Aspiring journo and ex Kennet School pupil Grace Clift from Thatcham launches new online magazine

Two university students, including one from Thatcham, have started a new online magazine showcasing the hidden talent of creatives behind the scenes.

Aspiring journalist Grace Clift, 19, who studied at Kennet School, went live with Surround Sound on Thursday (May 1), an online-only magazine highlighting the creatives “behind your favourite movies, media and more who don’t get the attention they deserve”.

She developed the site on WordPress with coursemate Aoife Carnevale, 20, from Ballymena, Northern Ireland, who she met at the University of York where she is currently studying for a bachelor’s degree in English and related literature.

They have already interviewed the likes of Brona Steenson, who created the iconic jewellery used in Game of Thrones, using the tried and tested method of “reaching out to a million people and hoping that five respond”.

Miss Clift told newburytoday more about how the magazine started: “We were sat in a film studies lecture and were looking at the behind the scenes of a movie.

“We wanted to write all these stories and we thought we could just do it together.

“It's mostly an opportunity for me to speak to people I'm really impressed by who do behind the scenes work and learn about all the stuff they're doing.”

Miss Carnevale added: “We were looking for a way to crack into the industry while writing about something we felt passionate about.

“It’s a platform for all the times I’ve thought ‘I wish I could write about this, but I don’t know where to put it’.”

Surround Sound has six categories for readers covering topics related to the arts, music, gaming, fashion, film and TV and food and drink.

“It’s been a lot of work, but I’m really proud of the work that we’ve done,” Miss Clift added.

“We stayed up until 1am making sure the website looked good [on Wednesday].”

Speaking about why she has pursued journalism as a career, she added: “I did my A-levels and had the amazing teacher Mr Killeen. He was like a legend.

“And I started my Kennet newsletter, which was kind of my first step into the world of journalism.”

She is now deputy editor-in-chief for her university magazine.

The pair are currently seeking new contributors and hidden creatives with stories to tell.

Visit www.surroundsoundmagazine.co.uk or contact surroundsoundmagazines@gmail.com to get involved.