9 minute read

CLOCKWISE Work at new stylish offices in Cardiff City Centre

YOUR HOME for Work

or many, work and life have become less of a balance and more of a blur in these recent months. With people working from home, it is becoming increasingly difficult to see where being at work ends F and being at home begins. This in turn is having a detrimental effect not just on our productivity, but also our wellness. Clockwise offices in Cardiff are dedicated to creating a safe space for businesses to turn to for a more constructive option than the kitchen table. Covid secure with the highest levels of hygiene and cleanliness, the light and contemporary space promotes a comfortable and supportive work environment. Clockwise creates space for socially distanced collaboration, but also the vital boundaries that business, and our lives, demands and deserves. With memberships to suit everyone; from ‘solopreneurs’ to large tech firms; Clockwise can support all business types. Offering hot desking, dedicated space and private offices all on monthly rolling contracts, the flexibility that Clockwise can offer makes returning to the office a breeze. The all-inclusive packages at Clockwise mean members don’t have to give a second thought to utility bills, Wifi set ups, cleaning and maintenance contracts, and most importantly security who are on site 24/7. For the lone worker who wants a quiet space and a good coffee, members can make themselves comfortable in the Club Lounge. A newly refurbished space, perfect for working independently or collaboration and used to host events and conferences - when government guidelines allow Without the need for an office but a desire for a professional environment and their own home for work, Clockwise can arrange a dedicated desk. A space to call their own and connect with others. space to come to whenever their business demands. Private offices at Clockwise are designed for focus and productivity. Businesses can settle in and get to work, safe in the knowledge that they are supported by their own service team who are ready to make their time at Clockwise as seamless as possible. Above all, Clockwise champions the wellness of all of their members. By providing an outlet away from personal commitments, it is a place where productivity can flourish and healthy boundaries are maintained. Clockwise looks to always provide support to businesses and their people.

To learn more about working your way at Clockwise visit: workclockwise.co.uk

Photo: www.yolandakingdon.co.uk

Luca Malacrino is a Welsh actor, living in Los Angeles. He has worked on over 30 projects, including works such as Criminal Minds, Grey’s Anatomy, Coronation Street, Distant Vision with the Godfather’s Francis Ford Coppola, and his first self-produced movie, Elephants is now available to watch on Amazon Prime.

LUCID DREAMS,

Quality Filmmaking, and an Inspiring Story

ello Wales :) Oh what a wild time to be on this planet! Usually I would find an iconic place in Los Angeles to write from but since we are in our second H lockdown, my bed will have to suffice. I just bought new sheets if that makes it any better? When thinking about what to write in this edition I kept wanting to share stories that inspire me and act as a distraction from all the uncertainty surrounding us. Luckily, I happen to work in the film industry where I am fortunate to know some really cool artists. Today I would like to introduce you to a good friend of mine, writer/director/actor Adam Morse. Adam and I met at a movie premiere at the Roosevelt Hotel last year and all I can remember is how inspired I was about his story and how our group demanded that we find a bar which played old school hip hop all night. It was a good memory. My head still slightly hurts. This edition of Style of The City Magazine is designated to ‘change makers’ and I can confidently say that Adam is the literal definition of that word and so much more. A change maker in my mind is someone who chooses to ignore the usual rules and definitions that have been placed within our chosen industries and prove that they are simply goal posts. Adam has just released his debut feature film, Lucid, starring Billy Zane, Sadie Frost and Laurie Calvert. It explores a young lost man and his journey in overcoming social anxiety with the help from the teachings of lucid dreaming. The movie itself looks like a lucid dream, like an abstract oil painting, a fond memory. I was excited to see this motion picture and how Adam was planning on putting his stamp on it.

