David Bentley
The image on my business card is a Korg MS-10 monophonic synthesizer. This is one of the many instruments I wish I had not sold in order to buy more instruments. I enjoy composing/recording/producing/performing music in a variety of genres.
Biography
My role as a Video Producer at HGA involves working on video projects from initial ideas and storyboarding, through to completion.
I'm most proud of
Santi Cazorla
The one thing people don't know about me is
I once lost a cricket match to a blind team. They were not gracious in victory.
- I enjoyed Looper, superb film and I'm currently working my way through Breaking Bad.
- Scott Matthews "What the night delivers" is an excellent album to check out! Also I've been listening to a lot of Tom Waits and St Vincent.
- I don't read to be honest. The extent of my reading is generally monitoring Arsenal news now article updates.
- I was in Venice towards the end of August 2012, beautiful city and an all round extraordinary place.
Dave Burke
Music is a real passion for me. For me there are few things in life more satisfying than having an idea then creating something that previously didn't exist, it's really quite amazing. I love being outdoors, in a forest, by the ocean or especially on a snow covered mountain on my snowboard. Live life and enjoy every second because you don't get the time back. All you need is Love x
Biography
Dave is responsible for all things technical and logistical in the Live Events Department. When all the ideas have been finalized from our design team, it then falls to Dave to make them a physical reality. Often there are some rather interesting logistical challenges to overcome, but it’s Dave’s job to see that each event runs smoothly. To help him achieve this he will put together a hand picked crew (sound, lighting, video, set/staging etc) for each event.
I'm most proud of
Lots of things, but I think I'm currently most proud of being able to learn and grow.
The one thing people don't know about me is
When I was 12 I crashed a forklift truck into a container truck and my dad had to take the wrap. He was mercilessly teased by his co workers for months for not being able to operate heavy machinery. Cheers pops :)
- Films, I don't really watch TV
- Anything and everything
- I love to read but I'm reading nothing at the minute (suggestions welcome)
- Vancouver (Grouse Mountain) Best Holiday Ever!!
Diane Connor
I have always wanted to own a beach hut! My ideal Sunday afternoon is to walk down to the beach and relax outside my beach hut with the sun shining down.
Biography
My job changes day to day and depending on who you ask! My roles include looking after the office, liaising with the account manager and clients on making sure the project progresses smoothly; and general delegate management responsibilities for events & conferences.
I'm most proud of
My family.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have 27 medals for dancing!
- Come Dine with Me, any factual programme and NRL - if I dont get to the remote in time!
- I like listening to most music
- Various
- Australia. I've always wanted to visit as I have family living there
Andrea Donaldson
Sydney is a place I would love to return to.
Biography
Andrea is the lady who holds the purse strings and is surrounded by cash flow forecasts and Excel spreadsheets. She works alongside Janet to ensure the smooth running of the finances.
I'm most proud of
My children.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm now the (proud!!) owner of a Bolton Wanderers season ticket.
- TV- A League of their Own (trying to get tickets to go and see the recording), Hawaii Five-O, NCIS Los Angeles,
- Stereophonics, Biffy Clyro, Kings of Leon, The Who, Foo Fighters. Radio 2 or Planet Rock, depending on the time of day. Got tickets for Car Fest North again this year :0)
- Paint charts and DIY brochures, the joys of having moved house recently.
- Going to Spain over Easter, need some sunshine!! Looking into summer holidays/weddings at moment - hoping to book something soon.
Ian Grime
The first image is a shot I took in New York – one of my favourite cities! (I’ve been 4 times in the last 8 years!). The second shot is one I took at the top of the Langdale Pikes in the Lake District. I have a passion for mountain walking and am currently trying to tick off the 214 Wainwright summits in the Lake District. I'm currently well over halfway with 90 odd left to go!
Biography
Spent over 25 years in events and it's high time I retired! (No chance as yet!). I'm loving the never ending new technologies in the Live Events arena and the challenge of being as creative and innovative as possible.
I'm most proud of
Being 51 and still acting like I was 21.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I came up with the idea of Rocktoberfest (sharing Music and Memories) - and it's currently in its seventh year.
- The Apprentice, Time Team, Spiral, Great British Bake off and other cookery programmes.
- Springsteen, Tom Petty, John Mayer, The Duke and the King, Fleetwood Mac.
- Wainwright's Walking Guides and always have a paperback novel on the go!
- Quite fancy Cadaques in Northern Spain....
Matthew Hanson
My business card is of a climbing harness with cams attached, together they are the most important part of my climbing gear.
Biography
Matt began his love of coding at the tender age of 13, since then he's become an expert in his field, in particular bespoke PHP development with a strong focus on ecommerce. He joined the HGA Creative team to continue doing what he loves and work on an even wider range of projects to develop his skills further. Outside of work, he's an avid climber, loves skiing and is a big fan of the great outdoors.
