Martin McGrath
Welcome to my website. I intend to use this space to hold forth on things like politics, books, technology, films and anything else that interests or irritates me.
You can also use this site to see examples of some of the work I've done as journalist, writer and designer. I'm available for freelance work and my rates are competitive and negotiable for good causes.
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Category Archives: Feature
KOSMOS AT THE BFI: SOVIET HISTORY THROUGH AN SF LENS
It is a cliché to argue that science fiction is never about the future but always about the time in which it is made. Yet, as with many a cliché, there is often a nugget of truth beneath the grimy … Continue reading
Posted in Blog reviews, Feature, Film Review
Tagged films, review, sf
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COMIC BOOK POLITICS
In a recent review of Heroes in The Times, Kevin Maher argued that it was a sign of the fundamental decline of American politics that superheroes were being used to address serious political issues. Can superheroes do politics? Does the … Continue reading
THE STRANGE RESURRECTION OF PHILIP K DICK
Over the weekend of 24-26 June, Philip K Dick held court in San Francisco – and no one seemed to mind that Hollywood’s favourite science fiction author had been dead since 1982.
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Posted in Feature, Journalism
Tagged Matrix, sf
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TOUCHED BY THE HAND OF FEAR
His acting career had barely begun when it was cut short by stage fright, but you don’t have to be a victim of terror, Martin McGrath looks at what can you do to fight back and how you can get help. Continue reading
DIGITAL BRITAIN: OPPORTUNITY MISSED
The publication of the government’s Digital Britain strategy, compiled by Lord Carter and released to a great deal of media attention and hype in June 2009, represents a most serious missed opportunity for a country seeking to play a major role in the future digital economy. Continue reading
GAMES WITHOUT FRONTIERS
If you still think video games can be dismissed as kids’ stuff, perhaps it is time you thought again. The games industry is already huge and it is getting bigger every year. It has become an industry that performers can no longer afford to ignore. Fortunately, as Martin McGrath reports, Equity is already on the case. Continue reading
Posted in Feature, Journalism
Tagged arts, equity, New media
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GLASTONBURY: NOT STUCK IN THE MUD
Glastonbury’s festival might be most famous for rock bands and endless seas of mud, but has also become one of the biggest gatherings of circus, variety and specialty acts in the counry. Martin McGrath spoke to some of our members who performed there this year about their experiences. Continue reading
Aside
Equity supports believes that the traditions and high quality of British public service broadcasting should be respected and preserved, but that doesn’t mean the union is opposed to change. Continue reading
SCI-FI LONDON FILM FESTIVAL 2004
Smart. Trendy. Cool. These are not words immediately associated with science fiction fans in the minds of the general public. And yet, sitting in the bar of the Curzon Soho cinema, watching Sci-Fi London, the London Science Fiction Film Festival, flow around me, one can’t help noticing that a fair proportion of these people look like they might have had these words used about them in casual conversation. Continue reading
Posted in Feature, Journalism
Tagged film, reviews, Sci Fi London, sf
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
Five years ago, Patrick-Jude Oteh asked International Performers’ Aid Trust for support – he didn’t ask for much, just £25 per month, but that small contribution saved lives and brought hope to artists who are HIV positive. Continue reading
Posted in Feature, Journalism
Tagged arts, equity, Politics
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