The Slice: March newsletter
Welcome to the fourth edition of ‘The Slice’, a newsletter from Bread Productions
Slightly later than usual but we think it’s worth the wait! Scroll down for our feature interview and the chance to win a £500 bar tab!
What we’ve been up to
Grassroots Festival
The first May bank holiday was truly one to remember, as Shannon hosted the second edition of Grassroots Festival at The Night Owl - and what a day it was.
With a stacked lineup of some of the Midlands’ most exciting emerging artists, spread across two stages, the festival brought the venue to life under glorious sunshine. It was a day dedicated to celebrating community, discovering new music, dancing to songs we didn’t know the words to (yet), and soaking up everything that makes the grassroots scene so special.
We were also proud to welcome the RawSoundTV crew, who joined us to film interviews with both artists and festival-goers, exploring the importance of grassroots music for their new 24/7 streaming channel.
All in all, it was an unforgettable day of championing independent talent - and we can’t wait to do it all again.
Happy Birthday to… Howells!
Several months ago, Mazzy was booked to DJ Howells Architects 35th Anniversary at the stunning EH Smith Design Building. During a site visit it soon became apparent that this was set to be a huge event and Bread were commissioned to design, plan and manage the event, working closely with Lucy and Sarah from the Howells team.
We transformed the stunning EH Smith Design Building with lights, audio, screens and bar. We also had a second ‘Bar 35’ upstairs for cocktails with live music, and outside street food, lighting and more.
Howells were so easy to work with the whole process was a delight!
Big thanks to our internal team, Mazzy, Alex, Shannon, Elvina and Victoria for all their hard work and to our suppliers, The Old Crown (bars), Zindiya (street food), Premier Productions (AV), Andyloos (luxury toilets), BUBS (toilet attendant), Ash Sheehan (live music), Building Management Security Services and, of course EH Smith and Howells themselves!
Happy Birthday to… Flatpack Festival!
Two decades since it started as a film night in a Digbeth pub, Flatpack Festival continues to highlight Birmingham’s artists, stories and communities at the movies.
We were delighted to be asked to collaborate with Flatpack on guest list curation, inviting and management for their special festival launch event. The event featured a VIP event at Birmingham Council House followed by the UK premiere of a new documentary by Charlie Chaplin’s granddaughter Carmen, exploring the legendary comedian’s early life. ‘Chaplin: Spirit of the Tramp’.
This project was sparked by the discovery of a letter from a family friend which Chaplin kept locked away amongst his private papers, informing him that he was born not in the East End of London but in a caravan in Black Patch Park, Smethwick which led to a journey of discovery by Chaplin’s son Michael as he looks to explore how roots in Romany culture shaped the director’s comedy and his sensibility.
So yes, Chaplin is pretty much a Brummie! We’ll claim him!
Flatpack also booked Mazzy to DJ the closing party on Saturday 16th May at one of our favourite venues, the gorgeous Pan-Pan, much fun was had. Oh, and not to forget another big ‘Happy Birthday’ to festival organiser Ian Francis.
Screenings
Mazzy also collaborated with Mockingbird Cinema on two premieres - Kitty Clap Klub and Northern Soul Still Burning.
Northern Soul - Still Burning is a documentary that examines the birth and continuation of the Northern Soul scene. From the early days when DJs would travel to the US to sort through hundreds of 7-inch records that had been discarded by Motown and bring back to Northern English clubs, creating the next dance floor smash, right through to modern clubs such as Bristol Northern Soul Club and Deptford Northern Soul Club. Mazzy hosted a Q+A with Director Alan Byron who disclosed that they also have enough footage for a TV show - watch this space!
Kitty Clap Klub is a short film which is also a brand new TV pilot by Birmingham’s own, actor and writer Natasha Killip and directed by Jack Richardson of Run Home Productions. Set over one chaotic Halloween night, blending sharp character comedy with high-energy ensemble storytelling.
Kitty Clap Klub offers a distinct, regionally grounded voice with strong commercial and creative potential. Follow them on instagram for more information and future showings.
What’s coming up
Here are our highlights on what you could be getting involved in over the next month or so.
Monday 1st June, 630pm
This month Reel Brum, will be outdoors at The Old Crown to kick off summer with a music video special. This month's sponsors Royal Television Society Midlands will be speaking, as well as Creative UK. You can submit music videos for consideration now by sending them through to info@reelbrum.com. Grab your tickets here.
Friday 5 June, 8pmWe simply cannot wait for this one… we are reviving Prince Night at The Night Owl! The incredible house band directed by Ollie Newbury will be performing the very best of Prince’s discography with some unbelievable guest singers.
Get ready to party like it’s 1999 with themed cocktails, visuals and plenty of purple! Fancy joining us? Grab tickets here.