I'm most proud of
I taught my girlfriend to climb. It might not sound like a big deal but she's terrified of heights!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have aside project - is sell handbags and other accessories with my girlfriend via an online store
- NCIS, The Gadget Show, Mrs. Doubtfire, Harry Potter, The Transporter
- I listen to a lot of radio - in particular the We7 top 40
- I regularly read Climber Magazine, .net Magazine and Climb Magazine
- Indonesia, Egypt and Sri Lanka
Adrian Hawtin
My photo is of Blackcomb Mountain at Whistler ski resort in British Columbia Canada. Whistler is an incredibly beautiful place, home to some of the worlds best skiing and snowboarding and also where I went to get married.
Biography
After eight years freelancing around the North West, Adrian joined HGA Creative as Senior Video Producer. Passionate about great filmmaking, he's the man behind the camera, bringing his skill, creativity and enthusiasm to HGA.
I'm most proud of
My daughter - Maddie.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm a qualified chef.
- Top Gear, Grand Designs, The Killing, Breaking Bad
- Teenage Fanclub, Ryan Adams, Dinosaur Jr, Band of Horses, Wilco, The Lemonheads, The Jayhawks
- World Without End - Ken Follet
- Would go back to Whistler in a heartbeat.
Michael Henderson
Piccie 1 is my favourite guitar – a flame top 1959 Gibson Les Paul. Unfortunately one of these little babies will set you back a minimum of £200,000! I content myself with a little collection that includes a 1955 Goldtop, 1956 Junior, 1957 Custom, 1958 Plaintop and 1959 Flametop reissues that cost a fraction of the price – but look, play and sound absolutely awesome!
The other piccie is Scooby Doo who is my hero and my commercial role model!
Biography
I'm one of the lucky people who comes up with great creative strategic and creative solutions – and then gets to make and deliver them... and I get paid for it too!!
I'm most proud of
My elder child deciding that he wants to work at HGA Creative!
I must have done something right!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I've played the piano that Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded on
- History of The Eagles DVD and a 1976 concert. I saw this tour (Hotel California) at New Bingley Hall; it was amazing!
- Black Star Rider - awesome! Rival Sons - great gig in Preston; Clockwork Angels in advance of Rush gig in May
- Designing Brand Identity - perfect example of how to do it and "How not to come second" - a great guide to pitching
- Weekend seeing long lost friends in Chiswick - so many great memories and forgotten tales of youthful exuberance!
James Henderson
Having just finished college, James is just starting out in the creative industry and is the youngest member of the HGA Creative team. Working alongside our highly skilled and passionate Film and Video Team, James will be putting his already advanced video production skills to the test and with any luck, expanding his skill set further to get up to the high standards here at HGA Creative.
Biography
He loves his dubstep too, in particular the artist Burial, as such he proudly displays the album artwork on the back of his business card.
I'm most proud of
My project with my brother and a few friends called Thump, which supports and promotes independent music and creativity. Or my mum, for her ability to cope with me and my brother as well as she does!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have an irrational fear of Whales.
- Skateboarding Edits on Vimeo, Anything by Kim Holm, he’s far too talented. Or Don’t Flop!
- Current favourites are Ritual, Taneli & Dark Sky. I’m always looking for new songs; I usually listen to at least one new song a day
- Mostly web-magazines, usually music/culture stuff. Hypebeast is a regular
- 3 Weeks in Uganda is on the horizon, snowboarding in Austria for New Year.
Jenny Jones
My photograph combines two things, my love for tea (simple things in life) and the photographer Martin Parr who’s work I really enjoy! The more kitsch the china tea cup, the better!
Biography
Jenny is responsible for developing client relationships and business for the Video Department here at HGA Creative. Having a degree in Graphic Design and a qualification in video editing has given her an in-depth understanding of both the creative/video industry; making her best placed to understand client needs and interpret briefs to the rest of the HGA Creative team.
I'm most proud of
Everything I have achieved so far and doing a bungee jump!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I play Lacrosse.
- Dragons Den, Grand Designs, The Inbetweeners, Gavin and Stacey, Frozen Planet
- The Courteeners, The Black Keys, Jurassic 5, Amy Winehouse, Fleetwood Mac, Rolling Stones.....too many to mention!
- 'Whatever you think, think the opposite' Paul Arden
- Did a year of travelling through Australia, NewZealand and Thailand. Sydney is one of my favourite cities and would love to go back again. The fireworks on NewYear are amazing!
Matty Joyce
My photo is of two of my favourite things – my son charlie and the beach.
Biography
Head of Design at HGA Creative, I've spent over 10 years working as a Designer and Art Director at agencies around the North West. I'm passionate about ideas based communication and believe that design should always start on a layout pad...
