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Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
Updates: Colleges & Business Units | Commercial Outlets and Nurseries
Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
I studied the Film and TV course (2012–2014) and graduated with a D*D*D*.
After leaving the College in 2014, I first worked as an assistant for the Archive Producer at Universal Pictures. This project was for the film Ronaldo (2015). I then became a Camera Assistant at ITV (the London Studios), shooting live/as live programming. We shot entertainment shows such as The Jonathan Ross Show, Alan Carr and Loose Women. After this, I was lucky enough to work on a wildlife documentary with Sir David Attenborough, working as the drone operator for the production (still to be released).
This year I set up my own production company, Palm Productions. We specialise in brand promotion, events and aerial imagery. (We can be found on social media @PalmProsUK.) I’m currently directing and shooting projects for Chris Ingram (Britain's Junior Rally Champion), Bill’s Restaurant, Bombay Sapphire, Whitefriars Canterbury and Savills. As a young company, maintaining a flawless portfolio to build our clientele is crucial. We hope to soon be working with renowned car manufacturers (I can’t say who at the moment) and popular music festivals (again I need to keep this confidential).
Having come from private education and received a fairly traditional upbringing, going to college was a big decision for me. I was faced with the option of continuing my academic studies at school or coming to the College to chase my passion. I knew if I was to do this, I was going to have to work hard to make the decision of going to college viable, so I knuckled down during my time here and fully immersed myself within the course. The support and guidance I received from my lecturers, especially Jenny Blackman, was invaluable. The hard work over the two years paid off and I got into the University of Westminster, my first choice. If it wasn’t for the Film & TV course at the College, I wouldn’t have been as prepared as I was for uni, nor would I have got in (well it would have been unlikely!). Consequently, if I hadn't have got in, I wouldn’t be where I am today – I can guarantee that.
Freelancing works perfectly for me as it allows me to be completely in control of my life. Every week that passes is different, which is great because the job always remains exciting. I could be in London on a fashion shoot one day and then fly to Portugal the next day for an extreme sports event.
I would say if you want to freelance, discipline is the biggest factor. Working for yourself can make it easy to be loose in direction sometimes and become lazy, but if you want it bad enough like I did/do, then keep persevering. It’s a unique lifestyle, but I can promise you it’s completely worth it. I would also suggest you maintain the attitude of "You’re only as good as your last job", so make sure you always keep a positive work ethic and attitude because the people you work with will most likely remember you. You’ll be surprised how often you work with the same people in the industry and if you don’t put your full effort and attention into a job, people remember this and it can affect your reputation/future success.
My intention for the future is to expand Palm Productions into a larger team and continue to work on bigger budget projects for a wide variety of well-known brands. We want to be at the top of the game for the services we offer.
