SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
To readers, writers and film fans alike,
I am writing to you all to make a few announcements, but first I just want to say thank you. This month will be CLAPPER’s first anniversary. We are one year old. I am beyond emotional to know that a dream I wanted to pursue after being a freelance writer for years has now evolved from an idea to become a realisation, and we are here today because of the dedication of our writers, readers and editors. Without which, CLAPPER would not exist.
It has been a good year. We have covered over ten film festivals. Watched and promoted unique and diverse film ranging from the very western points of the world to the very east, and everything in between. Built PR relationships with the likes of AMAZON, NETFLIX, APPLE TV, SHUDDER and IFC. All of whom have helped enormously on this journey.
However, my mission statement has always remained and is quite simple: create a platform for marginalised and diverse writers. It sounds so simple – and writing for Film Inquiry and Film Daze showed me it could be done. I am not from a metropolis city. I am not even remotely close to a titan of industry such as London. People where I come from get a town job and stick to it for life. To be interested in art is almost frowned upon, even though the North of England is renowned for artistic expression and adoration for all things art. This is happening all over the world and CLAPPER has been made to open that door, no matter what it takes.
That is why it feels the right time to first announce that we have solidified a core team member group. I want to begin by saying this was not an easy task, but having spent enough time with these people and seeing their individual qualities they are more than capable to take CLAPPER to the next level. I am so happy to be working with them in such close proximity for the foreseeable future. From this moment forward: Alina Faulds will act as our SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER; Jakub Flasz will act as FEATURES EDITOR; Diego Andaluz will be HEAD DIGITAL PRODUCER; Carson Timar will act as MANAGINING EDITOR.
That leads me on to the next chapter for CLAPPER. I am happy to announce that in November of 2020, CLAPPER will begin paying its staff. It has been a long time coming and a promise to our staff since the beginning that this was one of my major intentions to make a reality. I am so excited and happy to announce that in only a handful of months, it will in fact be so. Granted, we will not be able to pay at a high industry standard as some of the major publications can. However, we will work to afford to pay our staff so that their hobby can be rewarded in a merit that feels right. It has been a tough – and will continue to be a tough – task but one that will come directly from my pocket until our next venture can be sufficient enough to drive an income.
To celebrate the one-year anniversary, we have created a special line of Horror Film designs that can be purchased on shirts, hoodies, sweaters and the like from Bonfire. Notable films such as Midsommar, Us and Halloween (2018) are present as well as a host of 1930’s villains for added Horror fans delight. All profits will be taken and allocated to our writers and editors in payment plans for their time and work. It will be a slow and tough task, but one that I feel we – and the community – are ready for.
I feel we are succeeding, but we have a long way to go. A journey that has no end in sight seems a daunting task but remains the most freeing for its travelers. I do not know where CLAPPER will be in a years’ time. I know the world is in a strange place and times are tough, but we are still here burning bright with passion and a voice that wants and needs to be heard. We welcome all writers of creed, class and religion and are open for submissions. We have a strong and passionate team at CLAPPER, and I think their voices should be heard.
Hopefully, a year from now we will have another announcement or letter to write to our readers. Until then, we cannot appreciate the likes, re-tweets, CLAPPERCAST listens and interactions on social media enough. I cannot wait to see where we go, but for now, I wish everyone a great day and a safe and sound year. You can find the links to everything I have spoken about in the social media thread wherever you found this.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Jak-Luke Sharp
Editor in Chief of Clapper
