Talk us through an average day in your role
Like most people, a good cup of coffee to kickstart the day. Email checking, messages and an overview of the latest news in the trades just to keep up with what is happening in the UK and globally. Potential meetings/lunches/coffee with clients or internally and a regular review of how the tracking of Feature and Episodic shows is impacting workflow, resources and budgets. Constant research, every day is different within this theme.
How did you get started in the media industry?
I always had an interest in film and photography and following my studies and stint as a photographer, I sensed another calling and sent out letters (before the days of email!). I was offered a runner’s job and joined a small editing company in Soho, The Edit Suite. After a few months I was lucky enough to get a job with the Moving Picture Company as a VT assistant and was with the company for 7 years, moving to an editor position. I was approached by manufacturer Quantel to work with them on a compositing system called Henry and then spent the next 18 months travelling the world training and demonstrating the system to potential clients. A meeting with the founders of Framestore culminated in being offered a VFX producer’s role with the company and my career in the film and TV industry commenced.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
I had studied for a degree in engineering communication at Kingston, followed by photography at Central London Polytechnic and various TV short courses, before becoming a photographer’s assistant at Bray Studios.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
At every level it is about creating and storytelling. It is a collaborative process, involving at all levels, can be stressful, is fun and seeing one’s hard work on screen provides a true sense of fulfilment and achievement at every level.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
Research and talk to individuals working in similar roles. Understand and be aware of what is entailed and the potential path to be taken to move in the right direction. Follow your dream and don’t give up. Aim high, always.
