Meet the entry level camera assistant
10/08/2022
By Contributor
Published: August 10, 2022 Updated: August 11, 2022
dock10's Amy Ashley-Mather reveals how Facebook helped her get started in the media tech industry, and why anyone who wants to work in media should say yes to everything
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>
Amy Ashley-Mather, entry level camera assistant, dock10 Talk us through an average day in your role It varies so much. If it's a rig-day, we'll build the cameras, get them into the studio, set the cables up and have a little walk through. If we're filming, or doing a rehearsal, then we'll do the back focuses and line-ups on the cameras, to make sure everything is in working order. And then we'll run through with the show.
During filming, what I do depends on the show. It is just as important for camera assistants as it is for the operators to know what's happening with each camera during a show. If there are handheld cameras involved, then there is a lot of cable bashing as the cameras move around. For static cameras, I have to be on hand if anything needs to change. When we were filming Comic Relief, for example, it was very busy. The cameras were going from static to handheld.
If a show isn't filming, then I organise the kit and equipment for shows that are coming in.
How did you get started in the media industry? After I graduated in 2020, I got a lot of running jobs through Facebook groups for researchers and crew. I met loads of people through each job and managed to work as a runner continuously.
Through those jobs, I met a couple of really good camera operators and DoPs who really helped me, and I got a couple of PSC (portable single camera) jobs. Then last year, I saw the ad for this role at dock10 and applied - and I got the job in January.
What training did you have before entering the industry? I studied digital film production at university. While I was there, I applied for work experience. I did two weeks' work experience at Icon Films in Bristol, which was really good.
That helped me get work experience up here in Salford in BBC in their factual department. After that, I just kept emailing people I'd met while I was doing work experience. I ended up getting my first couple of runners jobs while I was at university, which I think helped me massively because a lot of people don't start their work experience until they leave. It meant that I was almost one step ahead as soon as I left uni.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry? I've always been into photography and have wanted to be a camera operator. I just like being part a part of making shows, and seeing the final product. I like the fact that you don't have to be in charge of the show. But if you weren't there, the show wouldn't function without you. You are making what people see it's your shot at the end of the day.
Studios are really great environments to work in. I like the busyness of it, and how hectic it is at times. You're constantly having to adapt to things and having to think on your feet - it keeps you really engaged. You could do this for 20 years, but every day would be completely different.
What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to explore similar role to yours? Before you break in, the industry can seem totally out of reach. I'm not talking about trying to become a big-time director just getting to be a camera assistant seems unattainable and something that will take years to achieve.
But you've just got to push for it. Applying for one job a week isn't good enough. Before working here, I probably applied for over 100 jobs. I wouldn't even know how many emails I sent in the last two years trying to get into places.
You'll get knocked back time and time again. But you need to keep at it, and just get to the point where it's like water off a duck's back. Because if you push it so much, then statistically someone is going to say yes at some point.
Also, you just have to say yes to everything, even if it's not what you think you want to do because you never know who you're going to meet on a job and where it will lead to.
LINK: | https://www.tvbeurope.com/business/people/meet-the-entry-level-camera-... |
See more stories from tvb |
More from TVB Europe
10/05/2024
Zille Media aims to enhance media accessibility with Audio Description Editor
The company has worked with Motion Picture Solutions (MPS) on the development of the solution, which sits in the cloud-native Zille Platform By Jenny Priestley...
10/05/2024
Meet the head of entertainment
From The Tube and Top of the Pops to head of entertainment at 1185 Films, Chris Cowey tells TVBEurope about his journey through the ranks during a time of chang...
10/05/2024
Dimension bolsters senior team with four new appointments
Dimension said its new hires signal its investment in creative new production techniques for feature films, episodic series, music videos and more By Matthew C...
09/05/2024
How sound (and the technology behind it) can set the tone and enhance emotions in film and TV
Sefi Carmel, CEO and founder of SphereTrax, talks about the importance of the so...
09/05/2024
Sony and Apollo plan to break up Paramount'
Companies are expected to sell off Paramounts linear channels as well as close Paramount Plus By Jenny Priestley Published: May 9, 2024 Updated: May 10, 20...
08/05/2024
Post production houses adopt Cleanfeed Cinema solution
The solutions in-browser stream focuses on low latency, making it suited to low bandwidth scenarios By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 8, 2024 The solutio...
