 |
www.rmjfilming.com
|
For the last Professional Studies lecture, a successful camera
operator called Tom Hooker presented a talk about what his job entails and
advice for us breaking into the industry. Tom Hooker is a freelance camera
professional working primarily for the BBC. After graduating from Bournemouth
University, he started out as a trainee on cameras. This apparently involved a
lot of tea and coffee making! His advice given was to show your potential
constantly. For him this was fixing a problem with some equipment that the
director couldn’t solve. He told us that getting your ‘first break’ is the
hardest step but once you are in, finding work gets easier.
He stated that he spent 4 years emailing the
National History department in Bristol before he got his interview resulting in
the job he has today. Hearing what Tom’s working life as a camera operator
consisted of did put me off a little. He talked about the long, unpredictable
hours. He did 12 weeks solid work, with only a few days off a fortnight. Yet on
the plus side you are doing something you love, getting paid well, travelling
the world, and producing amazing bits of television. I am not blind to know
that you have to work incredibly hard in this industry to become a successful
freelancer. As much as I would love to start my own company, hearing about
Tom’s experiences made me fully see the positives of working for a big
corporation. Such as, the expensive kit available, stability, bigger budgets,
security, and the travel opportunities. Once I graduate I will hopefully have a
clear idea of what sector of Television I wish to go. As Tom expressed that you
need perseverance and persistence to get the job you want is essential. Then
when within an organisation it is important to show your passion and not to shy
away into the background, be noticed. Having personality and likeability is
also a huge bonus. Listening to Tom Hooker really gave me an insight into
Camera Freelancing and was inspiring.
