Introducing Ben McGarvey AKA Minute Taker

When it comes to the indie music scene, no one stands out quite like Ben McGarvey aka Minute Taker showcasing his talents via social media and selling out venues with his 80s inspired electro pop songs he has become a sensation online and built a community of fellow day dreamers that appreciate his vocal range and style but it is more than just music that caught our attention at The Lost Creatives.

From seeing clips of his music videos on Facebook to downloading tracks via Amazon that resonated with our head of makeup's own style.  What we noticed was the brain behind the branding, Ben was not just a musician but his own manager taking his work and putting it into the universe and giving us a glimpse into his world and inviting us in.

Pushing boundaries with not just the music but his approach to the work and being the sole force behind the work it is more than just about tracks that resonate an era’s style it is a snapshot of a life, a prime example of this being the beautifully shot and sadly real Lead You Home video which aside from being about love is an insight into the man behind the music and how he orchestrates every detail of the work so well and takes what could be a dark and sad moment giving it a joy that is a twist on traditional narratives without being blunt, a very difficult thing to pull off yet Ben (aka Minute Taker) manages with a dignified and stylish story.

With a range of physical CDs and vinyl’s available via his shop, as well as digital music easily accessible, Minute Taker is an artist that should be appreciated on multiple levels: from his vocal style to his business savvy, he is an artist to be watched and appreciated as well as listened to.  

To learn more about Minute Taker or his music see:

Minute Taker Website

Minute Taker Shop

Minute Taker Instagram

Minute Taker Facebook

Minute Taker Youtube

Minute Taker Twitter

Minute Taker TikTok

Minute Taker Spotify

Minute Taker Apple Music

Cleaning House

The new year has been flying in, with our favourite fashion week event The House of iKons February show now done and the September showcase organization underway, along with a host of new interviews lined up with filmmakers and artists, Lost Creatives has been cleaning house in between to tidy up not just the physical space we use but our online presence.

In terms of our websites we have cleaned up some of the FAQs and changed the layouts to give a more polished look and really focus in on what we want to do in the future, which in turn has opened up conversations with artists and filmmakers across the world who will be part of the ongoing dialogue of the blog.

JamesC, is returning to work as a makeup artist and the new site is ready to go from a design perspective with a very exciting set of projects lined up with Sons of Adonis men’s grooming line that will be a real focus of our future and become integral to the launch of additional elements to the business this year along with artist Stewart Nicol Soutar, whose abstract work will be integrated into editorials and still image work as part of our future designs, an homage to a stellar artist and friend.

What we wanted to do was ensure that all the t’s were crossed and i’s dotted and the work was done with brands and people that fitted with the ethos and plans of the Lost concept.

Conceptually we will release details of our plans and images (editorial and advertorial) that are to be managed by Lost Agency, an arm of the business that is being designed and deployed to support the marketing of the business and offer a higher level of control over how the work is promoted and put the spotlight on the key elements of work chosen.

With so much in the works, we are slow to update the site but that will be changing soon as we launch new sites, projects and additional lines to the Lost Concept. So stay tuned for more news.

The 2025 iKons February Showcase

As we move into 2025 it is time to talk about The House of iKons and their February show: the grand spectacle that has taken the fashion world by storm and created a multifaceted platform for the industry.

With the leadership of Savita Kaye and a stellar team of creatives, House of iKons has become The ticket to have for the fashion week calendar drawing talent from across the globe to this fashion spectacular that has earned a place in the top ten off schedule global fashion events and cemented their place in the calendar as a must see event.

Always innovating and advancing House of iKons is breaking boundaries with their catwalk show streamed live via Wiki Lounge and Lounges TV, bringing the digital realm and fashion together and opening doors to a wide spectrum of people and making fashion accessible and a cultural phenomena that cannot be stopped and as one of the Media Partners we are incredibly proud to be a part of such a huge movement that has changed the fashion landscape.

The event is Sponsored by: Made Up By Samuel & The Fashion Life Tour

Segment ONE 12.00pm

• Grand Opening: MALONGWENA PRIDE BY DME 

• Shaleena Nowbuth represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Norman M Acuba - represented by Estilo de Amor

• CLC Couture

• Estilo de Amor

• Grand Opening: Ella B Designs

Segment Two Show: 3.00pm

• Grand Opening: Don Cristobal 

• Saima Chaudhury represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Adrianna Ostrowkska

• The Fashion Life Tour

• Little Camden

• Savvi Kids represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Grand Finale: Lynette Couture London

Segment Three Show: 6.00pm

• Grand Opening: Recep Demiray

• Jacqueline Duenas by JD Events

• Tiara Donyale represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Emily Sy 

• Marjorie Renner of Renner Fashion House

• The Fashion Life Tour

• House of Magsarili

• Made in Africa Brand

• Grand Finale: THINK OCEAN

  To learn more about the show or to book tickets see:

  House of iKons Tickets.

