Hotcams head of engineering, Hugo Santos, explains the value of mentorship and personal development to TVBEurope
By Matthew Corrigan
Published: February 25, 2025
Hotcam's head of engineering, Hugo Santos, explains the value of mentorship and personal development to TVBEurope
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Talk us through an average day in your role?
My day begins with assessing the incoming equipment returns, ensuring that each item is thoroughly checked, serviced, and ready for the next customer. I immediately diagnose and address any issues, conducting repairs quickly and efficiently-nothing leaves our department unless it's in perfect working order.
Hugo Santos, head of engineering at HOTCAM I also spend a lot of time with our junior team members-our assistants and technicians. Preventative maintenance is just as important as repairs, and training the team is the best way to ensure we stay on top of that. In addition, I oversee Hotcam's new industry-facing repairs and servicing department, where we provide technical support to the wider production, rental, and sales communities.
How did you get started in the media industry? After completing two years of mechanical and electrical engineering school, I secured a six-month internship at a rental company that supplied equipment to Portugal's fourth TV channel, EMAV, for everything from soap operas to bullfighting. This experience introduced me to production equipment, and I was fortunate to gain certification from Vinten after working at their factory in the UK. That laid the foundation for a career in an industry I love. Initially, I trained as a tripod engineer and worked with studio pedestals, which helped me develop a solid foundation in precision mechanics. Over time, I expanded my expertise to include cameras, audio kits, and grip equipment. My troubleshooting and repair skills helped me stand out, and working with brands like Sachtler, O'Connor, and Ronford Baker became a key part of my skill set.
Joining Hotcam was a natural progression, allowing me to apply my experience in a high-demand rental environment while mentoring the next generation of technicians.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
My foundation is in mechanical and electrical engineering, which gave me a deep understanding of precision equipment. Over the years, I've pursued specialised training in grip and camera support systems, which has made me one of Europe's leading experts on brands like Sachtler and O'Connor.
But in this industry, learning never stops. We work on a wide range of production equipment, so I constantly update my knowledge to stay ahead of new technological advancements.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry? I love the problem-solving aspect of my job-each day presents a new challenge. Whether I'm diagnosing an issue with a complex camera rig or fine-tuning grip equipment, there's always something new to figure out. When working with grip equipment, I particularly enjoy the hands-on nature of repairing and restoring the mechanics-there's something very satisfying about bringing it back to like-new' condition.
I also enjoy being part of a team that values hard work, precision, efficiency, and innovation. Mentoring junior technicians and watching them grow into skilled professionals is incredibly rewarding.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours? A strong technical foundation is essential, but hands-on experience is just as important. Get familiar with as much equipment as possible, learn from experienced engineers, and always be curious about how things work. This field is all about continuous personal and skill development. Attention to detail is crucial-small issues can make a big impact on production, so it's important to take the time to service and maintain equipment properly. Finally, never underestimate the value of mentorship. Learning from others and sharing knowledge is what keeps the industry moving forward.
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Hotcams head of engineering, Hugo Santos, explains the value of mentorship and personal development to TVBEurope
