To inaugurate the 2012 series of talks, and celebrate Campfire’s second anniversary, it is with great fanfare that we confirm David Rowan, the UK editor of Wired Magazine, as our January storyteller.

This month’s Campfire saw Hamish Jenkison, creative director of the Old Vic Tunnels come to share his story. Hamish has had an eclectic career, working for four and a half years for Madonna and Guy Ritchie, before becoming executive assistant to Kevin Spacey who was just beginning his new role as creative director of the Old Vic Theatre.

It was an amazing sequence of events that saw Hamish discover the Old Vic Tunnels. Despite Hamish’s best efforts, Kevin Spacey had passed on a prior opportunity to meet agent provocateur of the art world, Banksy. Fortunately, Hamish gave him a second chance and organised for Kevin to be taken down to a disused taxi rank at Waterloo train station where the artist was embarking on a new project.

Banksy had boarded up the road on either side, deployed security guards at both ends and had flown in 29 different graffiti artists from around the world who were busy spraying the walls, carving out brick walls with a jack hammer, using burnt out cars as sculpture, and installing a tree with CCTV cameras instead of leaves.

“It was this incredible world that Kevin and I walked into, but because of all the spray paint, the air was unbreathable. So they had to open the side doors, which led to these archways and I went to use the toilet just inside the entrance to one of these archways.”

But rather than going back to where all the graffiti was being sprayed, Hamish decided to explore inside. “I found this door which, with a well-timed kick, opened onto somewhere I shouldn’t have been. What I found was 29,000 sq. ft. of abandoned Victorian tunnels that hadn’t been used for 20 years. I ran out, grabbed Kevin, and knew straight away that we had to do something with the space.”

That was 2008. By 2011, the Old Vic Tunnels, as it is now known, had hosted events ranging from Michelin-starred pop-up restaurants to hit-shows from the likes of immersive theatre company Punchdrunk. That event sold 20,000 tickets in the space of six hours and gleaned no shortage of media coverage. Banksy too wanted a piece of the action, and turned the space into London’s darkest and dirtiest cinema, Lambeth Palace, which for a week screened previews of his street art documentary, ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’.

If it weren’t for that fateful kick, the Old Vic Tunnels would never have come into existence. Like so much in Hamish’s life, it’s been about being in the right place at the right time with the right attitude. Hamish is a consummate networker, even if the word ‘networking’ sounds a little squalid to his ears. But how else would you explain the fact he’s smoked cigars in Cuba with Raoul Castro, had dinner with Hugo Chavez eating his fine Venezuelan chocolates, or played poker in the Ritz with Bill Clinton.

These days, he is also busy as Chairman of Free the Children UK, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of children across the world. Hamish met the founder Craig Kielburger in Toronto and on their next meeting pledged to become a global ambassador for Free the Children. Hamish’s humanitarian streak is also apparent in his choice of artist whose work was displayed on the ditto doors, War Boutique.

War Boutique is the pseudonym of Kevin Leahy, a Scotsman who studied textiles at university. Although his lifelong ambition was to design clothes for Action Men figures, after his degree Kevin found work with a defence constructor designing body armour.

Haunted by the fact that he work was being ordered by rogue states and Middle Eastern governments, Kevin wanted to change what he was contributing to society. He gave up his job and enrolled at Goldsmiths University. After three years, he put together his first collection using ballistic military materials to make his artwork.

Both Kevin and Hamish demonstrated how art can be used for beneficial ends, not only entertaining audiences but providing a vision of a better world. It’s something that ditto is proud to support, as we share their vision that art opens hearts, minds and doors.

The clouds lay heavy across the rooftops; there was a hush, a rustle, and then the heavens opened, turning Canonbury into a boating pond. As we pressed our noses against the windows and cursed this inclement barrage, it dawned on us we’d rather brought it on ourselves. Announcing that August’s Campfire, our Summer Cookout, would be festival themed… what had we been thinking?

Downstairs on the ditto doors we hosted a selection from photographer Liam Bailey’s extraordinary book documenting his twenty year relationship with Glastonbury Festival. Upstairs, as the clock ticked closer to 7, the ditto girls (chivalry lives) waded into the tempest to wrangle a gazebo upright and provide cover for Brian and his BBQ. Life imitating art?

Robert Castellani, virtuoso guitarist, and returning ditto performer, began to tune up – the rain thundering on the Lighthouse roof forming an interesting percussive addition. It was beginning to look like The Summer Cookout might be a Washout.

Then the strangest moment – as the first guests began to appear, the deluge ceased, and something remarkably like the sun began to poke through. Fortune smiles on the brave, and the sun shines on the righteous. Or we just got lucky. Anyway you look at it, it was an omen that kicked off an epic night. The winners of our inaugural online independent music festival, Sunset, were announced to great applause. With a total of almost 50,000 votes cast, the competition was fierce, but the winners deserving. Ori Pliner won the public vote with his delicately crafted Dark Light, while Raz Olsher scooped the critics’ choice for his darkly mesmerising Prelude with Attitude. You can listen to their music and the other entrants here – and it’s definitely worth a visit. Real music from real people, and not a Svengali in sight.

