Skill Review
Since starting UCW Film I have a range of a skills that I have learnt over the years.
This year I have been focusing more on cinematography and editing. My aim is to gain as much experience and skills possible to advance in my career in the film industry.
Cinematography, I have been working on developing my cinematography over the past few years, I have learnt a range of skills while working on film sets. I find it easier for me to learn from watching other people work and testing there knowledge on downtime. I am looking into new and creative ways to use cinematography in my work to make it unique.
I always like to experiment with cameras so I do loads of research into the cameras I have access to, so I can get the full potential out of them. I have experience using a wide range of camera from DSLR's to Cine Cameras. Canon 760D, C100, C200 and C300. Sony FS7
Drone Cinematography, I have recently been researching drone cinematography and ways that I can use it to improve my work. I brought a drone to help me advance my skills and see how I can use it to improve my work. I have used the drone multiple times and I am finally getting used to the controls. DJI Mavic Mini
Gimbal Operator, as a cinematographer I like to experiment with a range techniques. Gimbals are becoming more affordable and reliable. I brought a DJI Ronin S as it is small and lightweight, the gimbal is able to hold a wide range of cameras from DLSR's to small cine cameras.
Editor
I am sufficient in a range of editing software's, Adobe Premiere, Final cut pro and Blackmagic Davinci Resolve. I have been watching many tutorials on how to become a better editor and how to increase my productivity while editing as well. This is key to my work because it allows me to create higher quality work in a shorter amount of time. For my work I am focusing my time learning one software eco-system which is Adobe. Adobe offer a wide range of application which all link together in different ways so you don't have to create loads of different files and composite them together once you have finished.
This year I have been focusing more on cinematography and editing. My aim is to gain as much experience and skills possible to advance in my career in the film industry.
Cinematography, I have been working on developing my cinematography over the past few years, I have learnt a range of skills while working on film sets. I find it easier for me to learn from watching other people work and testing there knowledge on downtime. I am looking into new and creative ways to use cinematography in my work to make it unique.
I always like to experiment with cameras so I do loads of research into the cameras I have access to, so I can get the full potential out of them. I have experience using a wide range of camera from DSLR's to Cine Cameras. Canon 760D, C100, C200 and C300. Sony FS7
Drone Cinematography, I have recently been researching drone cinematography and ways that I can use it to improve my work. I brought a drone to help me advance my skills and see how I can use it to improve my work. I have used the drone multiple times and I am finally getting used to the controls. DJI Mavic Mini
Gimbal Operator, as a cinematographer I like to experiment with a range techniques. Gimbals are becoming more affordable and reliable. I brought a DJI Ronin S as it is small and lightweight, the gimbal is able to hold a wide range of cameras from DLSR's to small cine cameras.
Editor
I am sufficient in a range of editing software's, Adobe Premiere, Final cut pro and Blackmagic Davinci Resolve. I have been watching many tutorials on how to become a better editor and how to increase my productivity while editing as well. This is key to my work because it allows me to create higher quality work in a shorter amount of time. For my work I am focusing my time learning one software eco-system which is Adobe. Adobe offer a wide range of application which all link together in different ways so you don't have to create loads of different files and composite them together once you have finished.
Professional Development Plan
I have been looking into a range of areas and job that I would like to work towards in the industry.
I have been looking in to freelancing as a camera operator and Editor. I have been researching into ways that I can make this possible.
I have been looking into ways that I can properly launch my own production company which I am slowly working up into the public domain. I have been looking into the best way to launch also if it is worth me asking for some help from other members to cut the workload. I have been researching into possible ways to to help develop my LewisJohnStudios (LJS) brand.
I have been looking at ways to protect myself from legal cases. I have been looking at different Unions like Bectu who have a student register for free. I have been also looking at public liability insurance
I have many people that I look up to for inspiration I like to see how they worked there way up to the top and advise they have to offer.
