Rollin' with RTS

Originally, my scope of performance for RTS was that of a simple writer. I contributed SEO content, ghost for other writers and want to be novelist, reviewed the work of other writers and gave general business advice. As a scriptwriter (somewhat successful, not to boast), this was all exciting and new. The challenges were something to look forward too and the privilege to work with Nicole Jackman – was pudding.

Razor Thin Studios, affectionately known as RTS is a young venture, started, really in 2012 by Nicole. The company was just a place for Nicole to work with young talent and keep herself busy, when she was not taking care of her musical side. You see, Nicole too was a ghost. She though, was of the musical world. Writing lyrics and music for the new, established and in some cases the quite successful.

Nicole Jackman was a Kiwi – from Stewart Island, with a tragic life - orphaned at a young age through the tragic death of her mother, who both survived the earlier death of her father. From there, Nicole found her way through numerous foster homes. With the state of New Zealand moving her from place to place, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington, until she had enough of the state system and fled on her own to Auckland.

Once she came of age, there was quite the trust waiting for her. After much ado, she won her trust and estate and did the unthinkable. A young woman, stricken with much sadness and treated something less than human, Nicole liquidated her trust and donated much of her money to various children’s organisations. Settling into a flat in Auckland, she made a name for herself writing songs.

Of course, all of this is the truncated version of her upbringing because this isn’t an autobiography of Nicole. I met Nicole via the net when I applied for a ghosting position with RTS. It was a brief email and a quick “Welcome.” Nothing more, rather ambiguous and unimpressive, as I recall but the ensuing whirlwind was epic, however.

RTS is a touch over one year old and I hold the reigns, if for no other reason than to honor Nicole.  Nicole (“Nic,” “Nikki,” “Kiwi,” “Jack” and “Wolverine”) Jackman passed away a few months back. At the wee age of 25, from doing what she loved – tearing up a mountainside on her snowboard. Living her life to the fullest and giving it hell.

Things are not the same but we carry on. Nicole is missed, be certain about that, but never forgotten. We pass time at RTS, working, reviewing and yes, even writing, illustrating and snapping photos … always with Nicole in mind and the purpose of carrying on her RTS.