08/05/2024
TAG unveils subtitling language detection feature
Driven by algorithms, the solution performs a quality analysis informed by language-specific dictionaries By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 8, 2024 Drive...
08/05/2024
Mobilelinks acquires 2 SAT Europe to increase SNG truck fleet
The increase in fleet size will reduce travel distances, aligning with sustainability goals, said Mobilelinks By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 8, 2024 T...
08/05/2024
Arqiva adds Caroline Cardozo and James Lelyveld to technology team
The company said the new arrivals would drive collaboration and technological transformation across key business units By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 8, ...
07/05/2024
Maximising resources: Keys to POST Luxembourg's success in the evolving media landscape
POST Luxembourgs journey with TAG Video underscores how finding a vendor who und...
03/05/2024
Limecraft updates content delivery platform
Enhancements to its Delivery Workspace solution provide increased content delivery robustness and security By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 3, 2024 Enha...
03/05/2024
Sony and Apollo submit $26 billion bid for Paramount Global
According to reports, if the bid is successful, Sony would be the significant majority shareholder of the new private company By Jenny Priestley Published: M...
03/05/2024
Global Academy launches Manchester media school
Located in Manchesters Spinningfields district, the course aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge and industry insight for a career in the creative s...
02/05/2024
Can AI find a way to reduce the broadcast industry's energy consumption?
OpenDrives Trevor Morgan asks if AI has the answer to making data centres for the media and entertainment industry more sustainable By Contributor Published:...
02/05/2024
Former BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh joins EMG / Gravity Media
Charlie Cubbon has also been appointed chief operating officer By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 2, 2024 Updated: May 7, 2024 Charlie Cubbon has also b...
01/05/2024
NXTGENbps powers Molinare's Notorious DIT
NXTGENbps battery solutions are designed to replace diesel generators and offer silent, emission-free power for various applications in film, TV, outside broadc...
01/05/2024
NXTGENbps powers Molinaire's Notorious DIT
NXTGENbps battery solutions are designed to replace diesel generators and offer silent, emission-free power for various applications in film, TV, outside broadc...
01/05/2024
Amazon CEO: AWS has multi-billion dollar revenue run rate in AI already
Sales rose to $25bn during the first three months of 2024, up 17 per cent year-on-year By Matthew Corrigan Published: May 1, 2024 Updated: May 2, 2024 S...
30/04/2024
Hotspring unveils Slapshot ML-driven rotoscoping solution
Hotspring said the breakthrough had been achieved through the acceleration of machine learning technology By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 30, 2024 Ho...
30/04/2024
SES to acquire Intelsat in $3.1 billion deal
Speaking about the deal, Adel Al-Saleh, CEO of SES, said: it will bring value-added, efficient, and reliable offerings for both companies media customers By Je...
30/04/2024
Bob Bakish officially out at Paramount, new Office of the CEO finalising long-term plan'
Paramount said the Office of the CEO is working with its board to develop a comp...
29/04/2024
BAFTA Television Craft Awards winners announced
The awards celebrate the craft of behind-the-scenes TV talent and the best programmes of 2023 By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 29, 2024 The awards cel...
29/04/2024
Watch: How Milk VFX helped create 259 shots for Netflix's Scoop
The team at Milk had to create and deliver the VFX and environment work for the royal residences featured in the drama from scratch By Jenny Priestley Publis...
29/04/2024
What's going on at Paramount Global?
CEO Bob Bakish is expected to leave the company as early as today, with a new leadership committee likely to run the company on an interim basis By Jenny Pries...
29/04/2024
Meet the director of media and entertainment and strategic products
Albena Ivanova, director, media and entertainment and strategic products at CHAOS talks to TVBEurope about her route into the industry By TVBEurope Staff Pub...
29/04/2024
Anna Valley brand name acquired by AV company Grand Technix
The acquisition gives Grand Technix the opportunity to expand its footprint in the audio visual and broadcast technology sectors By Jenny Priestley Published...
26/04/2024
The Story Collective opens largest film and TV studio in the heart of London
The Story Collective has gradually repurposed the former Mortlake Brewery to include production offices, workshops and sound stages By Matthew Corrigan Publi...
26/04/2024
Richard Perkett joins Amagi as chief product officer
Perkett joins the company following a 25 year career in product management, product marketing, engineering and user experience (UX) across multiple industries ...
