Freelance journalist

I'm a dedicated and enthusiastic freelance journalist with a niche interest in arts and literature. I thrive in fast-paced media environments, generating and developing ideas, securing the perfect interview, and working to tight deadlines to produce high quality content with flair and originality.

My experience in TV production is varied: I've worked in the role of AP for major international broadcasters, and before that as a researcher (both in development and production) for various independent media companies.

I can shoot with a Z1 and similar, and enjoy working on location.

Working in busy newsrooms has taught me to edit with scrupulous attention to detail under the pressure of time constraints. During my Masters in Broadcast Journalism I was trained in Final Cut Pro, and I am comfortable with similar editing software packages, such as Adobe Premiere and Avid. I can also record aqnd edit audio material with Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, and similar.

Recently I've been keen to apply my TV and radio production skills to new platforms - and I've equipped myself with the necessary skills to do so. During my time at Saatchi Online TV, for example, I used Flash to create web page components and integrate video into web pages. I also have a working knowledge of online content authoring and editing systems - from blogging tools such as Wordpress to the Content Management System Drupal. I am therefore confident in my ability to upload and update audio and video content, and manage dynamic websites.

I've also worked in print journalism, writing features and reviews for various art publications and magazines. In the past I have edited niche magazines, overseeing the publication of quality literary articles. I also had to set the pages on a weekly or monthly basis. I am competent with InDesign, QuarkXPress, Photoshop, and similar software packages. Before that I worked as sub editor for many different magazines, responsible for correcting spelling, grammar, terminology and semantics, checking facts and recognizing inconsistencies.

Although I'm British, I have lived abroad for many years. This has not only developed my language skills but also provided me with a more internationalist editorial perspective. I'm bilingual in English and Italian, fluent in Spanish, and I speak conversational French. I have worked for many years as a professional translator from Italian to English and vice versa.

My background lies in international politics and history. During my undergraduate degree at Cambridge University, for example, I specialized in 20th century American history, Middle Eastern politics and post-colonial globalization. This academic grounding has fuelled my long-standing interest in world news, and adds extra depth to my work as a journalist.

Experience:
Producer, presenter and editor for Saatchi Online TV (freelance, ongoing)-
Producing weekly webcasts on London art scene in under 48 hours; reporting and presenting from live art events and gallery openings; interviewing artists/experts; filming with Z1; editing with Final Cut Pro; researching art/artists.

Assistant Producer for Al Jazeera English (freelance, ongoing)-
Pitching ideas with unique angles on daily basis; researching stories and briefing producers/reporters; booking guests and interviews; assisting in the filming, editing and logistical production of European news packages; use of languages (Italian and Spanish)

Feature writer and reviewer, Magazines at Cambridge Evening News (2007-2008) -
Writing feature and review articles to tight deadlines; interviewing local MPs, entrepreneurs, etc; contacting and dealing with press offices and PR teams.

Researcher for GuardianFilms (2008) -
Assisting in the production of investigative documentaries; researching diverse subjects; booking interviews; obtaining archive material; running edit suites; admin responsibilities inc. archiving, accreditations,logging and payments.

Editor of the 'Opinions' section of The Cambridge Globalist (2006)-
Overseeing three sections of monthly magazine: interviews, opinion editorials and book reviews; liaising with and organising journalists; editing and copy editing; writing articles where necessary.

Editor of the 'Music' section of The Cambridge Student (2005) -
Overseeing music features, reviews and opinion editorials; liaising daily with music management teams and press offices; finding, liaising with and organising contributing journalists; editing articles; writing pieces at short notice when required; setting the pages on a weekly basis, using Quark Xpress and Adobe Photoshop.

Production Assistant for CC-Lab (freelance,ongoing)-
Assisting director and camera operators on documentary shoots; logging shots and changing equipment; providing source of information and technical expertise; liaising between crew and editors.

Reporter and newsreader for Time FM and South London Radio (2007) -
Researching and writing copy; reporting from location using live two-ways with presenter; interviewing; editing audio clips; use of Cool Edit Pro; updating and reading live national and local news bulletins every 15 minutes.

Simultaneous interpreting from Italian to English and vice versa (2001 - present day)-
Public speaking in front of large live audiences at international conferences, business meetings, etc; changing languages with speed and precision; presenting clients' views for local television channels.

Freelance translating from Italian to English and vice versa (1999 - present day) -
Articles destined for local newspapers and archives, essays, business negotiations, website content, private letters etc. Writing to deadlines usually under 12 hours.

Runner at the BBC (2006-2007) -
Carrying out production and administrative tasks for The Big Questions; assisting and briefing guests; helping floor manager in the studio; organising entry times; logging.

Presenter for commercial station Radio Veronica in Italy (Summer 2007) -
Writing and producing content for English language programme on Italian radio; presenting and interviewing using translating skills.

Broadcast journalist for Cambridge University Radio (2005 - 2007) -
Creating and overseeing three radio programmes; researching and writing copy; sourcing interviewees; presenting and driving the desk.

Print journalist for Varsity, The Cambridge Student, The Cambridge Globalist (2004-2007) -
Writing weekly articles for various sections, including front page investigative news stories, opinion pieces, film reviews, etc; varying style from objective and informative news to provocative or amusing arts and opinion writing.

Education and Training:
MA in Journalism at City University (London)
BA Hons in History at Cambridge University (Cambridge)
Maturita Linguistica at Liceo Scientifico (Lucca, Italy)

References available on request:
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