptwriter and Marketing Assistant. Each of these roles allow me to experiment with different ideas to see what will work for a particular project. I also have the opportunity to learn about new topics by writing scripts for competitions and online courses, directing storyboards and writing case studies. I love focusing on connection, whether that’s how characters interact with each other or the relationship between the audience and the content.
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness is being able to pursue creative projects that I’m genuinely passionate about. I would find it very challenging to put 100% into a project that doesn’t make me feel excited and motivated to explore it.
What is my greatest fear?
Not being able to control the inevitable. There’s probably a reason why we’re not meant to know everything that will happen in our lives. Therefore, we lack the ability to control certain situations and stop particular events from happening. It’s inevitable, but scary nonetheless!
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
I overthink EVERYTHING. When it comes to content creation I find myself concentrating really hard on the small, finer details rather than focusing on the bigger picture.
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
Alex Hirsch – voice actor, animator, writer, storyboard artist, and producer. He’s not afraid to push boundaries and is inspired by his own life experiences to create content. I admire people who are true to themselves and don’t conform to fit in.
What is my greatest extravagance?
I’m not a big spender in general, BUT I would have to say make-up! I love trying new make-up looks because it’s just another way that I can be creative.
On what occasion would I lie?
I value honesty a lot. However, I would lie if it meant not causing someone unnecessary suffering or to save an innocent person from harm.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Creating Act 2! Coming up with the middle section of any piece of work can be difficult. When it comes to writing, I find it a lot easier to think of the start and end of the piece. This is probably because the beginning is what draws people in, whereas the end is the lasting impression that people will have of your content.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
Right now is probably the happiest I’ve been in the work. I’ve learned a lot of new skills recently that will hopefully push my creative projects to the next level. I also feel happier within myself which I think reflects in the work that I have recently created.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
If I could change anything about myself it would be my confidence…or lack of. It’s easy to look at yourself or your work and find flaws that other people probably wouldn’t notice. If I could, I’d want to feel sure of myself and my abilities in a realistic way. I’m definitely working on improving this though!
What is my greatest achievement in work?
When my first feature film script ‘Dolly Daydream’ won best thriller screenplay (feature) at The Grim North Screenplay Festival 2019. Also when it won winning screenplay at The Feedback Female Film Festival 2020.
Where would I most like to live?
I would like to live in Canada. It’s very multi-cultural, has universal healthcare, a good economy and the scenery looks beautiful.
What is my most treasured possession?
My headphones. Mostly because I love creating multiple playlists and music really inspires me from a content creation perspective.
What is my most marked characteristic?
I’ve been told that I’m very empathetic and people often come to me for advice. I think that my empathetic nature is largely based on tough experiences I had growing up. So, I think it’s important to be kind because you never know what is going on behind closed doors.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
I like going to the shops in town that sell things like tarot cards, crystals and even ornaments of dragons! As a visual learner, I find that looking at items like that really inspires me concerning content creation. I also find the deeper meanings of tarot cards and crystals really interesting because they help me consider different perspectives.
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Definitely YO! Sushi, I always have a great time whenever I go there. I like how laid back the atmosphere is and of course, the food is amazing!
What books influenced my life and how?
Alice in Wonderland taught me to embrace creativity and diversity. Alice stays true to herself and doesn’t care about fitting in with everyone else.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
This might sound a little unconventional, but anything by Britney Spears.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. She goes against the harmful stereotype of femininity equalling unintelligence. Throughout the film, people underestimate Elle and regard her as a ‘dumb blonde’ due to her feminine persona. However, she doesn’t compromise her femininity to fit in with others. Instead, Elle showcases her emotional and academic intelligence while maintaining her love of everything pink.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
Princess Diana for her bravery to speak out against powerful people and sticking to her morals. In an interview, Diana said that she led with her heart instead of her head – this is something that I can really relate to.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
Spirited Away. I love the theme of identity and witnessing the emotional journey of the protagonist.
What role do stories play in my life and work?
Stories have given me an outlet to express myself during the transition from childhood to adulthood. Stories not only help me to process situations in my life, but they also act as a form of entertainment.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
Everyone has the ability to create worlds and characters with endless possibilities in their minds. In reality, you can’t control every situation as if it’s a scene in a story. However, you can sometimes control how you react to situations. I think that concept in itself is being the storyteller of your own life.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
I can’t name just one person, but my close friends and family are very supportive. I was taught from a young age to do whatever makes you happy, no matter what other people think.
Which people or companies would I like to work with?
I would love to work with a company called Bright Little Labs, a media company that create entertaining purpose-driven content for kids. I contacted them when I was eager to develop an idea for a children’s television series and I was so grateful to receive a personalised response from them.
What project am I looking forward to work on?
I have an idea for a children’s television series that I would love to develop. In the series, I want to represent different kinds of families because I think that this will help children, who don’t come from nuclear families, to feel represented and included. My goal is also for the series to challenge masculine stereotypes and show young boys that emotions aren’t a weakness.
Where can you see me or my work?
My online blog: https://tashastales.wixsite.com/tashastales for scriptwriting purposes
By taking one of iAM Compliant’s online courses: https://www.iamcompliant.com/ for scriptwriting and storyboard direction
At Brainboxes: https://www.brainboxes.com/case-study where you can read some of my case studies as a Marketing assistant
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
I think that when you’ve been passionate about something for a very long time, it’s not something that just disappears. No matter what your situation is, I think that your passion lingers in your mind. Getting knocked down in life is always difficult, but when you’re passionate about something I think that it becomes easier to get back up again.
Which creative professionals should Peter invite to tell their story?
Leo: https://instagram.com/screwballtheadorable
How can you contact me?
My online blog: https://tashastales.wixsite.com/tashastales/contact
Instagram: https://instagram.com/natashamariathorpe
The Heroine's Journey 