  Instagram: @hoifashionweeklondon

  Face Book: HOI Fashion Week London

A New Year Begins

Now that 2024 is over and a new year begins, we are glad to be able to say that while we have been quiet things have not stopped. In the coming months we will be more focused than ever with a focus primarily on the relaunch of JamesC as a creative consultant and various in house projects moving forward coupled with work with a select number of private clients.

The final few months of 2024 were not ideal in many respects with sudden and drastic changes within the personal we had to slow down some of the more public work that we do but blogging was always going to be a big part of our focus coming into 2025 and it is with that in mind we want to preview what is coming up:

As JamesC makeup artist I have been working quietly on redesigning and redefining my work and while that has meant issues taking on new projects it has not stopped me working on the revamp with a new, fresh site and set of goals in play for the new year. I will be bringing back the behind the brush blog as part of the new site which will focus on consulting and gradually into my own working space/lab that I will be using to give a refined and more focused area that will be a photo/video space and lab for work that will come under The Lost Project Media banner.

Naturally we will continue to support indie talent and offer our services as a PR blog for actors, film and TV projects, etc so that they can promote their projects and welcome people reaching out to talk via email.

Stay tuned to the blog for further updates and news!

Introducing The Livingstone Players

Founded in the 1960s, Livingstone Players is a staple of the festive season with their local panto held in the Stevenston Parish Church hall (formerly Livingstone Church) where they open up the doors to those with aspirations to being on stage or just the desire to be part of the community.

This year will see the group preform the classic Sleeping beauty for 6 shows including a matinee, such is the demand for their talents!

With the desire to create not just a fun family show but something to help creative talents and burgeoning stars, Livingstone Players is a welcome addition to any calendar and will be a roaring success with a stellar cast of characters and backstage talent supporting the show.

To learn more about the show or to learn about Livingstone Players see:

Sleeping Beauty Tickets.

Livingstone Players website.

Livingstone Players Facebook.

iKons September Show

With their landmark September show now over, and the press talking about the stellar line up it is without question a triumph of the creative scene that has opened the doors to countless designers and maintained House of iKons at the top spot (rightly so) of independent fashion weeks worldwide.

Septembers show was a huge showcase with designers from across the world and creatives coming together to combine their talents and through the House of iKons. With its Royal connections and global outreach, this has become the Must-see show of the fashion calendar attracting the best and brightest of the fashion scene:

Title Sponsor: Tykorchélli

Supporting Sponsors: Girl Meets Brush & The Fashion Life Tour

Full Schedule Saturday 14th September:

Segment One Show: 11.00am

• Grand Opening: House of Musa

• YS Clothier - represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• MALONGWENA PRIDE BY DME

• LS Collection

• Steadfast Designs

• Grand Finale: Oliver Zulueta

Segment Two Show: 2.00pm

• Grand Opening: Jeny Tjahyawati x TORANG

• 2Kat Couture

• Schirin Style’s

• Uzy Fauziah

• CLC Couture

• Bernhardt Collection

• Tiara Donyale Collection represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• PD Designs

• Elon Son represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Grand Finale: Poppy Dharsono

Segment Three Show: 4.00pm

• Grand Opening: Arabesque Boudoir

• Evette Monique Couture - represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Muse & Sensia

• Hafanana - represented by The Fashion Life Tour

• Think Ocean

• Essy Masita

• Sigrun

• TORANG

• Ronica Marie Couture

• Grand Finale: Benu Apparel

Solo Show: 7.00pm - World Masquerade of Tykorchélli - The Exclusive Launch of The Diamond Collection.

Instagram: @hoifashionweeklondon

Face Book: HOI Fashion Week London

Website: www.houseofikons.com

Business and Life

Although it may seem we have been neglecting things of late that is far from the truth. Business and life has continued all be it a little quieter due to changes within the family that have slowed down some of our more ambitious plans, we are still working hard and will be posting increased updates and launching our creative director JamesC’s website very soon having secured a new domain tailored to his working plans.