I'm most proud of
Running a marathon and the birth of my son (although the first one took more effort on my part).
The one thing people don't know about me is
If I let my beard grow it goes ginger.
- Don't watch loads of TV, but when I do it'll be Liverpool FC, cbeebies or food related... and lately the very strange Utopia
- Classic 90s indie (showing my age), lots of different dance music - Prodigy, Massive Attack, old school hip hop - Jurassic 5, DJ Format. Otis Redding, Bob Marley, The Beatles.
- The Metro on my commute, Guardian online, books about food
- Would love to go to Australia and Brazil.
Dan Laurence
This picture was taken whilst on honeymoon in Kenya. Having just arrived back from our 3 day Safari fresh from seeing animals galore, we were greeted by a family of monkeys at our hotel. This little guy was playing with the other and I couldn't resist snapping away, despite having hundreds of animals already on my camera! Out of all the pictures I took, this was my favourite as it captures his expression perfectly. Never has the phrase 'Cheeky Monkey' been more appropriate!
Biography
My role as Director of Film and Video involves managing the busy Film and Video department and finding new and exciting ways to engage our clients audiences through the moving image. Having a passion for films from an early age, being brought up on Indiana Jones and Star Wars, you could say I am in my ideal job... although I'm still waiting for the perfect opportunity to use my lightsaber sound effect!!
I'm most proud of
Being the fastest person over 200m in Manchester at 15! Watch out Usain!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I am a dab hand at DIY, don't know how or why, but there's not much I can't do when it comes to home improvements. Plastering, Plumbing, Decorating, you name it!
- Watching; TV - Suits (Harvey Spector is the coolest guy on TV), Incredible Mr Goodwin (Wow, just wow!) Vimeo - lots!
- Alsorts, looking forward to seeing Muse again in June along with Dizzee Rascal!
- T3 magazine every month. Guardian online, Eurogamer, BBC News to name a few...
- New York was my last trip - everything I expected it to be and more! Awesome place!!
Kate Lester
The image on my business card is a pair of heels by my favourite designer – Christian Louboutin. You will rarely find me wearing flats!
Biography
5 years experience. 3 years in leading events companies. Here to bring flair, enthusiasm and a little bit of OCD!
I'm most proud of
Travelling to the other side of the world – alone!
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have a fear of car washes.
- Made in Chelsea, Sex and the City & South Park!
- Anything from Rage Against the Machine to Lady GaGa. I have a soft spot for pop-punk…
- The Game by Neil Strauss makes a very interesting read.
- Travelling up the east coast of Australia, Byron Bay is one of my favourite places. I'm also learning to ski so hopefully a winter holiday is on the cards next year.
Janet Nugent
Biography
Janet has been working for HGA for almost 15 years and is the lady behind the scenes who makes things tick regarding all matters financial. She likes nothing better than double entry bookkeeping and filing everyone’s expenses. Janet is also the HGA Health and Safety Officer and can often be heard preaching her new mantra to anyone who is prepared to listen!!
I'm most proud of
My boys.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I am very shy!!!
- NCIS/NCIS Los Angeles, Mrs Browns Boys
- Adele, Take That
- Kathy Reichs, Dorothy Koomson, James Paterson, Karen Rose
- Cyprus
Andy Rotheram
The image on my business card is the 'tracking' software I use to make electronic music using samples and effects. I have always been interested in music and can spend hours at a time sat at my beloved G5. Maybe one day I will produce a million selling record!
Biography
I have been in the Conference and Events industry for 10 years now, usually honing my skills on the Sound Desk although I can assist in all aspects including Video, Lighting, Set and Stage. This has also enabled me to travel all over Europe driving many miles over the years and meeting a broad spectrum of people and clients.
I'm most proud of
Being a Preston North End season ticket holder – someone has to.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I have spent time recording at Abbey Road Studios, London.
- Match Of The Day, Top Gear, Sky Sports News
- From The Prodigy to The Beatles
- I read one of these at school once!
- South Africa - stunning!
Richard Whitehouse
Here you can see the headstock of my Jackson guitar, based on a design by the legendary guitar player Randy Rhoads. Its un-mistakable pointy shape, front pinstripe design, gold hardware and amazing tone make it a pleasure to play. I've been using Jackson guitars for a while, but this beast is arguably my favourite piece of kit.
Biography
Richard graduated in Interactive Multimedia from Staffordshire University. He has over a decade’s experience working on a wide range of digital projects. He is responsible for the workflow and output of the Digital Team and enjoys the challenge of delivering projects in the fast paced digital world.
I'm most proud of
My family and friends.
The one thing people don't know about me is
I'm pretty good at arm wrestling barmaids.
- Dog Face, Green Wing, Garth Marenghi's Darkplace
- The Band, Rich Robinson, Death Cab, The Black Crowes
- Biographies or web manuals
- Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia
