Meet the team
The MAMA Youth Project team are all very special. Here is a run down of some of the key people you can expect to meet - and learn from:
Bob Clarke
Founder & CEO
Bob has been a professional editor for over twenty years, and personally funded the first two years of MAMA Youth Project's operation. Bob started his television career in 1982 as a Video Tape Operator for Humphries Video Services. He went on to join The Services Sound & Vision Corporation in 1987 where he cut his teeth as an editor on different types of programming including light entertainment, news and documentaries. Following BBC training, Bob became a freelance editor and worked at various facilities in Soho, before setting up his own - bcPost.
In 1996 Bob took this facility to the next level by purchasing his first Avid Media Composer, which attracted clients such as the BBC, Endemol, Ginger Productions and Tiger Aspect. In 2002, Bob closed the facility to start MAMA Productions, specialising in corporate videos. Then, in September 2005, MAMA Productions funded an experiment and recruited young adults to make an entertainment show called 'What's Up'. This experiment proved so successful, it led to the formation of the MAMA Youth Project. In 2008, Bob decided to put all future commissions through the MAMA Youth Project, using talented newcomers who had worked on 'What's Up'. This enterprise became very successful and turned over 45,000 in 3 months. However, due to the legal limitations of a charity earning income, Licklemor Productions had to be formed - which is now MAMA Youth Projects commercial arm.
On a personal level, Bobs great strengths are his creativity, adaptability and ability to understand what a client wants. He is also quick to recognise new talent and give them the opportunities they need.
Serena Williamson
Head of Training
Serena is responsible for day-to-day training activity including the welfare and care of our programme members. Along with Bob and the trustees, she is also responsible for the development of our training programmes. In particular, Serena trains all production trainees as researchers, which involves legal matters, communicating with contributors, pre-editing, and working with an editor.
Serena graduated in 2008 from UCA in Maidstone after receiving a BA Honours in Video Media Arts and joined MAMA Youth Project as a volunteer. Serena is a role model to many of the young adults the project helps. Despite coming from a deprived area, Serena managed to focus on her education and her work ethics are second to none. Serena is the producer of 'What's Up' and has produced everything from commercial productions to corporate videos, which have helped support MAMA Youth Project financially.
Nilema Begum
Training Coordinator
& PA to CEO
Nilema graduated from Westminster University in 2007 in Socio-Legal Studies. Nilema came to MAMA Youth Project after working as a PA at an advertising company. Nilema has a great responsibility within MAMA Youth Project and is therefore an expert on everything that is going on. Nilema ensures the smooth running of the whole operation, especially when we are training, and up to 30 trainees and professionals are on site for 6 to 8 weeks. In her spare time, Nilema likes to write for magazines on youth issues, and at the weekend she produces and presents a community radio show.
Michele Lonergan
Finance Manager
Michele has worked in the television industry for over 10 years. Credited as Production Manager, Production Accountant and Line Producer for a number of independent production companies, she has worked on a variety of entertainment shows including Room 101 and The Frank Skinner Show. As a qualified Chartered Accountant she has held Finance Director roles for both production and post production companies where she has worked on forecasting and business planning plus a range of management activities. Since2004, Michele has worked at a documentary maker as Finance Manager and Head of Business Affairs. Responsible for overseeing the international distribution, web delivery and DVD distribution as well as year round production on two continents this has made her an experienced all rounder. MAMA Youth Project has been able to utilise all of Michele's skills, especially her finance and business experience. Michele also conducts training for our trainee Production Managers and Coordinators.
Tanita Ojo Batiste
Producer
Tanita joined MAMA Youth Project as a young trainee in August 2005. Since finishing her training, Tanita has worked at various media companies. Tanita graduated as a set designer and has been able to put her craft to practice on various video and television productions. At the age of 26, after producing two episodes of Whats Up, Tanita is producing a documentary, commissioned by BSkyB, which will be aired in autumn 2010.