We are very much on top of the work we have and arranging some very important meetings that will lead to a series of collaborations within the film and commercial sphere and JamesC will be working closely with the Sons of Adonis line on ad campaigns with other new elements being discussed for the future of the brand, in the meantime we are working with JamesC on the ad campaign for the range and in particular the sample kit that we will be blogging about soon.

There is also a real push with artist Stewart Nicol Soutar on the commercial that will see our team and in particular JamesC, working on ad campaigns and additional merchandising projects that have been discussed for the new year.

In summary, there is so much more to the business that we are building slowly and this is giving JamesC in particular, a much needed boost after the last few months where the focus and energy has been inward rather than outward.

Stay tuned for further updates and news.

Talking Podcasts and Culture with Stelios Panagiotou

The world of YouTube podcasting offers an array of different opinions and personalities, we have been very lucky to be able to talk to Stelios Panagiotou about his tenure with The Podcast Of The Lotus Eaters and gain more insight into his background and passion for communication.

We are always interested in talking to people from all fields in the media. Can you introduce yourself and give us a little background on who you are and what you do?

My name is Stelios Panagiotou, I come from Greece, and I have a passion for communicating my ideas about politics and culture. My background is mainly academic. I have a degree in Business Administration and have successfully completed a PhD in Philosophy. After teaching Philosophy in academia for about 6 years, I decided it was time to enter public discussion without  the reservations that I would otherwise have. In December 2022, I made the final decision to make a career change and started working for the Lotus Eaters media company. 

Most people will recognize you from either X (Twitter) or your tenure with The Podcast of The Lotus Eaters as a social and political commentator. Can you give us a little more background on how you came to be part of that world and what you do as part of the podcast?

I found out about the Lotus Eaters from a friend who was working there. When I saw a job opportunity for a presenter being advertised on the website, I decided to apply for it. Soon after, I was hired. I am one of the regular hosts for our live podcast where we discuss all sorts of current affairs from a standpoint that is not adequately represented in mainstream media.

“We discuss -sometimes in a quasi-comedic manner- political events as well as events in the broader sphere of what is loosely described as ‘culture wars’. Furthermore, I ran Symposium, a weekly philosophy series which dealt mainly with subjects pertaining to ancient, ethical, and political philosophy.”

You have become something of a social and political commentator on social media as well as the podcast scene offering your own unique insights into the world and offering up comments about the UK and the wider social scene. How do you feel social media has shaped your view of the world and how would you describe yourself on that front?

Social media is a very broad category. Generally speaking, they exert an increasingly stronger influence on us and our way of thinking about the world. Such an influence is also augmented by the delegitimization of mainstream media in the eyes of the general public. More and more people find mainstream outlets to be untrustworthy and seek alternative sources of information. The more sources of information we get exposed to, the more informed our opinions will be. Nevertheless, at the end of the day, we should remember that whatever the media, we are still talking about the circulation of information. We need to remember that whatever the media we are using, we are still vulnerable to the danger of being led into an echo chamber where confirmation bias reigns supreme. As a commentator, I try to offer a classically liberal perspective on current affairs and unmask propaganda while avoiding sensationalism. I also use social media to connect directly with people from all over the world.

Is there any advice you would offer to someone entering into the field of podcasting as a presenter or as someone setting up their own channel that you wish you had known when you started?

Good advice depends on the specifics of one’s situation. I can only offer my view about some general points that can be interpreted and tailored to each person’s case, Find your main purpose; knowing why you do something makes the difference between those who persist through hard times and those who quit. 

1. Do your research; everyone can speak but if you know what you are saying, you increase the chances of making a positive contribution and improve the prospects for continuous engagement with your content.

2. Diversify your sources of information. Whatever the medium, the circulation of information does tend to create echo chambers. Despite this being somewhat natural, getting drawn into an echo chamber is harmful for your audience and yourself. Assert your independence.

3. Cultivate mental fortitude. We cannot please everyone and trying to do so is a blow to our independence of character. Be prepared for many negative comments and learn to not care about them. Care about criticism only to the extent in which you can take constructive feedback from it. Ignore all the rest. The internet has no shortage of angry people who are unwilling to give any of us the benefit of the doubt. 

4. Practice makes perfect. Do not think that you either have it or you don't. It is a habit that one must constantly cultivate. 

5. Finally, just do it. Do not delay. Begin as soon as possible knowing full well that if you persist, the quality of your content will keep improving. 

6. Be patient and persistent. 

What does the future hold for you in terms of your place in the podcast world? Will you continue or step more into politics and stand for election?

