Interview with Anneka Harry- Producer, Author and Voice Over Artist
- Katherine Nicholls
- Oct 22, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 31, 2020
'Gender Rebels' is where it all started, I found Anneka Harry's debut book, read it and immediately wanted to find out more about Anneka so I got in contact and was lucky enough to be given the chance to interview Anneka.
Anneka Harry 33, based in London is an author, producer, comedian and voice over artist (phew!), she has produced work for the BBC, Radio 4, Channel 4 and many other platforms.
'Gender Rebels' is a celebration of women throughout the centuries who changed history by changing themselves thus creating the opportunities we have today.
I asked Anneka about her inspiration for 'Gender Rebels' and she explained that she grew up in Nuneaton (the Midlands) which is the hometown of Mary Ann Evans aka George Eliot the famous Victorian author. One day after experiencing sexism in the workplace, Anneka started to wonder how much easier life would have been if she was born a man and then took to wondering how many cases like George Eliot there have been throughout history, it turns out there have been quite a few! Thus, the idea for 'Gender Rebels' was born.
As Anneka works in the entertainment industry, it is fair to say that she has seen much change within the industry but I wondered how Anneka felt the industry would change in ten years especially considering the way we view entertainment compared to a decade ago!
Anneka says that is is "exciting to imagine what possibilities lie ahead" and that thanks to streaming platforms, we have more access to a "treasure- trove of new voices and stories". However, Anneka also says that in terms of representation there is "a lot of positive noise but not enough positive action" but that is something which will hopefully change (it definitely needs to).
If releasing one book this year wasn't enough, Anneka also released another book this month called 'Lady Sidekick: 50 Tired Tropes for Women' which is about the outdated cliches and archetypes that women are subjected to in the Media and in life e.g. the Bridezilla and Girl Next Door cliches. Anneka is also working on a audio original project on the same theme as 'Lady Sidekick' and the treatment for a feature film!
Anneka has clearly had an extensive career and even as a child would frequently send in presenter show reels to Live and Kicking and contacted Blue Peter so often with ideas that they sent her a Blue Peter badge (although Anneka believes that may have been to stop her writing in!).
Anneka in answer to my question of "who would you most like to go back in time to meet" said that she was obsessed with Caroline Aherne growing up and that Caroline was "daring, smart and unapologetic and I felt like she spoke my language". It is important to have female role models to look up to and Caroline Aherne is certainly a fine example.
I asked Anneka for any advice she might have for young women looking to enter the entertainment industry and her advice is "Go for it. Even if you think there’s no easy way in for you. Actually, especially if you think there’s no easy way in for you. We need you" which I think is an excellent point and I hope to see more young women entering the industry.
As I finish up here, I would like to add in just one more quote which I think shows the importance of the Arts "I was always happiest reading, writing, performing and creating. I guess it never wore off…" .
Thank you again to Anneka for talking to me, enclosed below are links to purchase her new book!
Very inspirational lady, makes a good read, well done to u too Katherine.x