I joined Back2Back Productions in July 2010 and things have been going well ever since. Back2Back is a small production company based in Brighton, and after working a couple of days a week free for a few weeks I finally persuaded them to take me on full time. I thought I would just be a production assistant but they were quite impressed by my skill base so I was thrown in the deep end and made a fully-fledged Assistant Producer.
My first project was working on Seal the Deal: The Road to Copenhagen for CNBC - it was an eight episode series (each episode contained 4 companies promoting environmentally friendly initiatives in the build up for COP15). For each company, I had to build up a working relationship and after some research, write a six minute script, plan all the filming, call sheets... (it was a never ending list of tasks).... until a six minute film was completed.
Through the project, I got to go and help on film shoots in Switzerland, Denmark, and Russia. I also learned how to shoot on the DSR500 and the stuff I shot was broadcast, which was great. Although, my particular highlight was filming at the Nike shop in London and receiving a free pair of trainers!!
I was assistant producer for Christmas Carols for the Troops which was fronted by Sir Trevor McDonald and broadcast on ITV1 on Christmas Eve - 60mins long (one of the very few programs broadcast without ad breaks). I also filmed the opening shot for the title sequence, which was seen by 3.2 million viewers.
My most recent project was working on Dom Joly and the Black Island (Channel 4 at 7:30pm on the 5th March 2010). My official credit was Assistant Producer but I was also soundman, 2nd cameraman, driver and I also make a cameo in the film as Captain Haddock!! Working on set was amazing and well, getting drunk with Dom Joly was a lot of fun!
At the moment I am working on a number of short promos for 'ideas' that we are pushing to various broadcasters. I hope things continue as well as they have so far!
The Documentary Film and Television course at Newport really helped me build up a skill base and enthusiasm that has helped me get this kind of work.