Portfolio
2wenty’s Naughty Reunion 2011
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony PMW-EX3
- Production Software used: None (event)
- Lighting types: On-Camera LED light, stage lights
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming, cable bashing, vision mixing, sound recording
- Production Types: Live event
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online promo videos, DVDs for attendees, promo DVDs for company
Details
I was hired by Acrobat TV to assist at 2wenty’s Naughty Reunion 2011, a 3 day event that included performances from many different famous acts. Nearly all acts were interviewed backstage about their time at the event, as well as attendees during the day. I had various roles, the most prominent being the sound recordist in the PSC (Portable Single Camera) crew, followed by cable bashing (making sure cables were not tripping up acts on stage, and that they were long enough for the operators), vision mixing (3 cameras operational at the time), and camera operation (pit camera, wide shot, and on-stage).
I worked with several different operators and crew members, all of whom were fantastic and helped me get up to speed with different things. I’ll certainly be back next year if at all possible!
A selection of pictures are available on my Facebook profile.
Revolution Halloween Party Video
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E, Sony PD175
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera LED light, ambient club lights
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming, teamwork (2 operators)
- Production Types: Promotional Video
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for use on Facebook page
Details
For the Halloween party at Revolution, an event video was called for that reflected the atmosphere of the night, plus all the special effects that were available. This was dutifully covered by myself and a second operator, Hayley Young, and was edited into a 2 minute video that is available online.
The video is currently awaiting review, and will be available shortly.
Revolution Preston Promotional Video
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera LED light, ambient club lights
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming
- Production Types: Promotional Video
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for use on Facebook page
Details
Revolution wanted a sharp, fast-paced promotional video to reflect the style of their bar over the 2011 Fresher’s period. I spent around 5-6 hours gathering footage on different nights, and then completed the edit shortly afterwards. The video is now live, and can be viewed on this page.
MACs Promotional Video
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera LED light, ambient club lights
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming
- Production Types: Promotional Video
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for promotional use
Details
I was hired in by promo company Freedom of Creation, to produce a video for a client of theirs, MACs. I spent a night working between two venues, MACs and Assembly, to produce a promotional video of what their club provided during the 2011 Fresher’s period. The video is available for viewing online, by arrangement. Please contact me to get access.
EditPost Photography Promotional Video
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera LED light, Photography Studio lighting (ambient)
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming
- Production Types: Promotional Video
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for use on EditPost’s blog and YouTube channel.
Details
Using footage from Bond Night, where I had the chance to meet Wayne Jarratt at EditPost, I created a promotional video for use on his brand new website. He wanted emphasis on client interaction, and the fact that they were all having a great time whilst having their photo taken. Whilst this is something that can be vouched for in written testimonials, it is often preferred to see something that happened in real life, which is where the video comes in useful.
The video will be seen on Wayne’s website as soon as he puts it up.
Roejahn Dennis
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Soundbooth CS4, Adobe Encore CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera for interviews.
- Specialist Skills Used: Audio Recording, Interviewing
- Production Types: Interview
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for sharing on social networks, and DVD for family memory box.
Details
Roejahn Dennis passed away on 11th March 2010. Initially, in 2010, I created a memorial video filled with messages from his friends. In 2011, I created a video with professionally recorded audio message overlaid onto slow motion footage of the contributors. After this, in the same video, a photo montage in chronological order was followed by an extended group discussion using prompter questions. I was aiming for as natural look as possible to fit the theme of the video.
I have since heard from Roejahn’s mother, who expressed her thanks to me for creating the video, and also told me that it had comforted her through some of her darkest moments. I am honoured to have created a video that had that effect, but at the same time, I wish that the circumstances could have been totally different.
Rest in Peace Roejahn.
Kimberley Seddon Promo Film
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: None (filming only)
- Lighting types: Ambient (overcast), On-Camera for interviews.
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming, Arctic filming (it was freezing!)
- Production Types: Sports coverage, Interview
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for sharing on social networks, and DVD for sending to universities in America.
- My involvement was limited to covering a single game, Steve Wright shot additional footage, and edited the package together.
Details
During an exceptionally cold day, I shot a match between Salford and Accrington ladies football teams, in order to gain some footage of Kimberley Seddon, who is trying to obtain a football scholarship in America. I covered the game, and also shot three short interviews post-match.
The finished video will be linked to once it is available.
GMPA Bread and Butter Launch
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E (Shot on SD MiniDV tapes)
- Production Software used: (Filming only)
- Lighting types: On-Camera LED, Ambient Lighting
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming, interviewing, cinéma vérité
- Production Types: Interviewing, Event
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online Video
Details
I was hired in for a three hour event in the evening, which was an exhibition at the Lowry. Throughout the night, I was on a second-unit role, gathering extra shots of the building and crowd, and also filming interviews with the public and attendees. I shot in a cinéma vérité style, referring to the almost ‘funky’ style of shots that people can make – for example, quick zooms, random movements, to give the video a certain ‘edge’. This would contrast perfectly with the static tripod shots, manned by staff from the GMP Press Office.