Happy Birthday to… 1000 Trades JQ + WIN £500!
Saturday 27th June, 1pm - 3am
Our client 1000 Trades JQ celebrate their 10th birthday in style with a party that starts at 1000 Trades OTP in Bearwood and ends at 1000 Trades JQ in the Jewellery Quarter, AND there’s a party bus going between the two venues to get you there and back, DJs, live music and generally a good old time to be had and it’s FREE ENTRY!
As if that wasn’t enough, you could win a £500 bar tab for you and your pals to spend on the day across the two venues, enter via instagram here.
COMING SOON
A brand new landmark Oasis documentary film by Birmingham’s own, Steven Knight is coming to cinemas and Disney+ later this year.
The currently untitled Oasis Documentary film is created by the BAFTA and Oscar-nominated writer, producer, and director, Steven Knight (“Peaky Blinders”, “A Thousand Blows”) and directed by Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace (“Shut Up and Play the Hits”, “Meet Me in the Bathroom”).
It charts Liam and Noel Gallagher’s triumphant reunion tour Oasis Live ’25, one of the most anticipated rock ‘n’ roll comebacks of our time. The unique perspective includes rehearsal, backstage and onstage access as well as the first joint interviews with Noel and Liam in over 25 years.
I (Mazzy) went to see Oasis last year and personally cannot wait to see this!
Full article here.
Each month, we spotlight a rising expert in their field working within content or events. This month, Mazzy caught up with digital content creator, Nicole Justice, Founder of Nicole Justice Media.
Can you tell us about your role and your clients?
I am the founder of Nicole Justice Media, a digital content creation business specialising in short-form branded content. I create digital content for companies and businesses, including the BBC, RTS, TCN, Create Central, and many more. I also consult on social media strategies and deliver content that aligns with their brand ethos, helping their audiences engage with their events, projects, and services. My services range from public-facing, presenter-led, fun and high-energy content to more corporate, engaging pieces used to showcase project outcomes to funders and investors.
My clients are very versatile, and no two days are the same. I really enjoy telling their stories through content creation and bringing their projects to life in engaging ways. The trust my clients place in me allows me to experiment creatively and build strong relationships, not only with my clients directly but also in helping them develop a regular rapport with their own audiences.
Tell us about your journey into the industry.
My journey into content creation began during the pandemic. I was teaching music in schools, and when the schools closed, we had to find new ways to deliver our services. That's when I started creating content. I discovered a real passion for it and began researching and purchasing small equipment, such as a green screen and a ring light. My colleagues would compliment my content and ask for advice. After the pandemic, I continued creating content by documenting my work and eventually ran workshops called ‘Find Your Voice’ for SMEs and entrepreneurs. Organisations like BCU reached out to sponsor these workshops. Eventually, I was asked to create content for companies like BCU, BBC, and RTS, and it was at that point that I formalised my business into Nicole Justice Media, expanding my digital content creation services. I genuinely love creating content, interviewing people, and connecting with them; it comes naturally, and I use this passion to help businesses reach their audiences.
How do you manage the fast pace at which you work?
People often ask me about this. I tend to have a quick turnaround because I love what I do. I edit content while travelling, late into the night, and early mornings because I believe maintaining momentum is key, and posting soon after an event helps keep it fresh. I like audiences to see a recap quickly, to feel like they were there and to share their experience.
Since everyone is super busy, I find it very rewarding to be able to deliver that swiftly and efficiently for them.
Are there any projects you are particularly proud of?
I am proud of all my projects; each one feels special in its own way. Interviewing Steven Knight at the re-launch of Digbeth Loc Studios was quite memorable; he's a trailblazer in Birmingham’s film industry and a genuinely down-to-earth, kind man who makes time for people. I also really enjoyed leading content creation for the launch of Production Central. Such a fantastic company, and as an advocate for Birmingham, I’m excited and proud to be part of its development within the film and TV industry.
How has the industry changed since you started?
We now have more control over our identity and greater freedom to create. The power is in our hands; we can dream bigger than ever before. Now really is the time to pursue what you love and go for it!
This month, we asked our ‘The Proof’ guest, Nicole Justice, to give some advice to aspiring communications professionals.
My top tip would be to create with what you have. Start at the level you’re at.
Don’t worry about what others are doing; remember, you’re unique. As you keep creating, you’ll find your own voice and style. But don’t wait until you feel “ready”, show us who you are now, and you’ll find your tribe.
Check out our latest episode of Mixtapes, Movies and Memes featuring special guest John Fell, programmer of Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul, Moseley Folk and Cambridge Folk Festival. Listen back here.
Thank you for reading round 4 of ‘The Slice’!
Want to tell us about your cool event or project? Or recommend a rising expert for us to talk to (even yourself!), drop Mazzy an email at mazzy@breadbirmingham.co.uk
