Memoirs of a Spectrum Addict Film interview at the Centre for Computing History

Those of you who have seen me the wrong side of the camera lense on my YouTube channel will know beyond any doubt that I’m never going to be a film star. So imagine my surprise, mild panic, anguish and a few other emotions when Andy Remic decided to include me in his interview list for his upcoming feature length film – Memoirs of a Spectrum Addict. Me. In a film. Aaargh.

The iconic Sinclair Building, 25 Willis Road, Cambridge

6 King’s Parade, former offices of Sinclair Research

Will gets to grips with Jet Set Willy on the Tatung Einstein

Taking a rollercoaster ride on the Oculus Rift.

Playing on my old friend, the ZX81.

Interview begins!

Andy Remic, myself and Mark Howlett

Memoirs of a Spectrum Addict, which was successfully Kickstarted in August last year, is unsurprisingly about the Sinclair ZX Spectrum, the effect it had on a generation of coders and gamers and the enduring legacy that came from it’s popularity. This is done through a series of interviews with gamers, developers, designers and (where I come in) fans. To think I will be in the same film as such Spectrum legends as Rick Dickinson, The Oliver Twins, Jonathan Cauldwell, Clive Townsend and Steve Turner is mind-blowing.

Filming was on Saturday 20th May at the Centre for Computing History in Cambridge and I journeyed over with my friend Will, who also happens to be a big Sinclair fan. We decided to make a day of it and had a mini Sinclair ‘pilgrimage’ to 25 Willis Rd and 6 King’s Parade – both former addresses of Sinclair Research, before heading back to the Centre for filming where we were made to feel most welcome by Jason Fitzpatrick, the Centre’s curator.

Nerves-a-jangling, I was filmed in the Centre’s Archives (a treat in itself) by Andy alongside fellow Spectrum fanatic Mark Howlett AKA @Lord_Arse who I had previously never met but often chatted to via social media. Mark turned out to be a real pleasure to meet and be interviewed alongside whilst Andy helped keep the nerves at bay during filming and was a true professional. Thank you both!

All in all, an amazing day out in some great company and in an amazing setting that was tantamount to letting kids loose in a sweet shop.

More information about Memoirs of a Spectrum Addict can be found on the website here, or to pre-order a copy visit the pre-order page on the Remic Media website.