Meet Alex Mannion-Jones.
Alex is a filmmaker and has been working with the team to capture the experiences of people taking part in a range of Showtown projects and activities.
So far, Alex has documented the comedy journey of young people taking part in Open Up the Mic and shadowed our amazing volunteers as they support the team in various ways from events to research.
We asked Alex a few questions about working with Showtown.
Q1. What are you enjoying most about the projects you have been working on with Showtown?
It has been a pleasure working with Showtown so far. I’ve been filming with the staff and volunteers and the 2nd Open Up The Mic cohort. These stand-up comedy workshops for young people at risk of mental health issues are such an amazing idea! It was a privilege to attend all these sessions and involve myself in the young people’s journey. Truly inspiring!
Q2. Tell us more about your own career. How did you become a filmmaker?
Appropriately for a venue such as Showtown, I started as a performer, who happened to have a camera. As time went on I got more and more work making films and spent time developing those skills, rather than my performance side. I still do an odd turn at festivals and run a performative sideshow project with my partner; The Tintype Trailer.
Q3. What are you most looking forward to when Showtown opens?
I think I’d be daft if I didn’t say I’m looking forward to seeing the films I’m producing for Showtown in situ. However, I’m also looking forward to taking my children along to explore and interact with the exhibits.
Q4. If you had to describe Showtown in 3 words, what would it be?
Legacy, culture, interactive.
Take a look at some of Alex's other work here.
