To uplift & empower and illuminate new pathways with my true story- a lone woman electrician in the 1990s UK film industry.
by Vanessa Woolf in London, Greater London, United Kingdom
While I always belived in this project, I never imagined that support would be so immediate and overwhelming!
I am truly blown away by the outpouring of support for this project and can't thank you enough! Additional funds will go towards paying my creative team for much needed additional days & pay for extra rehearsal time and consultation to make the show stronger, bigger and more impactful! THANK YOU!
Everyone (except me) seemed to know just what to do. They all looked so cool in their expensive caterpillar boots, puffing on Marlboro Lights. It was the 1990s. I was a wide-eyed 22 year old & this was my big chance, a 'runner' in the famous Pinewood Studios.
Like most runners, I wanted a PROPER role in the film industry. Should I tell anyone? No, no I should just keep quiet.
But how could I achieve my dream if I didn't tell anyone what it was?
The crew seemed pretty friendly so I took a deep breath and told Gary (the Camera Grip) about my big ambition.
No, I didn't want to 'get into makeup'. No, not wardrobe. I didn't want to be an actress.
He did a double take. "You WHAT?"
"I want to be a spark."
He laughed so hard that he almost swallowed his cigarette. "YOU, a spark?" He took my arm. "Oh the Gaffer would LOVE to meet you!" he winked. "He'll get you some work, no problem!"
Meeting the Gaffer—the chief electrician—sounded like a good opportunity so I let him tow me across the stage towards a middle-aged man. "Oi oi!" Gary announced at top volume. "Guess what. This young lady wants to be a spark! Got any 'openings' for her?" Heads turned and now all the men on set were looking me up and down.
In the 1990s, before emails, the professional thing was to give out your phone number.
I froze. How could I, in front of their leering eyes, give my phone number to this man, this Gaffer? And even if I did, how could he call me up and offer me work?
What should I do?
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The good news is, I became a spark. I did the job for ten years, as a qualified electrician and HGV driver, landing dream jobs on movies like Star Wars, Harry Potter & James Bond... but it wasn't easy. I had to fight to access training. I learned how to lead and manage other sparks who were older and more experienced than me and I played my part in creating some iconic TV and cinema! (Photos below)
About the Show
"Lights, Power Action" is my uplifting one-person storytelling show that explores the landscape of work, identity, and belonging through my unique perspective as a 'girl spark'. The show will open a discussion around broader struggles and triumphs we face in our working lives.
Or at least, that's the dream. I have set aside this year to make it happen, turning down other projects, making the time to transform the raw material into a relevant, structured, impactful performance.
But without funding, I can't do the material justice, the show will not get made, the story will stay untold.
Why Now?
Workers' rights are under constant pressure, young people are facing a challenging work landscape and AI is reshaping the world. Employees frequently face discrimination because of their gender, race, disability, sexuality and age. Our future relationship with work feels fraught, is evolving fast and is important to explore!
My story is a way into that discussion. It's for anyone who feels like an outsider, who has had a door slammed in their face, who is struggling to belong while staying true to themselves.
My research includes interviews which will bring diverse voices and experiences into the conversation—with lots of creative input from young people and jobseekers.
Partnerships and Support
I am lucky to have support and advice from key personnel in the British film industry including BECTU Electricians Branch (the technicians union) and Carolina Schmidtholstein, award winning Gaffer.
Thank you from my heart to all the amazing artists who recognise the value of this subject and have generously donated rewards to support this crowdfunder.
How Your Support Will Be Used:
About Me
"Storytelling Phenomenon" – Nest Collective "Absolutely Spectacular" – Royal Academy of Arts
Narrative, wonder, connection. My trailblazing storytelling performances for adults have led to a partnership with TimeOut Magazine, a TEDx talk in Stormont NI, and many TV/radio performances. I'm founder and lead storyteller of Connection With Wonder and I'm passionate about supporting new storytellers.
My C.V. includes international work and collaborations with dozens of major museums, cultural institutions, publishers, filmmakers, artists, academics, and scientists!
Creative Team
Our producers will be Adverse Camber. Our Dramaturg will be Niall Moorjani. Our Director will be Minnie Wilkinson.
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"Q. What's the difference between a Grip and a Spark?
A. a Grip will take the plates out of the sink before he pisses in it." (Film set joke)
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Photos:
1. 1978
2. Vanessa in 2025 with Gaffer, Carolina Schmidtholstein
3. On the set of my first feature film
This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.