For anyone who wants to get into the film business, you have to have a passion for films, and learn as much as possible from every possible source.
What is your job?
I'm Director of Production at The Electric Shadow Company.
What does your job involve?
Kick-starting the film making process. Film producing is taking the idea and finding the right people to make that idea come to life.
How did you get to this point in your career?
I got my first job when I was 13 through the Children’s Film Unit, working as a sound recordist and playback operator for some guys doing videos and short films. I also did loads of running while I was at school. Post Production running involves office tasks – doing admin and making tea. Production running is more interesting, because it involves working with the cast and extras, as well as picking up and delivering equipment, and dropping off rushes at the end of the day.
I worked as a runner on Trigger Happy, then I was offered a job on Popworld. I worked on the web site, then became Multimedia Manager because I had experience of working with cameras and edit machines. Then I worked on the Popworld tv show and filmed over 200 interviews with bands.
My first producing job in broadcast tv was when Popworld moved to BSkyB, where I learned a huge amount about contracts, compliance issues and technological jargon. After working as a producer at Freedom Media, I produced and directed corporate films. I also worked as a runner at Working Title for nine months, which gave me the impetus to get on and do my own stuff.
I’ve now produced a few short films, including ‘The vicious circle of success’ with a director friend and in 2008 I helped set up The Electric Shadow Company.
What training did you do and where?
Every Saturday from the age of 11-17, I went to the Children’s Film Unit in Putney. I did courses in animation, sound recording, editing, camera, lighting – all taught by professionals. I learned so much there, but sadly, it’s closing down now. At 16, I did a BTEC Media course in Hammersmith West London College because it combined business and media studies, and studied Spanish at night.
Which piece of work are you most proud of?
I’m proudest of ‘Holywood Sweets’, a short film that I produced with my friend through our ‘Sane & Diddly’ company. It’s a 15 minute film about two boys who go on a road trip to buy Angel Delight in Dumfries. This was the job where I put everything I’d learned so far into practice.
What do you need to succeed in your industry?
You have to have no fear, a sense of reality and good communication skills. You have to be easy to get on with, and be able to motivate and enthuse people. You also have to find the best way to do things, and know about contracts, deals and sticking to budgets.
Who’s your work hero / heroine?
Stanley Kubrick. He really pushed the boundaries about what you can do visually. He had lovely production values and his stories were brilliant.
What inspired you to do this type of work?
At the Children’s Film Unit, I was inspired by watching older people and seeing what they were doing. And as I learned more about the technical side of film-making, that encouraged me to learn more.
What do your friends/family think of the work you do?
My mum saw an ad for the Children’s Film Unit in The Evening Standard and encouraged me to try it out. And my dad’s an actor. So they’re happy with what I’m doing now.
What are your tips for anyone wanting to do your job?
For anyone who wants to get into the film business, you have to have a passion for films, and learn as much as possible from every possible source. Reading scripts is an excellent way to see what you need to make a film. And if you want to make films, the best way to break in is to make a short film. Go out, get your own crew, and do it. I never went to university because I got a job instead, but there are plenty of film courses available these days.
Creative inspirations
Swimming
I find exercise in general is a great way to relax your mind and focus. Often that's when ideas spring up.
Emma Dawson
A very good friend of mine who has always helped and given me great career advice. She also made me realise that there is more to life than work.
Apple Macs
They are amazing and definitely allow me to do the work I want to do in the way I want to do it.
Music from Detroit
From Marvin Gaye and Motown to J Dilla and Hip Hop to Derrick May and Dance, music from Detroit has a timeless quality that is brilliantly produced.
Breakfast
The most important meal of the day. It is often the first thing that I think about! It is the first problem solving of the day. What to have? Tea, toast or possibly eggs!
Being at Sea
Travelling by boat or ferry is a great way to travel. The air, the time it takes and the surroundings I find give a feeling of freedom.
Photographs
I love taking pictures and just like exercise, there comes a time at some point during the process when the camera becomes an extension of what you see and that is a great way to see the world.
DVDs
These simple little discs are amazing and have made such a huge impact on my work. Jobs are initiated and delivered on DVD. I think they are overlooked but have allowed quality of work to improve greatly.
Bridges
I love a walk over a bridge - particularly if that bridge crosses water. A footbridge is also better. It’s not just the design of the bridge and what is involved in the logistics of placing a bridge but also the journey from one end to the other, which would otherwise be uncrossable.
Family
Family can be the biggest source of creative inspiration. I certainly wouldn’t be doing what I am without my Mum, and my girlfriend - although not strictly family - is a great source of inspriration. Creativity can be totally collaborative and it’s great to be able to talk through an idea with somebody who can see it from a different perspective. I always ask my family for their input at the final stages of an edit.
If you would like advice on creative careers and courses, contact a Creative Way Careers Adviser - either Matt Ball on m.ball@uel.ac.uk / 07889 001764 or Sarah Comerford on s.comerford@uel.ac.uk / 07515 051509.