I am scheduled for more appearances on our live podcast. There are also some long-term plans that I am involved in that are not for me to announce yet. I am not planning on entering politics at the moment. I am planning on doing this for a long time. I am not impatient because I know full well that the kind of relationship I want to establish with my audience is one of trust which requires time.

To learn more about Stelios Panagiotou or follow his work see:

Stelios Panagiotou X (Twitter).

Stelios Panagiotou Symposium Podcast with The Lotus Eaters.

Propshak Ayrshire

Located in the heart of Ayrshire, Propshak has become the go-to location for creative talent in props, fx and combined with their community focused training academy that is opening the doors to talent from all walks of life the propshak is the place to be and the place to be seen in the Scottish industry.

Working with some of the best and brightest in the media industry, the teams work can be seen across genres from theatre to film and TV with clients ranging from the BBC and Netflix to stage production, it is no surprise that they are fast becoming a force to be reckoned with in the industry and earning a reputation for their workshops that are giving opportunities to learn and hone artistic skills in the creative fields.

The workshops are designed to be about community accessibility with a fantastic team of staff and volunteers training the next generation prop makers and fx artists in everything from masks to moulds, and so much more.

Propshak offers services to meet the needs of the smallest to the largest productions and pride themselves on the quality of their work and commitment to industry standards.

To learn more about Propshak and their work see:

Propshak Website.

Propshak Instagram.

Propshak Facebook.

Propshak YouTube.

Introducing Alejandro Forcado Filmmaker

Having just completed his latest film project, which we will be talking about soon, we wanted to talk in detail about his work and introduce the talented Alejandro Forcada whose work has garnered international praise and accolades within the film community.

As a start to introducing your work in film and media, can you tell us more about yourself  and what you do?  

I’m a filmmaker since 20 years ago. I begun taking acting classes when I was twelve years  old, but later it got my attention the behind scene cinema business. For that reason at 18 years  old I introduced myself in Cinema school until I became a filmmaker, obviously that process  took its time, however with passion, love, commitment and hard work/ study I’m a filmmaker  as I do today. Although I’m a screen writer and most of my short films have been written by  me.

Can you tell us more about your past projects and what you are currently working on?  

In my career as an indie filmmaker I developed myself making not just short films, between  them I have made video clips, documentaries, tv shows and commercials. But If I honest, I’m  still making such productions, the small difference right now is that my big focus is totally headed in showcasing on international film festivals, with an unique objective to get in that  world and keep myself in that way to stay as a real indie professional filmmaker in cinema  matters. 

What is your biggest obstacle to creating films and what would you is your biggest  achievement as a filmmaker?  

Like everyone else who have had all kind of obstacles, in my case the biggest obstacle was  the lack of support, I mean about the goverment regarding at cultural issues or cultural  developments staff who almost never have heard us to supporting to carry on such projetc.  But beyond of it that I din’t have their help, that kind of experience helped me a lot to be  more self - sufficient and provide resources I needed from another more solid perspective  and I Can tell you about the mentioned experienced was the best thing ever happened to me,  because of that I’m the man I’m, and not just in my profession…in other senses of life as  well.

What does the future hold for you and your team in media and creative terms? What can we  expect to see from you?  

What I’m able to see so far about my “future” in media and creative or film terms, well…as a  team and my self are making a great sacrifice and effort to get what we feel on creative  business. We currently are having very good results both worldwide films festivals including  international press. Through those real evidences we’re living…we can ensure we’re in the  right way. Of course If we keep our philosophy how we manage such matters, we’ll have a  prosper future in the mentioned areas.

Is there any advice you would like to offer to people entering the field of film that you wish  you had known when you started?  

The advise…I mean I never advise anybody, but something I do is sharing my experience,  therefore the suggestion or recommendation is that anybody can give up themselves, we know is a hard path…we know takes time to get what we really wish…but never…ever give up…is  not an option…THE OPTION IS TO KEEP ON MOVING…ALWAYS…DESPITE ALL.  Another recommendation is to change the strategy of your goal/ objetive. We can’t use the  same method / strategy or plan…we need to change them according to every circunstance we  face, but there is something else: THE LOVE..THE PASSION FOR THIS PROFESSION  you never let that finish…you never let that fire goes out…before all…you keep on. That’s a  promise…doing in that way…you will get much more things you have expected.

To learn more about Alejandro and his work see:

Accion Films YouTube.

Accion Films Instagram.