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Film direction debut for Nikki
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| Nikki will make her debut as a film director next weekend |
A DISABLED TV researcher is preparing to make her debut as a film director in a new Channel 4 TV series.
Nikki Fox, a former Hillingdon school pupil, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, was chosen from more than 200 applicants as one of nine directors to make short films about their lifestyles.
The 27-year-old, who went to Swakeleys School in Clifton Gardens, moved from The Rise in Hillingdon six years ago.
She describes her film - Follow Me - as a surreal mix of documentary and fantasy which explores attitudes to disability.
She is appearing on The Shooting Party, a 12-week Channel 4 series which follows her and eight fellow aspiring disabled and deaf film-makers.
A documentary team followed Nikki's journey from pitching ideas to TV bosses, shooting and editing her film, to the final screening at BAFTA in front of an audience of industry professionals.
One of the filmmakers will be awarded further training and a commission from the channel.
Nikki, who lives in Bourne End, said: I wanted to show the positive side of my disability. Some people can be so negative about it.
"There's so many things I like about being disabled. I'm happy about it because I find people are so lovely. I get closer to them because they offer to help me.
"I might be in Marks and Spencer and someone will offer to reach something down for me or they'll stop in the street to help me get my scooter out of the car, or if I'm not using my wheelchair and I fall over and people come and give me a hand."
Her experience on the Shooting Party had earned her new friends as well as vital TV experience. She said: "I didn't actually know anyone else who is disabled before I did this.
"Now I've met all these people and some of them have become really close friends."
Nikki is a graduate of Channel 4's researcher training programme and is now working on fashion makeover series How to Look Good Naked.
Before joining the scheme, she used her talents as a singer and pianist to complete a music degree.
Alison Walsh, Channel 4's editorial manager for disability, said: "The Shooting Party is a fantastic training experience and broadcast credit for the disabled filmmakers."
Nikki's story and film will be shown on Channel 4 on Sunday, May 18 at 8.25am.
9:30am Sunday 11th May 2008
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