MV success stories

MV develops lots of valuable skills that can help them achieve in their future careers. Many MVs say they've gained confidence by being a volunteer. Some gain practical skills and experience that can help them get the job they want, and nearly all learn skills like team-working, leadership and decision-making that are useful in any field of work. See their success stories.


Nicola Shindler (Producer)
Nicola currently owns the Red TV production company based in Manchester. She has worked in TV production for over 10 years, for Granada and the BBC. She has produced Cracker, Prime Suspect and won a BAFTA for her work on the Hillsborough Documentary. She set up her company known as Red, and believes that her past involvement in a large international youth club helped her get where she is now. Her company's track record includes 'Queer as Folk' and she is now filming the second series. She has also produced the BBC's latest gritty drama series 'The Factory', to be aired early next year.

Volunteering experience: During her teenage years she was actively involved in International Youth Organisation - BBYO (B'nai Brith Youth Organisation). She was made National Vice President and was responsible for running youth seminars nationwide. This included peer group mentoring, focusing on a variety of issues.


Jim Marks (Photographer)
Jim has been a photographer for nine years and studied in Brighton. He started as an unpaid photographer's assistant for two famous photographers - Lord Litchfield, and Bob Carlos Clarke. This experience was invaluable and Jim set up his own studio five years ago in Fulham. He regularly shoots front covers for Bizarre magazine, and produces photographs for editorial, fashion, music and portrait. He specialises in people, in particular stars like the Spice Girls. He has worked with well-known youth brands such as Lynx Deodorant, Pepsi, The Face magazine, I-D magazine.

Volunteer Experience: When in training, Jim often provided his services free of charge to gain experience. More recently, Jim photographs social events for GUTS (Guildford Undetected Tumour Survey Cancer Charity) free of charge.

Sheldon Lazuras (Producer)
Showbiz Weekly, Sky's half-hour European entertainment show, celebrates one year reporting on the latest films, the hottest stars and the best music. This show was the brainchild of Sheldon Lazurus, who designed the pilot and now heads up the editorial team as executive producer. He compiled a format that is filmed weekly from London's trendiest hot spot - The Sound Republic in Leicester Square, London. The show goes out to over 70,000,000 people in over 40 countries across the world.

Volunteer Experience: Involved in Teen Aid in 1983 (Live Aid for child performers) where Sheldon compered the event. Also each month he organised a day out for children from large families to give their parents a break. He and 20 colleagues offer their services and took 20 children per outing. He also regularly organises volunteering opportunities for students who want to break into the media.


Jaime Paul Gaskell (Agent for Silver Fox Artist Management)
Jaime manages high profile TV presenters and actors. He is also involved in developing new ideas for Network and digital/Sky TV. His clients include Emma Ledden, June Sarpong and Marc Crumpton. Jaime has previously worked as a shipping clerk, purchasing officer and as a deck officer cadet.

Volunteer Experience: He dressed up as a giant panda for a local children's charity amd was involved in a variety of local events in Preston for the NSPCC including selling novelty eggs every Easter. He is currently involved with 'Children In Need' and 'Wish Upon A Star'. He is planning a trip to Lapland for children who suffer from leukaemia.


John Carsons (Writer)
John lived for a while on a kibbutz. He had such a good time that he wrote a novel about his adventures called "Beer and Bagels for Breakfast".