Curriculum Vitae
Personal Details
Charles Thomson
charles@charles-thomson.net
Work History
Freelance Writer (January 2008 – Present)
As a freelance writer I have contributed news, features and review/comment articles to various newspapers, magazines and websites including the Guardian and MOJO magazine. My work for several other outlets is detailed below.
The Huffington Post (March 2010 - Present)
In March 2010 I was offered a blogger position at the Huffington Post, one of the biggest online news outlets in the world. I have used the blog to cover media related stories, including a deconstruction of the media's biased coverage of Michael Jackson's trial and an in-depth interview with Hunter S Thompson's personal videographer.
Sawf News (March 2010 - Present)
I am a regular contributor to American celebrity news website www.SawfNews.com. For the website I have conducted numerous in-depth celebrity interviews as well as writing lengthy features, comment pieces and acting as London Film Festival correspondent in October 2010.
The Sun (March 2009 - Present)
In March 2009 I helped the Sun to snap exclusive photographs of Michael Jackson disembarking his private jet at an airstrip in Luton when he flew to the UK to announce his 'This Is It' concert series at the O2. After delivering that scoop the Sun continued to use me as a Jackson expert on stories about his concert preparations and then the aftermath of his death. I have also worked with the Sun on celebrity stories involving stars like Amy Winehouse and Ronan Keating.
Cabbage Media (November 2008 – Present)
For Cabbage Media I have researched and written specialist features articles on a variety of topics for different publications. My tasks have involved covering the credit crunch for British and American property journals, investigating carbon neutral hotels for a leisure industry magazine and collating data on hygiene inspection reports for local news outlets.
The Echo (2008)
I produced a number of stories for The Echo between August and December of 2008. These included a feature about a local student who was appearing in a BBC3 documentary and a number of news stories arising from Freedom of Information enquiries.
Yellow Advertiser (2007 –Present)
My work for the Yellow Advertiser has seen me cover crime, local politics, environmental issues and diary stories for newspapers in Basildon, Thurrock, Barking, Southend and Brentwood - including numerous front page splashes.
Education
2006 – 2009
South East Essex College
BA (Hons) Degree in Journalism, validated by the University of Essex
2004 – 2006
Palmers College
I sat exams in June 2006 and achieved the following results:
English Language(A-Level) – B
Media Studies(A-Level) – B
Psychology (A-Level) – B
Film Studies(A-Level) – A
1999 – 2004
Woodlands Secondary School
I sat exams in June 2004 and achieved the following results:
English Language(GCSE) – A
English Literature (GCSE) – A
Maths(GCSE) – A
Double Science (GCSE) – AA
French (GCSE) – A*
German (GCSE) – A
History(GCSE) – A
Media Studies(GCSE) – C
Skills:
50wpm Pitman's Shorthand - City and Guilds Qualification
I am fully conversant with Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and Macromedia Dreamweaver.
I also have experience in using television and radio equipment both in studio and on location.
Hobbies and Interests:
I enjoy reading, particularly crime, thrillers and biographies. I am passionate about funk and soul music, as is evidenced by much of my work. I am also passionate about live music, going to live gigs as often as I can afford.
In addition to live music, I also enjoy attending the theatre and am a regular attendee of stand-up comedy shows, having seen most contemporary British comedy stars live at one time or another.
After studying film at college I am enthusiastic about the subject, keeping up to date not only with new releases but also production news on future titles. My passion for film led to my appointment in October 2010 as London Film Festival correspondent for SawfNews.com.
I attend the gym regularly and am a certified SCUBA diver with the following qualifications:
PADI Open Water
PADI Advanced Open Water
PADI Deep Diver Specialist
PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialist
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