As drinks were drunk, and BBQ munched, the evening began to spiral. It began to really feel like a festival. A spellbound crowd watched Robert transfixed – the only motion that on camera phones being trained on him. In the calm that followed the obedient throng were then whisked outside to witness fire poi, and the unusual spectacle of woman take an angle grinder to her metallic undercrackers. ditto’s queen of culture even took to the stage (ok, car park) to hurl some fire about.

Throughout the evening, guests tried their hands at juggling, plate spinning, diablo and balloon animals, with some interesting results. Suffice to say it was all fun, AND nobody lost an eye.

Huge thanks to everyone who came along – from the performers and contributors who made the evening so special, to the guests who braved the rain and then threw themselves into the proceedings. As the evening wore on it became progressively tougher to tell the two groups apart. What a perfect celebration of festivals in all their forms; how they throw people together, and how they can bring out the best in us.

Campfire is about many things. On the surface, it’s about promoting originality in whatever form it may take.  Usually, that’s our excuse to invite our own personal heroes and various national icons as guest speakers, be they from the business world or the creative sector, individuals whose stories we’re certain will inspire and entertain. It’s also, obviously, a chance for ditto to forge links across the various industries we work in. But, just as importantly, possibly even more so, Campfire is about the people who attend – the regulars and the uninitiated, the spontaneous and the eternally curious.

Whichever way you look at it, audience matters. You could watch the greatest band in the world play a secret gig, but if they’re playing to a group of dental hygienists from Maidstone, the show is unlikely to go down in history. Conversely, you could be invited to the dreariest art exhibition since Mr. Brainwash’s debut show, but be surrounded by the most exuberant, intriguing people and end up having a ball. Sometimes I suspect that people go to events not to see a show but to be surrounded by other people. I don’t know. It’s just a hunch I get.

The audience for each edition of Campfire is always different and reflects the distinct tenor and tone of the event. Last week’s event was slightly unusual in the sense that there was no guest speaker. Instead, we converted the Lighthouse into a pop-up cinema where we screened a selection of the best entrants to the 2011 Sunrise festival and crowned the winners of the competition, as well as launching Sunset, our online music festival.

People were stuffing their faces with popcorn and nachos, the Jeremiah Weed Root Brew and Sour Mash Brew were beginning to take effect. And when people weren’t glued to the screens watching the work of the immensely talented graduates from Norwich University of the Creative Arts, or listening to the tracks made by the Sunset entrants, they were deep in conversation – huddled together on the front steps, splayed out on the bean bags, perched at the bar, or ensconced in the black pleather armchairs.

There were intense conversations about Oscar-winning female directors, about the difficulty of securing funds for festivals, about product placement, about Fang Floss and Zombie Mints, about sponsored Everest climbs, about a night called Glug, about Localytics, about a film about lobsters, about David Bowie and about the manufacture of nacho cheese sauce, about Chinese tea, about lutes and sheep guts, about ATP, about flooding, about Breton stripes and how much popcorn you can fit in your mouth.

In every corner there were exchanges, glances and sympathies, debate, disagreement, curled lips, smiles, frowns, and the peal of laughter. Without the people, without that energy, Campfire is nothing more than a great idea. So thanks to each and every one of you that attended and made it another memorable night. And never underestimate the power of the crowd. Whether it’s large gatherings in Tahrir Square or small swirls of activity in a business unit in Canonbury, you never know where it might take you and how it might grow.

Last Thursday saw an historic day for ditto: not only was it the first time we took Campfire out of London, and on the road to Norfolk, it was also the launch of Sunrise, our third annual independent online film festival. Sunrise is made up exclusively of entrants from the film and animation courses at Norwich University College of the Arts, and is open to a public vote; check out the entrants here, and see if you can pick the next stars of UK film.

With a great sense of excitement, Team ditto headed in convoy to The Curve Cinema in Norwich – Campfire’s home from home for the day. For the assembled students, film lovers and press, there were plenty of treats in store. Not just the first glance of the amazing student videos, but in true Campfire style, talks from established industry experts. NUCA course leaders and artists in their own rights, Suzie Hanna and Liam Wells spoke movingly about the importance of fostering new talent, and the benefits to the students of Campfire’s exposure. These filmmakers are not engaged in a hobby, but building the skills to enter a competitive, vibrant and rewarding commercial industry.

It was also our pleasure to welcome two industry experts, who made the journey up from London to generously share their knowledge and insights. First up was the award winning animator Steve Smith. With over ten years in the game, a BAFTA and a British Animation Award to his name, just name but a few of his accolades, Steve was uniquely positioned to advise the assembled crowd on what it takes to make it in the modern world of UK animation. A gifted animator and a director himself, Steve now runs the successful up-and-coming animation studio Beakus, winning business and nurturing new talent. Above all else, Steve underlined the importance of enthusiasm, dedication, and being able to make the most of new technologies. As he explained, there is a brave new world of animation out there, and talent will out.

