Helen Varley Jamieson
Creative catalyst: writing and project management for the web, digital
media and theatre.
Can work outside local area: Yes—If it can be done via email and Skype,
Helen can work anywhere.
Biographical Note
Helen's work encompasses content creation, research, journalism, reviewing, formal report writing, copy editing, media releases, publicity material, creative writing and project management for print, online and digital media. Helen has recently completed a Master of Arts (Research) in which she investigated her artistic practice of cyberformance (live performance on the internet).
Recent freelance contracts include:
- Media Catalyst (Amsterdam): web copywriting and editing for the Sony Ericsson web site (2004-ongoing)
- NZ On Screen (Wellington): proofreading and copy editing (2008)
- Synergy International (Wellington): technical writing and web copywriting and editing (2001-2006)
- NZTE (Wellington): researching the New Zealand digital media and animation industries (2001-03);
- KLP Euro RSCG (Edinburgh): online project manager (1999-2000).
Current creative projects:
- UpStage: project manager of a software development to create a web-based venue for cyberformance;
- "Adventures in Cyberformance: experiments at the interface of theatre and the internet" - thesis submitted for Master of Arts,Queensland University of Technology, July 2008;
- 070707 and 080808 UpStage Festivals: co-curator of two online festivals of performance, involving artists and audiences around the world;
- Avatar Body /Collision/: a globally dispersed cyberformance troupe;
- The Magdalena Project: web queen of this international network of women in contemporary theatre;
- Magdalena Aotearoa Trust: trustee and web mistress of the NZ branch of the Magdalena Project.
Since 1996, Helen has worked extensively in digital media project management and content creation for the corporate, education and arts sectors and community clients. She has an in-depth understanding of the online environment and the non-linear structure of web and CD-ROM content. An article on the benefits of contracting an experienced web copywriter is available online at http://www.creative-catalyst.com/articles/webcopy.html. She also designed and taught a four-month course in web development (Outlook Resources, Wellington, 1999).
With an undergraduate degree in English Literature and Drama (Otago) and a recently completed Master of Arts (Research) from QUT in Brisbane, Helen's colourful CV includes being President of the Otago University Students' Association (1991), editing Dance News for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, producing and directing theatre and video productions, scriptwriting, coordinating an arts information service and facilitating a women's careers programme for the YWCA. She is actively involved in arts groups and online arts communities, and her stage plays and online performances have had professional productions in New Zealand and overseas. Helen has travelled extensively, performing with the globally dispersed performance troupe Avatar Body Collision, and giving lectures and workshops about cyberformance at festivals and universities.
Helen's blend of creative and practical skills brings a fresh and innovative approach to any project she takes on.
Published Writings
Selected Published Writings
- "Real Time, Virtual Space, Live Theatre" – chapter in the ADA New Media Reader, published 2008 by Clouds, ISBN 978-0-9582789-9-7
- "Ten Steps Towards Suspended Mobility in Cyberspace", published in .dpi, issue 9, October 2007;
- "UpStage: a platform for creating and performing online", published in IEEE Multimedia vol 14, no 3, July-Sept 2007;
- "Devising with Distance", published in the 2006 issue of The Open Page;
- "Selling the craft of online art" (pdf), for TUANZ Topics, December 2004
- Weekly column in the NZ Info Tech, May 2001-September 2002.
- "From Paper and Ink to Pixels and Links", The Open Page, March 2001;
- articles published online on Rhizome, Furtherfield, Artefact, TrAce, faces and other online sites.
Helen has published articles and writing in Dance News, DANZ Magazine, Playmarket News, the Magdalena Aotearoa newsletter, Tearaway, Express, Critic,
Otago University Literary Review and other newspapers.
Contact Details:
Wellington, New Zealand.
Internet: http://www.creative-catalyst.com
Email: helen@creative-catalyst.com__________________
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