25/04/2024
Opinion: charting a cloud driven future
M2A Medias Matt Hughes asks, is it time for news broadcasting to shift to the cloud? By Contributor Published: April 25, 2024 M2A Media's Matt Hughes ...
25/04/2024
Czech mates
The writer and director of a hit Czech series tell Robert Shepherd about their approach to portraying real-life Pakistani kidnappings on the small screen, while...
25/04/2024
Molinaire Creative Group opens new Liverpool facility
Notorious DIT will work with the Liverpool Film Office to increase opportunities for regional talent By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 25, 2024 Updated:...
23/04/2024
Creative UK launches manifesto calling for more investment in creative R&D; revised approach to trade and exports
Entitled Our Creative Future, the manifesto calls for radical new action' t...
23/04/2024
Audiotonix secures landmark' investment
The company has secured investment from private equity firm PAI Partners, which also holds a stake in outside broadcasting company EMG By Jenny Priestley Pub...
23/04/2024
James Cameron backs Marlow Film Studios proposal
Cameron also said he recognised Marlow as a potential UK and European base for his new company, LIGHTSTORM 3D By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 23, 2024 ...
23/04/2024
IBC launches 2024 Innovation Awards with new categories
The five categories cover Content Creation, Content Distribution, Content Everywhere, Social Impact and Environment & Sustainability By Matthew Corrigan Publ...
23/04/2024
Pascal Fratellia leaves Olympics role at EBU
He played a central role in securing key broadcast rights, including the FIFA World Cup 2018 and 2022 By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 23, 2024 He pla...
22/04/2024
Ross Video expands graphics portfolio with Bannister Lake Software acquisition
The Chameleon solution provides access to real-time data from a range of sources, enabling users to construct tickers, L-bars, snipes, web widgets and full fram...
22/04/2024
What happened in Vegas: 2024 edition
TVBEuropes editor Jenny Priestley highlights some of the main talking points at this years NAB Show By Jenny Priestley Published: April 22, 2024 TVBEurope...
19/04/2024
How 1185 Films created the VFX on new horror, All You Need Is Death
Simon Wilkinson, head of VFX at 1185 films, talks about the technology behind the newly-released horror By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 19, 2024 Updat...
19/04/2024
Could Sony be preparing a bid for Channel 5's parent company?
The global electronics company is said to be considering joining forces with investment firm Apollo Management to bid for Paramount Global By Jenny Priestley ...
19/04/2024
EBU report highlights contribution of free-to-air sport broadcasting
The report broke the economic footprint of EBU member sports broadcasting into three main areas By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 19, 2024 The report b...
18/04/2024
How today's storage and memory decisions underpin future creativity
Ann Keefe, Regional Director - UK and Ireland at Kingston Technology, explains how storage and memory decisions made now are underpinning creativity in the futu...
18/04/2024
Escape Studios obtains UKVI licence to support international students
The newly acquired UKVI licence enables Escape Studios to recruit and retain international students By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 18, 2024 Updated: ...
18/04/2024
NAB 2024 popular among first time visitors
Attendees from more than 163 countries were present, including 34 delegation buying groups from around the world By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 18, 202...
17/04/2024
Colorfront showcases upgrades across product range
Colorfront has introduced AI vision-analysis tools to assist master QC operations with detecting framing anomalies, dead pixels, bright titles and sparkles By ...
17/04/2024
Meet the Founder and director
By TVBEurope Staff Published: April 17, 2024 Updated: April 18, 2024 Rory Springthorpe, founder and director at outside broadcasting company Vivid Broadc...
16/04/2024
Adobe previews generative AI tools to streamline professional video workflows
New generative AI tools will enable users of Adobe Premiere Pro to streamline editing all videos, including adding or removing objects in a scene or extending a...
16/04/2024
Atomos appoints Daniel Moore as new chief technical officer
Moore has led the development effort for over 20 products in the AV space By Matthew Corrigan Published: April 16, 2024 Moore has led the development effo...
16/04/2024
UNIT deliver picture post and colour grade for new BBC1 drama series
Coles enhanced colour separation, adding shape and depth to the characters through the use of a soft highlight and shadow roll off, and embracing the natural te...
15/04/2024
SiliconCore adds to XR range with new 1.2mm XR LED Display
SiliconCores patented Common Cathode driver chip delivers frame rates of 240 Hz and a refresh rate of 7680Hz, enabling slow motion, multi-camera view and multip...