The video was edited and made available on YouTube.
Bond Night
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Soundbooth CS4, Adobe Encore CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera, Lighting Engineer controlled stage lights
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming
- Production Types: Documentary, Event
- Output Medium/Target Audience: DVD with accompanying online trailer
- Sound recorded by Sound Engineer to MiniDisk, then converted to MP3
Details
Bond Night hit the Britannia Country House Hotel on 16th October 2010 in full swing for over 6 hours. During filming, I captured the atmosphere of the guests, as well as a variety of entertainment, including the speeches, Sean Connery appearance, Shirley Bassey tribute act, casino, and even a Burlesque act.
The video is now available on DVD for purchase. Please contact Andrea Cairns for more details.
Working Life TV
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000E
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Soundbooth CS4, Adobe Encore CS4, Adobe After Effects CS4
- Lighting types: On-Camera
- Specialist Skills Used: Shoulder-mounted filming, Interviewing
- Production Types: Documentary, Interviews
- Output Medium/Target Audience: DVD with accompanying online trailer
Details
As part of an A Level AQA Baccalaureate, I took on the Working Life TV project – a series of episodes which aims to help GCSE level pupils have a clearer picture about different careers. In the sample episode I created, I filmed a radiographer for a day (plus interview), and interviewed a dentist.
Post production took a number of weeks because of the amount of footage to sort through, but eventually the DVD was completed. The MD of the radiographer’s company said the product was excellent and very well produced.
Ed Miliband – Question and Answer Session Coverage + ENG style recording
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: Ambient/Outside
- Production Types: Event Coverage, Electronic News Gathering
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online Video for use in campaign
Details
Ed Miliband invited members of the public to Manchester Town Hall to ask him questions relating to his policies, and his bid to become Labour Party Leader. As the only cameraman there, I had to ensure that I maximised the amount of footage I shot, whilst incorporating variety, usable footage, and above all a realistic recording.
Live at the Marquee
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Camera used: Sony HD1000
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: Ambient lighting and talent-provided spotlights
- Production Types: Charity Event/Party
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online Video (YouTube) for sharing amongst parents and attendees. Also for publicity purposes by the talent present.
Details
Live at the Marquee is a chance for parents of boys at St Ambrose College to unwind towards Summer. Unlike previous years where bands formed in the school played in front of other pupils, this year SAPA (St Ambrose Parents’ Organisation) chose to book two professional acts (Adam Glover, and Party Siempre), and invite parents along instead.
I attended the event for around 4 hours in total, filming almost continuously to capture the atmosphere, and the entertainment (including the one-night-only ‘Dad Dancing’ and ‘Play Your Cards Right’).
The video is currently in post-production, this post will be updated with the video when it has been completed.
St Ambrose College Speech Night 2010
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony HD1000, JVC GY-HD200, Sony PD150 (Wide Angle Adapter)
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Encore CS4
- Lighting types: Managed stage lighting (Bridgewater Hall)
- Production Types: Large audience music performances and presentations
- Output Medium/Target Audience: DVD for archival purposes, and for purchase by parents.
Details
St Ambrose College Speech Night is held annually, and is based upon the previous years’ work (i.e. 2009-2010 Academic Year). The recording of the 2010 Speech Night involved 3 cameras – the PD150 and the JVC were setup on opposite sides of the side circle, providing a static shot of the main podium, and an operator-controlled shot of the whole of the stage. Both shot in standard definition and were mounted on tripods.
I operated the Sony HD1000 from the rear of the stalls. Shooting in HD, this was used as the main angle and for audio – the quality of the sound turned out to be fantastic, and a testament to the school’s orchestra.
After the event, the footage was captured, had brief edits applied to tidy it up and incorporate extra angles, and was finally burned to DVD for archival purposes.
The two videos above were entirely shot by myself, using handheld/shoulder-mounted footage from rehearsals to back up the main video. Unfortunately, during Man in the Mirror, I suffered a tape dropout, hence the audio issues and the brief loss of picture, which I covered by fading around it.
Help for Heroes – Multicamera Production
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Camera used: Sony HD1000, JVC GY-HD200E, Sony PD150, Sony Handycams and fan footage
- Sound equipment: Edirol R-09HR
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Encore CS4, Adobe Soundbooth CS4, Adobe OnLocation CS4
- Lighting types: Daylight for the most part, followed by a single redhead with barndoors for interviews.
- Production Types: Multi-camera Sport Coverage, Interviews
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online Highlights video for sharing between fans and attendees
Details
I organised a team of 2 photographers, 2 interviewers, and 4 cameras (1 manned by myself) for the day of the match, following a period of planning and organisation. Throughout the day, the team kept in contact via 2-way radios, and filmed almost constantly. 2 unmanned, static cameras were positioned at each goal, and one camera was set into the traditional position on scaffolding. This was manned by a colleague of mine. I then manned my own camera, which consisted of some initial shoulder-mounted filming, followed by tripod-based filming from various positions around the pitch. I also provided coverage of the teams and match officials entering and exiting the pitch, as well as directing the interviews which took place afterwards.
