Linked under
2nd Assistant Camera, Runners/Newcomers
in
UK - England/Wales.
Enthusiastic and passionate Media Professional Studies Ba (hons) graduate, determined to make a career in moving image. Gained rich experience, both work and academic; equipped with 5 years of relevant experience and 2 years of work experience.
Credits: Aikido (SP), Less 4 Loads (Sparkle Media Ltd) (SH), Kicks (Digital Departures Ltd) (FF).
91 Leopold Road
Kensington
Liverpool
Merseyside
L7 8SR
Owned Equipment
Sony Z1 HDV Camera
Rode NTG-2 Directional Microphone
Manfrotto Tripod
Boom pole
Avid Media Composer
Reaper Sound Engineering Software
Objective
Committed, enthusiastic and passionate individual, determined to realize goal of a career in moving image. Steps have been taken to ensure that the necessary skills and experience to achieve this have been acquired. Has been keen to seek out paid and unpaid placements and has received positive feedback from industry employers with regards to personal initiative as well as working within a team. As a result of work placements, skills have developed exponentially in several industry relevant areas, including (but not limited to) camera operation, research, logistics and IT.
Education
09/07 - 05/09, Liverpool John Moores University, BA (hons) Media Professional Studies.
Key modules: Production Practice, Advanced Production Practice, TV Studio Techniques, Introduction to Research, Advanced Research, Green Screen Techniques, Various Production and Cinema Aesthetic modules/workshops, Dissertation. Completed 'Enneagram' personality test. Pitched programme concept to BBC3 programme director Keiran Collins. Attended several creative and lateral thinking workshops.
09/06 - 05/06, Liverpool Community College, A-Level Media Studies: A-grade. A-Level Film Studies: A-grade. City and Guilds Production Techniques, Distinction. Key modules: Production Techniques, Advanced Production Techniques, Various production workshops and cinema aesthetic modules. 09/03 – 05/04, Wigan and Leigh College, GNVQ Performing Arts: Distinction.
Key modules: Sound recording and Audio Science, Music production.
09/97 – 05/02, Ormskirk Cross Hall High School, Achieved 9 GCSE’s (inc. Maths and English) averaging at a Blevel.
Work Experience
11/08/2009 – 25/08/2009 , Camera Operator and Assembly Editor on Oakmere College Promotion (dir. Glenn Maguire)
This position afforded me a large portion of responsibility; I was often consulted on shot choice as well as lighting and sound operation. I also assembled the edit, to direct specification from the commissioner of the work ‘Brian Leeming’ of ‘Leeming Creative Communication’. I was allowed much of the creative control and produced the piece to the satisfaction of all involved.
8/08/2009 – 08/08/2009, Camera Operator on ‘TedX Liverpool’ event promotion (dir. Christopher Chadwick)
This position came with a high level of pressure and responsibility. I operated the MCU camera for a three camera setup and also monitored the compere’s radio mic. This position gave me the chance to hone my skills working in this ‘live’ environment and I feel I thrived under this pressure. The shoot went smoothly and myself and my colleagues even garnered praise from the organisers of the event and ommisioners of the work.
19/06/2009 – 14/07/2009, Camera Assistant and Editor on ‘A Twinge of Happiness’ (dir. Christopher Warburton)
This production was part of a scheme in which JMU graduates were teamed with local media businesses (L7 productions and Babyface Media) to produce a series of shirt films. These films were shot on a shoe-string budget and required me to think laterally in order to achieve the elements and effects within the script. I was relied upon wholly in the edit suite by the director, with whom I garnered praise upon completion. ‘Twinge’ received a warm reception at the screening.
16/05/2009, 2nd Camera on ‘Less 4 Loads’ (dir. Glenn Maguire) (Accredited)
This was a one day shoot, in which I not only operated 2nd camera, but assisted in lighting, boom operation and sound recording. Again, the camera used was the Sony Z1, lighting the shots with a three can rig as well as a Kino Flo lamp. This position afforded me a level of responsibility, allowing me to exhibit my competence and technical knowledge. I was pleased that I was able to influence the overall aesthetic of the piece. Less 4 Loads currently has interest from Channel 4.
18/03/2008 - 11/05/2008, Production Runner ‘Kicks’ (dir. Lindy Heymann) (Accredited)
This was a two month placement in which I worked closely with the production co-ordinator both in the production office and on set, assisting in all aspects of clerical and practical duties. Gained credit upon illiciting access to family vehicle as a stunt car. During this position, I was constantly learning and developed a deeper understanding film-making and the importance of competence and professionalism in the production process.
22/03/2008 - 23/03/2008, Marc McDermott, Liverpool(SKY Community)(Accredited)
This was a paid Camera Operators role for the documentation of a two-day Aikido (martial art) demonstration from a renowned master. I operated a two camera set up, with my own Panasonic GSV on wide and a roaming Sony Z1 handheld. This position afforded me the opportunity to cement my knowledge of the camera; the director wanted a certain frenetic style giving me the freedom to experiment with camera settings as well as position and movement. It was aired on Sky community in July of 2008.
Experience Manifesto
Equipment/Technical:
I have had abundant experience using my own ‘Sony Z1’ camera, as well as my own Panasonic NV-GS500. I have had numerous experiences with assembling and de-assembling equipment, including camera lenses, Manfrodo tripods and varying light and sound equipment (standard ‘red-head’ lights through to ‘Kino Flo’ etc). Throughout my University experience, I have developed my technical knowledge in several key areas. I have extensive knowledge of all of the Microsoft Office Programs and the Windows and Mac O/s. I have received training using Final Cut Pro, Avid and Cyberlink power Director.
Teamwork:
I understand the importance of competent teamwork in the Film industry; mistakes can be costly and it is important to work effectively in order to prevent this. Aside from my set duties as a work-experience runner on Kicks there were several instances in which I was relied upon by the production team in a further capacity; when the editing equipment malfunctioned, I drove to London in the production car to return and replace it. After shooting had wrapped, I again drove to London to assist in returning borrowed equipment, etc.
Problem Solving:
University has naturally given a number of problems to solve, with assignments and production modules. During my TV Studio Production module I not only acted as the floor manager; issuing the directors orders to the rest of the crew, but also as 1st camera operator. This module gave me weeks of experience in operating large audio/visual equipment and also boosted my management and team-working skills exponentially.
Shooting Technique:
I have had already countless experiences in production; from zero-budget to feature film. My course has allowed me to be involved in the aesthetics of several important (grades wise) productions, encouraging me to refine my skills behind the camera and also encouraging me to develop my own style. Whilst working for Marc McDermott, I was responsible for a two camera set up (a Sony and my own Panasonic camera) and was encouraged to experiment with shot choice and camera setting, giving me further technique and experience.
Other Information and Interests:
I am a keen musician and have played several instruments over a course of years. I have acquired qualifications in grade three for guitar and grade one for singing and music theory. I have also been a member of a touring band. This developed my teamwork skills ten-fold; performing as a group requires a deep non-verbal communication that took several years to craft.
References
Christopher ChadwickGlenn Maguire
Freelance Film-Maker Creative Director, Sparkle Media Ltd.
