tilly O'Shea
Creative Producer & Multimedia Storyteller
Amsterdam - '23
About
My work spans a variety of mediums, mainly due to my focus being centred on using creativity as a source for accessibility and a means to nurture connectivity.
At its core my work always derives from the exploration of our human experiences, and honesty surrounding our true reality. Whether that’s amplifying voices through activism, offering escapism and representation through fictional films, reporting through journalism, documentaries and articles or curating opportunities through exhibitions, workshops and events, my aim will always be to start conversations and tell the stories of real people.
Portfolio - Quick Glance
Writing
'You have a really beautiful writing
style that sucks the reader in and makes them step into the characters’ world. This is not easy to
do and shows a natural flair for language and writing that cannot be easily taught.’
Under The Ancient Yew
Michael Joseph Editorial Team, Penguin Ranomhouse
As a writer, I have experience across a variety of forms - including prose, editorial, poetry, scriptwriting and audiovisual projects for exhibitions.
My prospective novel has been selected by Penguin Randomhouse as part of their Writenow programme, my short films have been screened at 'The Little Theatre, Bath' and my work has been included in various exhibitions.
Currently, I am also focusing on non-fiction writing and journalism, especially activist media and reporting, collaborating with a variety of individuals about misinformation and true representation in media
Film
As a Scriptwriter and Director, I love tackling everyday issues and presenting them in a naturalistic, yet non-conventional format. My speciality is emphasising the themes and emotions behind narratives, exploring the humanity behind interactions, focusing on the message, connectivity and the feeling the audience will be left with at the end.
I think film is one of the most accessible formats for introducing new view points and representation to people, therefore being especially vital in todays day and age.
Recent projects include the short film 'Halcyon', which premiered at 'The Little Theatre', which was the exploration of the aftermath of a volatile relationship. Rather than exploit the violence of this situation, I wanted to shed a light on the isolation and complexity of people's mental state after leaving such a relationship - how we may underestimate the trials presented from the aftermath and the loneliness so many feel.
Additionally I have worked as a Director for various short form videos and writer for screen and stageplays - whilst I love the combination of working as a Writer and Director, I am also excited when collaborating with others in just one of these roles
My portfolio also includes videography and short form documentary - such as filming alongside a band during their European tour, exploring the independent entrepreneurs of Bath and reporting on various activist groups.
I love taking a very 'behind the scenes' approach to non-fiction narrative. Creating personal, authentic pieces that feels truly individual and like an honest representation of whomever it is I'm working with. I think it's just as important to focus on the energy and creativity of someone's craft or business, as it is the physical product - I think there is where you find the importance of why people do what they do and why their work is unique to them.
Exhibitions
'The Psychology of Cosmology'
In this exhibition, I explored the ideal of loneliness in todays society, pairing it with the cosmological standpoint of how as people we have always questioned our place in the world and the notion of belonging. I created typography pieces, audio/spoken word components and short films - whilst also transforming the venue into an immersive space, with each section inviting the audience to interact and participate with the work.
As a Creative Producer, I also help organise events and exhibitions - for example, this coming December I will be hosting an immersive exhibition in collaboration with the independent magazine 'Under The Ancient Yew' to help celebrate their launch. I'll be working closely with the company to create an event that compliments their work, amplifies the stories they're telling and stands alone as an exhibition to bring in an exciting new audience.
Whilst I love curating multimedia work for exhibitions, something that I'm particularly passionate about is working with the event space to form a full immersive experience for an audience. My background in Theatre has given me the great opportunity to work with transforming unique venues into sets and compliment a piece of theatre, and this is something I love bringing into all of my live work from plays to exhibitions and events.
Interactive responses for 'Psychology of Cosmology'
Workshops
I think the creative arts are an imperative avenue in nurturing mental health, and I'm passionate about creating more avenues for accessibility in order to make this a reality for more people to experience.
Some examples of how I've collaborated with companies to try achieve this include:
English Heritage
Hosting a series of online workshops in collaboration with Shout Out Loud, for a girls youth group who didn't have the means to access English Heritage sites. Exploring expression and identity through creative workshops such as Storytelling and Pottery, in order to help the girls connect to the sites around them and how they can contribute to the world around them through their self expression.
This series lead to being invited to their Youth Summit, A New HeritAGE at Wrest Park, where I hosted a new Holistic Arts Workshop for all attendees of the event.
Theatre Royal Bath
Hosting a series of holistic art workshops for TRB's young company 'The Egg', linking various theatre techniques, voice training and mindfulness to showcase how the arts can be a vital tool in nurturing mental health, in attempt to bridge accessibility in theatre so that it can be available to anyone, of any background, of any confidence or ability level.
'It's made us think we should have more content delivered by younger people for other young people... you're a thought-leader!'
Theatre Royal Bath The Egg
WeTheCurious
Hosting a series of online workshops, exploring identity and topics important to participants including- mental health, culture, and sexuality- and then further writing and film sessions to encourage them to create their own short film. The success of this workshop resulted in the final film being included in WTC's exhibition, being showcased on their Big Screen
Design
As my main goal with my work is accessibility, I have been sure to train in a variety of mediums in order to work with businesses to help spread their overall message. This includes digital production and visual design.
I have experience working as a consultant and curating company designs, incorporating their ethos, style, existing branding and future goals to create potential designs. This has included creating new logos, merchandise, wall art and advertising that can branch out new avenues and audiences for companies.
These designs were part of a creative process re-imagining a branding strategy for an independent bookshop.
This was specifically an exploration in Visual Design and The Art of Persuasion, with further studying of Semiotics and Gestalt Theory, in order to use simplistic imagery to articulate the voice of the company.
This short animation (left), was curated for Endometriosis UK, as an explainer specifically catered for young girls who may not know much about Endometriosis. I wanted to create a simplistic animation, that would inform girls about what is and isn't normal, so that they can be informed about their health and bodily autonomy.
Focusing on simplistic vectors, and hand drawn animations that resemble a slower stock motion design, this video was created with the intent to make medical knowledge more accessible and less daunting .
Utilising colour theory, considering consumer bias and studying typography principles - this video was specifically catered to be easily understood and appealing to viewers who didn't know anything about Endometriosis, using real quotes and descriptions from people with the illness to help spread awareness.
If you'd like to work with me, collaborate or even just talk more about creative projects, please feel free to contact me:
tilsoshea@gmail.com
@tillyoshea_