Unfortunately, the hard drive onto which the recorded footage was saved onto crashed shortly after finishing an initial edit of the footage, hence the lower-than-usual quality video above. In reality, a longer video was to be created with more match clips, and full interviews with the WWII veterans.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Dramatical Production Recording
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Camera used: Sony HD1000
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4, Adobe Encore CS4, Adobe Soundbooth CS4, Adobe OnLocation CS4
- Lighting types: Comprehensive Theatre lighting with Follow spot
- Production Types: Drama Production, Behind the Scenes Documentary, DVD Production
- Output Medium/Target Audience: DVD for pupils at the school to keep as a memento.
Details
I filmed over 3 nights (3 different angles), and compiled these different angles into a single cut. The final version was authored onto a DVD, after creating a menu with chapter/scene navigation, information titles, and a behind-the-scenes documentary-style video. This included interviews with key characters/actors.
A copy of the DVD is available on request, and a preview may be able to be uploaded soon. Due to the nature of the production (involving children), I need to have various permissions from the school before I can display parts online.
Explosive Entertainments Promotional Video
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: Sony PD150
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: Ambient, Strobe Lights
- Specialist Skills Used: Handheld filming
- Production Types: Event, Corporate Video
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online video for promotional use
Details
I filmed Explosive Entertainments during a Christmas Party, at which they were providing the entertainment. I used this footage, along with other footage provided by the group, to create a video that could be used to promote their services to a worldwide audience.
Altrincham Grammar School for Boys – Bond Night
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Camera used: Sony DSR PD150 (with Wide Angle ring adapter)
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS4
- Lighting types: Follow spot, low-level floodlights
- Production Types: Fashion Catwalk, Charity Event
- Output Medium/Target Audience: Online Video (YouTube) for sharing amongst pupils at the school and those that attended the event
Details
Bond Night was in November 2009, and I attended the whole night with the PD150. The first half of the night was a fashion catwalk, with a follow spot and low level floodlights, to create a good atmosphere, set up by the lighting technician David Stansby at AGSB. During the catwalk, I was positioned at the end of the runway, where the two photographers were.
After the catwalk, there was an auction, which comprised of items that were signed or donated by people associated with James Bond. This was hard to film as it was a single-camera operation, and meant I had to cover the auctioneer, as well as the bidders. During the rest of the night, I briefly interviewed the organisers asking what they thought the night had gone like, and the casino games that were in the style of Casino Royale.
The final cut was an approximately 4 minute highlight reel, showing different parts of the night, and can be seen below. Please remember to choose the highest quality possible, otherwise you may be disappointed with the sound detail!
Barnado’s TurnAround Project
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: JVC GY-HD200E
- Production Software used: Filming only
- Lighting types: 2 x Red Head
- Specialist Skills Used: Lighting
- Production Types: Puppeting-back to pre-recorded interview audio.
- Output Medium/Target Audience: DVD for use by Barnado’s TurnAround.
Details
In 2009 I was asked by Steve Wright, and his colleague Simon Kerrigan, to assist in producing the visual side of a DVD they were making. They had already interviewed via audio the subjects, but because of the nature of the topics, the identities had to be hidden in the final production. Because both Steve and Simon are highly experienced puppeteers, even appearing on Dragon’s Den, the natural choice was to puppet-back to this pre-recorded audio, and arrange it in the edit suite.
On the day, I travelled to Huddersfield, and set up at the location, which was sometimes quite restrictive in terms of space. Many interesting shots were gained, even if the lighting was a challenge!
Changing Faces
Quick Facts for Producers/Directors
- Cameras used: JVC GY-HD200E, Sony DSR PD150
- Production Software used: Adobe Premiere Pro CS2, Adobe Soundbooth/Audition
- Lighting types: Redheads, Chroma Lighting, On-camera
- Specialist Skills Used: Chroma Key/Particle Screen
- Production Types: Documentary, Drama
- Output Medium/Target Audience: DVD with teaching pack, aimed at KS3/KS4
Details
I started filming when I was 15, in the Changing Faces Project. Originally when I signed up, I was planning on just learning the basics of editing and some web design – instead, I was thrown in at the deep end, being lead cameraman throughout the production of the DVD, and helping with the editing and lighting.
Changing Faces is a group of 12 young people aged 16 to 19, who have created a DVD based on people’s views on terrorism and violent extremism. During 2008, we were recruited by sending in an application form and CV, followed by an interview process, where the original 150 applicants were finalised into the 15 teenagers who started the project.
A video from this project will be available shortly, it is currently awaiting approval from GMPA.
