Disabled filmmaker shooting for stardom

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The positive side of disability has been captured on camera by an aspiring film maker as part of a new Channel 4 show.

Using hidden equipment Nikki Fox filmed shoppers lending a hand as she navigated her way round a shopping centre in a mobility buggy.

The Bourne End resident who suffers from muscular dystrophy had the chance to make the short film after being chosen to star in The Shooting Party. She was picked from 200 other hopefuls and then had the cameras turned on her to document the film making process.

Currently showing on Sunday mornings, the series follows nine disabled directors as they work to bring their screen visions to life. Audiences share the film-makers' journeys from the initial pitch to a commissioning panel, through setting up, shooting and editing their films. 

Nikki said she was drawn to the project as she felt the idea was not to highlight her disability but focus on the film making.
She said: "I was so pleased to be picked but then terrified because I thought 'I have to actually make my film now'.
"It was really hard at first because you are trying to focus on your idea but you were being filmed as well so I was thinking 'Oh god does my hair look good?' and the most insignificant things."

Shooting began before Christmas and Nikki was teamed up with two other film makers, taking it in turns to help each other with their projects.

The 28-year-old's film, Follow Me, shows the situations and difficulties she faces every day because of her disability. 
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic hereditary disease that cause progressive muscle weakness. Nikki does not have much strength in her arms and cannot walk very far meaning she has to use a mobility buggy when she goes out.

Although her condition does slow her down Nikki said she does not let it drag her down.
"I would love to dance and wear high heels", she said, "but I'm really a happy person. I was born with it so I don't know any different. 
"And I love being thrown over men's shoulders when there are stairs I can't climb."

This positive outlook is reflected in her film and she said: "There are elements of being disabled I really like. I find people really helpful and friendly and lovely and wanted to show that in film.

She added: "It includes all the things are things that have happened to me like getting out of the car and getting stuck in a lift.
"It was all real. I had a camera on my scooter and a viewfinder between my legs", she said with a laugh.

Nikki is no stranger to the world of television, as she works as a researcher on Channel 4 makeover show How to Look Good Naked. 
She said: "I love it, it's quite random. You can spend an afternoon rubbing body make-up on a roomful of women.

She described her famous boss, Gok Wan, as 'the nicest nicest man ever' and said he has been a support since they met. The style guru even came a special screening of the final episode of the show at BAFTA earlier this year. 

Nikki's episode and film are due to be shown on Channel 4 on May 18 and she said:  "My films not the best thing in the world but I'm just so proud of it."