International Author and Director Andy Briggs to host talk and film showing in Southport

IN a previous edition we announced that VAMPHire.Com will be presenting a talk by Liverpool born author and screenwriter, Andy Briggs, at the Southport Bijou Cinema, on 1 March 2020, from 7:00 pm to 11:45 pm. This is your chance to find out more about him and his amazing career path, as well as getting hints on developing yours! This event will include a lecture, Q&A session as well as a screening of his critically acclaimed film:- 'Crowhurst' which is set in 1968. This film focuses on an inexperienced sailor who enters a round the world race, which he fears he won't be able to complete yet alone win. In order to save his dignity, he decides to cheat to come last, but things don't go according to plan. This is film stars:- Justin Salinger as:- Donald Crowhurst and Amy Loughton as:- Clare Crowhurst.

If you don't already know Andy's background, he is an extremely well know author, with his books being available within:- UK, Czech Republic, Thailand, France, Germany, Romania, Bulgaria , Canada, USA, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to name just a few countries. Worldwide, he is best known for gaining official permission to reboot the classic character Tarzan, with a series of contemporary books:- 'Tarzan - The Greystoke Legacy,' 'Tarzan - The Jungle Warrior' and "'Tarzan - The Savage Land.' He has also written young adult novels:- 'Hero.com' series and the 'Villain.net' that have had quite a hit in the book charts and are now due to be developed into a television series.

On the TV and film side, Andy Briggs' career started as an unaccredited writer working on story development for TV series:- 'Highlander' in 1991. Andy has since also become an accomplished Director and a Producer, working extensively in the UK and US and in China too, on TV projects for the:- BBC, Syfy, Netflix, ITV Sci-Fi Channel, BKN Kids, Disney XD and Amazon. Currently Andy, on the convention circuit, is best known for his work on movie projects such as:- 'Judge Dredd' and 'Freddy Vs Jason' and 'Foreverman,' along with his work with Paramount Pictures' 'Spiderman' creator, Stan Lee and legendary producer Robert Evans. Andy has also been engaged in Warner Bros.' animated:- 'Aquaman' as well as UK/Chinese movie:- 'Legendary' that starred both:- Scott Adkins and Dolph Lungdren. That's not forgetting:- 'Supervised' which was directed by:- Steve Barron, starring:- Tom Berenger, Beau Bridges and released in 2019; along with:- 'Ghost Town,' 'Rise of the Gargoyles,' 'Passage of the Four' (aka 'Screaming Night'), 'Dark Relic,' 'Legendary - Tomb of the Dragon,' 'Legendary - The Shocate,' along with:- 'Blake - Double Identity.'

This fantastic event takes place at:- Southport's Bijou Cinema, 8 Post Office Avenue, Southport, Merseyside, PR9 0US, UK. Doors Open at:- 6:30 pm and talk starts at:- 7:30 pm. Tickets are now on sale, online via Ticket Source, as well as from the venue's Box Office. Please note that the film, showing after the talk, is a 12A. Both the talk and film will require adult supervision of anyone under 16.
 

Over 875,000 house proud renters in the North West brimming with ideas to improve their home

81% of private renters in the North West; equivalent to 876,000 adults; would like to make small improvements to their home, new research from Shelter and B&Q shows. Given more people now rent privately right across the country, including over 1.5 million families, the YouGov study for Shelter and its partner B&Q, shines a light on the important relationship between our wellbeing and the place we call home. With renters in the North West wanting to make a combined total of 2,382,000 home improvements, it also challenges the idea that renters are not interested in putting down roots.

A staggering 74% of private renters across the Region, the equivalent of 801,000 people, said they would feel happier in their home if they could decorate it as they wished, highlighting the positive impact small home improvements can have on mental health. And 31% said they would be more likely to invite family and friends over if they could add personal touches to their home.

Pulling the curtain back yet further, the Shelter and B&Q research reveals the top 4 home improvements private renters in the North West are most keen to roll their sleeves up for:-

► 52% - Putting personal items up on the walls, eg:- pictures, photographs and mirrors.

► 49% - Painting.

► 41% - Changing or putting up curtains or blinds.

► 27% - Tidying up the garden.

However, before personalising their rented pads, both Shelter and B&Q are keen to stress that private tenants must seek the permission of their landlord first. Many landlords do allow tenants to make small changes, in fact 47% of renters in the North West say they already know their landlord permits small improvements and more may do so if asked.

The findings support the ongoing national partnership between Shelter and B&Q, who are working together because of a shared belief that everyone should feel happy and safe in their home. Funded entirely by B&Q donations, Shelter's DIY Skills Adviser Service provides practical help and basic DIY training to people who are struggling with bad housing or settling into a new home after being homeless.

Covering London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Merseyside, Dorset and Bristol, Shelter's team of trained home improvement specialists have helped over 2,500 people, with tasks ranging from decorating to gardening, since the partnership launched in 2017.

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, said:- "Every day our team of specialist DIY skills advisers see the difference that even modest home improvements can have on people's happiness levels. So, it's not surprising to us that so many private tenants in the North West want to make their rental feel more homely. It might not seem like a big deal, but something as small as a fresh lick of paint really does go a long way towards helping families who've experienced bad housing or homelessness to feel settled in a new place. With B&Q's ongoing support, we can continue to provide hands on help and basic DIY training to even more people; equipping them with the confidence and skills to create a home where they feel happy and safe."

Graham Bell, chief executive of B&Q, said:- "We believe that everyone should have a home they feel good about, which is why B&Q fund Shelter's DIY Skills Adviser Service. Painting a room or hanging a favourite photo may seem like small changes, but these changes can be transformational in helping people feel settled in their surroundings. What's more, empowering people with the practical skills they need to make these small changes can be life changing."