Next up to the lectern was a copper bottomed legend of the film world – Don Boyd. In a career stretching over the decades, Don has literally seen and done it all – as a writer, director and producer, he’s worked both here in the UK and in Hollywood. With disarming frankness, Don took us through his career – the lows as well as the highs, the moments of doubt just of those of inspiration. Looks on faces grew steadily more incredulous, as Don skipped through his CV; directing actors of the calibre of Ray Winston, Richard Harris, and Jon Hurt. Let’s be honest: if you’ve produced the likes of Robert Altman, Jean-Luc Godard, Derek Jarman, and Ken Russell (in one film!) it’s a foolish film fan who misses the chance to hear you talk. Added to this, Don’s candour, and evident enthusiasm for film inspired all those in the room. Comparing the current technological leaps forward in the film and online worlds, to the Gutenberg revolution, Don enthused about how growing freedom of the means of production will herald a new era of creativity for those who grasp the opportunity. It’s hard to imagine a better call to arms to nearly graduated filmmakers and enthusiasts, and it was a privilege to see a major player still championing new talent.

But let’s not forget those students – and their films. It’s fair to say that ditto, the assembled audience, Steve and Don et al were blown away by the breadth and quality of the films displayed. Those creations are now available to view and vote for at www.ditto.tv/sunrise_2011 and I’d urge you to do so. Getting eyes on their work is the lifeblood of new filmmakers – encouragement and support is essential to fostering their vision and belief. If you don’t want to be stuck watching dreadful Hollywood sequels in ten years, put your money where your mouth is. Watch the films. Vote. Tell your friends. Tell them to vote. It’s a pretty easy way to support tomorrow’s artists, today. Voting is open until 16^th July and the winner will be announced on 21^st July.

With one of ditto’s full time members already garnered from Sunrise 2010, we are looking to repeat the success, and swell our talent pool with a new NUCA arrival. Have your say – let us know who you love and why. If you’d like to get in touch with any of the filmmakers, be it with a question, a suggestion, a commission, or simply some encouragement, please just drop us a line at collaborate@ditto.tv, and it’ll be out pleasure to put you in touch.

ditto would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who made the Sunrise Campfire day such a success; guest speakers Don Boyd and Steve Smith for their time and expertise; BBC East, Evening Norwich News/EDP, Film & Festivals Magazine, Empire Magazine, Little White Lies Magazine, Future Radio Breakfast Show, and 99.9 Norwich Radio for helping us shone a light on new talent; Suzie, Liam and the whole NUCA for all their energy and enthusiasm in creating a place where artists can grow; everyone who attended for their applause and support; and most of all the students, who’s work inspires us to want to share it with the world, and who we’re eagerly watching emerge to make their mark on the world.

Phil Cheeseman joins us this St Patrick’s day with tales from Strictly Rhythm, New York City, a place where they traditionally turns the Hudson Green. We met up with Phil ahead of his March Campfire, for a quick chat about how he went from being an amateur enthusiast to a professional one. From convincing bands such as Crass to play chicken in-a-basket venues, to running the European arm of Strictly Rhythm Records.

Phil’s personal experiences in house music reads like a who’s who of the genre, and it was fascinating to talk to a man who’s managed to be at the centre of two cultural storms, in Punk and House, and lived to tell the tale.

Thursday 17th March will see Phil share his extraordinary journey with the Lighthouse audience, while downstairs on the ditto doors in our gallery space we’ll feature some of the visual highlights of the Strictly Rhythm back catalogue. So come down for a glass or two of the black stuff, and a night of great entertainment.

Campfire will happen on the 17th March 2011 at the Lighthouse. ditto doors exhibition private view starts from 6pm. To reserve your place, email campfire@ditto.tv

We would all like to thank Mike London and Richard Norris for taking time out of their busy schedules to come along and chat about their award winning film ‘Hope’ in May. It was a suitably fitting choice as it coincided with the first anniversary of the Roundhouse show where it was originally shown.

HOPE Campfire from ditto.tv on Vimeo.

From the Wizard of Oz to a naked man in the woods was never going to be a dull tale, add to this a psychedelic soundtrack almost reminiscent of the scene from the film itself and we had all the ingredients for another classic Campfire. Watch below to see the highlights and, of course, the film itself.

The Campfire team caught up with Liam Wells, course leader in Film & Video at Norwich University College of the Arts. Liam will be presenting our next Campfire on June the 17th where he will not only be talking about his work but introducing the second Sunrise Film Festival for ditto.

Liam Wells pre campfire interview from ditto.tv on Vimeo.

Mike London visited the ditto team to talk about his upcoming Campfire Session. He will be presenting his award-winning film ‘Hope’ with Richard Norris on May 20th to celebrate his film winning the Best Music Video at the London Independent Film Festival Awards.

Mike London pre campfire interview from ditto.tv on Vimeo.

Mike London from ditto.tv on Vimeo.

Ahead of his appearance at Campfire on May 20th we talk to Richard Norris about his work as a musician and his soundtrack for the award-winning ‘Hope’, which he will be presenting alongside Mike London at the Lighthouse.