Jesse’s Work Experience

Monday 

Coming from Norfolk, England, I had never been to Mareel – I’d only heard of it a few months prior to my work experience. However, with a long-lasting love for film and a newly emerging fascination for music, and considering the possibility of moving up to Shetland or the Highlands in the future, it seemed like the perfect place to start. This is probably why the initial job of transporting sofas was such a shock. 

Greeted by Anne, I was shown a quick rundown of the building, revealing not only all its perks but also the challenges the building faces. As I was now somewhat familiar with the building (though, in many ways, I had become more confused) and had also learnt a lot about maintaining such a place, I believe this was a good place to start. I was introduced to most people on the way, too, and seeing how Anne communicated with everyone, I was revealed to the strong sense of community within this workplace. 

But this is when the labour begins. I will never look at any sort of seating area again without the same appreciation I do now: after trying to help Anne put away the seating in the auditorium, to say my lunch break was earned is an understatement. But it was fine, because now that that was done, all I had to do was stick with Anne upon the arrival of some new sofas … 

It’s best I spare the details. However, what’s worth mentioning is how impressed I was with the improvisation. With just me and Anne who had time to move the sofas, there was a lot of thinking outside the box. Couch shifters with damaging bolts, a lift just inches too small, certain colours that didn’t match – though faced with countless problems, there were no points I can remember us ever really being stuck.

Though I will admit, in the moment, I hadn’t enjoyed Monday very much, I think it was less about the work I had been faced with and more the fact I was in an unfamiliar place on an unfamiliar island with unfamiliar people and doing unfamiliar tasks. Looking back, I see Monday as the epitome of what work experience is meant to offer. 

Tuesday 

This is when things got interesting. I was with the marketing team Tuesday morning, alongside Tara and Sophie, who I appreciate have always tried making me feel as comfortable as possible – which turned out to work in their favour, because personally, I’m not one to dress up as a minion in front of people who aren’t comfortable. I got to have a go at recording Tara and Sophie’s TikTok advertisement related to Mareel’s hottest new movie, ‘Minions and Monsters’, and one thing I’ve learnt besides social media advertising is how enthusiastic they are at Mareel for standing out (see the video here). 

That afternoon, I met Kathryn, and she discussed to me about her project ‘Even Here, Even Now’. I loved the story of hearing someone surprised at Shetland’s art, despite its geology and location, and as someone who isn’t local, I’ve grown to appreciate the opposite of what this tourist said – I believe that Shetland’s isolation and barriers actually encourage its artwork and is the reason it is so good. After being given time to read Shetland Arts’ covid memorial, ‘Mindin Tagidder’, I gave Kathryn a small note on my thoughts, and how I think it links well to her Even Here, Even Now project. 

Wednesday 

Wednesday morning, I was with the marketing team again. Sophie taught me about film posters within cinemas, one of many things I will struggle to overlook in the future, and the process of ordering them, storing them, putting them up, and more. She also got me set up on Canva, as she believed that my love for film might make Canva useful, which is only one of many moments I have been accustomed to personalised activities during my work experience, something I appreciate so much. 

The following afternoon, I met Rhea, the manager of Bonhoga and retail. She taught me a lot about retail, about choosing and ordering products to sell, as well as giving a brief overview over what they actually sell within the cinema. She gave me an exercise to look for Christmas-related items which they could sell, and I tried my best to choose a wide variety, trying to find the best things among some of the more unusual items. 

And Kathryn returned, bringing such energy with herself about my thoughts on her current project and covid memorial, that I decided to bounce off it: I wrote a nice lengthy analysis on her projects – likely too much – but her enthusiasm is just so hard to ignore, and I wanted to feel like I could help in any way. 

Thursday 

Not just within my tasks, but arriving at 8:00am and running on six hours of sleep proved Thursday to be my big day… and it was definitely worth it. First thing, I met JJ, who is something of a local legend within Mareel. He showed me how he operates the cinema screens, and it was great being able to play with the lighting, change the volume of the film, fast-forward and rewind, etc., and I even got a good tease at the new ‘Supergirl’ movie they are showing.  

For most of Thursday, I was working with Tim and Ewan in the Production Team, delivering ‘Soup and a Show’. I got to watch them rehearse for the show (which was extremely good), running through 100 Years of Musicals, and I have to say, the packed audience they received was well deserved. I got to watch the show again during their actual performance, this time standing at the walls (looking as if I was doing something important), and though the show was the same, each time offered a different experience.  

In the afternoon, a scheduled trip to Bonhoga had been unfortunately cancelled, but Rhea had created a last-minute exercise for me, personalised, too, about my interest in the film industry: my job was to research ‘Shetland Noir’, Mareel’s crime writing festival, and adapt it into a film festival. I had much fun with this and found I actually learned a lot about local and independent filming, and even found it all quite inspiring.  

Friday 

Finally, out of all the days to be laid back, I’m grateful Friday has been the one. I came in and simply got on with finishing my film festival ideas, something now printed off and, I hope, may even be of use in the future.

At twelve o’clock, I had the opportunity to talk to Catriona, who does programming in Shetland Arts, and along with learning all about that, she informed me on the reality of my own future goals. With the ambition of wanting to be a writer and director, which, I appreciate, is extremely difficult to achieve, I have always been anxious of what substitute I can have if things go wrong. Talking to Catriona has made me realise that I may not reach my highest goals, but whether that happens or not, it doesn’t matter – because even if I’m working a boring job, there’s always time to be creative. It’s this kind of message I felt my whole experience at Mareel has proven. 

As usual, I went out for lunch and returned to Mareel, this time, for the last time. I went straight up to Tessa’s computer (someone whose name has been thrown around all week but, unfortunately, I haven’t been able to meet), and I’ve spent the last hour or so writing this blog.

The ferry due to leave tonight, this whole week for me has felt surreal. Being in such a new environment whilst doing the things I feel most comfortable is a stark contrast, because I haven’t just experienced “work”. I’ve been shown art, island life, community, and have also been given a, though poignant, better view of my future. 

Conclusion 

I extend my gratitude to the whole team at Mareel. Kerry and Graeme for hosting me in the first place, Anne for her dedication, Tara and Sophie for their friendliness, Kathryn for her enthusiasm, JJ for introducing me into his work, Tim and Ewan for their patience with me hardly knowing what I’m doing, Catriona for her information considering my future, and most of all, Rhea for being stuck with me the most and keeping my work both productive and relevant to my interests. 

I’ve really enjoyed my time at Mareel and strongly recommend it to the public and opportunists alike.