The film garnered great reviews, as well as being welcomed with open hands to the Edinburgh International Film Festival, Dinard Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, Sedona Film Festival and Sci-Fi London. The film won 6 awards in total including 2 Best Supporting Actor awards for Billy Zane. You’re probably asking what makes this specific filmmaker a ‘change-maker’? Well… Not only is Adam able to make beautiful art in an industry that is already extremely competitive, but does it while being legally blind. Yes, you read that correctly. Adam had perfect vision until 2009, when his eyesight suddenly deteriorated while he was in Dubai working as a production assistant on the film City of Life. Eventually, doctors diagnosed an

incurable mitochondrial disease, Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Within weeks, his musician brother, Jake – three years his junior – also began to lose his sight. The part that really inspires me is that initially, Adam did not go yelling this out to the world. He kept his lips sealed, mind focused and made his film without needing to tell anyone of his condition. It wasn’t going to dictate his life and dreams. He rolled up his sleeves and did the work. He walked the walk. When you see this film on Amazon Prime, you will be blown away by the beautiful framing, lighting, and everything in between. He not only achieved a dream, but he literally made it. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Adam and ask him a few questions!

I hope you enjoy and stay safe out there!

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:

1. Dog or Cat? Dog 2. Netflix or Prime? Netflix 3. Call or Text? Call 4. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook 5. While walking: Music or Podcasts? Music 6. iOS or Android? iOS 7. What’s worse: Laundry or Dishes? Dishes 8. Bath or Shower? Shower 9. Marvel or DC? Favorite hero? Marvel - Iron Man 10. Name 3 actors you would love to work with? Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Viola Davis

What inspired you to become a film director?

Being 6 years old and going to the cinema to see Star Wars.

When making the film ‘Lucid’ was there a reason why you kept your visual impairment to yourself? Were you at all worried about being treated differently?

I kept my condition a secret during the making of Lucid for that exact reason, I didn’t want to be treated differently. The truth is that we are still living in a time right now where people are discriminated for being differently-abled and I wanted to prove that I was capable of delivering first before coming out of the blind closet. Being a changemaker can often mean that you have your own way of doing things.

How does your method of filmmaking vary from other filmmakers?

I prep harder because I need to feel fully informed in advance so that on the day I can be super decisive and afford a looser approach to shooting scenes because I’ve already explored so many different ways of capturing every moment. Also, I have an abnormally large director’s monitor and I have to stand a little closer to it than other filmmakers.

What are some of the rules you set yourself in life in order to grow and achieve your dreams?

Don’t live in the problem and never settle for any amount of success because there is always more to be done.

Do you feel your other senses have improved as a result of being visually impaired? If so, have these other senses shaped your style of filmmaking?

Yes, my telepathy and emotional sensitivities have been heightened as a result to my sight loss and this has certainly shaped who I am as person as well as the way I work.

The film Lucid looks at lucid dreaming. Did this concept of dreaming within your mind contribute to the making of this film for you?

I don’t think you can write a film about lucid dreaming without having first hand experiences in the practise. I would nocturnally rehearse camera moves in my subconscious and use pre cognition to foresee the next day of filming in dream states.

I also know you are a very talented actor. What have you recently been working on as an actor?

I recently wrapped on Season 2 of the Apple TV+ series SEE (starring Jason Momoa), I play a witch finder called Frye who is tasked with hunting down the sighted. I did most of my own stunts because I want to surprise audiences and change the stigma that surrounds visually impaired actors, it was an awesome experience because I learnt how to horse ride and sword fight! I also acted in a short film called Suppression during lockdown to raise awareness for mental health. It’s the directorial debut of Julia Varvara and is coming out in 2021.

Do you have any other passions in the arts, aside from filmmaking?

I’m currently writing and recording my first mixtape. I will be releasing some new music in the new year.

By sharing your visual impairment after the release of your first feature film, you have created a change in the way people look at disability, how do you feel about being a ‘changemaker’ in your field of work?

It feels great to know that I’m inspiring people. I want to use platforms like this to uplift others and encourage everyone to be more optimistic and positive in their own situations. I’m just as passionate as being a changemaker as I am being a filmmaker.

What advice could you give anyone reading who has a film idea that they’ve been putting off writing for years?

Hurry up and do something about the idea because if you don’t then someone else will. If you can think it up, so will someone else.

What’s next for you?

I am working on a new movie with a great company called Radar Pictures. Executive producers Ted Field and Justin Smith have attachment me to direct a brilliant screenplay about cancel culture and fake news. It’s a sci-fi/comedy that we are planning to film next year.