Current Experience

                                                               Karma Creative 

Before I share all my new experiences and some of the problems I’ve encountered in my third and final year, I just wanted to talk about some of my current work experience that I’ve done so far. I have already done a lot of relevant work, both paid and unpaid. Some of my roles have included working as a Data Wrangler, Technical & Production Runner, Production Assistant, Editor and as a Camera Assistant.  I’ve worked on over 30 shoots so far.  I’ve really enjoyed working on these shoots and have learnt a whole range of things from prepping kits, meeting clients, setting up kits on location and knowing basic data wrangling and editing techniques.  However, my passion lies in the Camera Department, as I really enjoy the work and hope to become a camera operator one day.  

I got a ‘camera trainee’ job last year at a company called Karma Crew who do a whole range of things, but mostly do sports and commercial content.  Some of their top clients include the BBC, ITV1, Channel 4, Sky and BT sports. I learnt a huge amount while I was there and I’ve gained a huge amount of experience on the shoots.  Part of my job was to pre-pare shoots and make sure all the kit was ready for the DOP’s to pick up. This was great because I got to grip with all the equipment in the kit room. Some of things which I had to do if a Kit comes in, or goes out, is to make sure all the kit is there and nothing is missing. This is brilliant, as I’ve learnt the logistics of a kit room and how it works. Working out who needs what for each shoot and trying to supply multiple shoots if they’re all being shot on the same day. 

The cameras which I have been trained on to assist DOP’s, are the Canon C300, Sony F5, Sony F3, PMW-500, Canon XF305 and Red Epic (Dragon). I am fairly confident in using these cameras now, except for the Red Epic (Dragon), as the system is a lot more complicated and I didn’t quite get my head around the set-up.  Other equipment which I'm pretty familiar with now is lighting, as I’m pretty confident now setting up LED Flo's, Lite Panel's, Kino Flo Divas, HMI 575, Arri 300 and 600. Other useful things I have learnt are how to use all the various pieces in a grip kit, which is incredibly helpful when you are trying to hide the light from the camera! (e.g. attaching a 300 watt ‘dedo’ light with a magic arm to a Green screen drape as a backlight). 

This has been the most progressive period in my work experience and I hope to join them again, or a similar company after I graduate.  After this ended in late March, I have done a few freelance jobs, working as technical runner. My experience at Karma Creative, has helped me immensely, in terms of knowledge, ability and confidence on set.