Peter Mckinnon
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3DkFux8Iv-aYnTRWzwaiBA
Devinsupertramp
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwgURKfUA7e0Z7_qE3TvBFQ
Chris Hau
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRte954rw0oeMWFroy_ClAw
Film Riot
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6P24bhhCmMPOcujA9PKPTA
Daniel Schiffer
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjZLzqHYImv4oCJQcZ8Hig
Lizzie Peirce
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWFyJ87FDWxxxWw1BOIwPA
I have been looking in to freelancing as a camera operator and Editor. I have been researching into ways that I can make this possible.
I have been looking into ways that I can properly launch my own production company which I am slowly working up into the public domain. I have been looking into the best way to launch also if it is worth me asking for some help from other members to cut the workload. I have been researching into possible ways to to help develop my LewisJohnStudios (LJS) brand.
I have been looking at ways to protect myself from legal cases. I have been looking at different Unions like Bectu who have a student register for free. I have been also looking at public liability insurance
I have many people that I look up to for inspiration I like to see how they worked there way up to the top and advise they have to offer.
Peter Mckinnon
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3DkFux8Iv-aYnTRWzwaiBA
Devinsupertramp
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwgURKfUA7e0Z7_qE3TvBFQ
Chris Hau
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRte954rw0oeMWFroy_ClAw
Film Riot
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6P24bhhCmMPOcujA9PKPTA
Daniel Schiffer
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwjZLzqHYImv4oCJQcZ8Hig
Lizzie Peirce
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsWFyJ87FDWxxxWw1BOIwPA
Industry Contact Book
Andrew Davies
Grace Fox
Rich Sims
Ceejay Fulmar
Rob Moth
Claire Clements
Gareth Edwards
Grace Fox
Rich Sims
Ceejay Fulmar
Rob Moth
Claire Clements
Gareth Edwards
Portfolio
BTS Videographer - Empty Spaces
I was asked by Nathan, If I would like to work on his final 3rd year film called Empty Spaces as the behind the scenes videographer and possibly the second camera unit.
I took over 20gb of photos and videos on the behind the scenes, I am still currently going through all the files to put it into premiere to create a behind the scenes video for the production.
I took over 20gb of photos and videos on the behind the scenes, I am still currently going through all the files to put it into premiere to create a behind the scenes video for the production.
Cinematographer - Yume De Aimashow
I was asked by Hannah, If i would be interested in working as the cinematographer on her final 3rd year film called Yume De Aimashow. I was sent an initial test video to show the style of shots she was after. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic going around we have unfortunately not been able to
Click on the image to see my client portfolio
UCW Community Day Promotional Video
I was asked to film the UCW community day to help promote the event for next year. I have been currently editing all the footage together to create a high quality video.
I have currently sent 3 rough edits over to the heart team and waiting for a reply 24/03/2020
I have currently sent 3 rough edits over to the heart team and waiting for a reply 24/03/2020
Collaborative Isolation Video for Dochouse competition
Due to use being in isolation due to Covid-19 we were tasked to create a collaborative video based around us being isolated. The whole class was asked to submit videos or photos to include in the video which we would enter into a competition.
I offered to edit the video as it was a good opportunity for me to keep my editing skills up to date and keep my creative mind flowing.
All our footage was uploaded to one drive and used the group chat on teams to communicate. This proved really useful but it would have been even better if it wasn't just the same people messaging and contributing.
Here is the link to the competition site
https://dochouse.org/cinema/screenings/creative-response-self-isolation-competition
I received an email saying that they chose my film as one of the runners up in the competition. I was really happy that my film was chosen and if it wasn't for all the footage sent to me from other students it wouldn't have been possible.
I offered to edit the video as it was a good opportunity for me to keep my editing skills up to date and keep my creative mind flowing.
All our footage was uploaded to one drive and used the group chat on teams to communicate. This proved really useful but it would have been even better if it wasn't just the same people messaging and contributing.
Here is the link to the competition site
https://dochouse.org/cinema/screenings/creative-response-self-isolation-competition
I received an email saying that they chose my film as one of the runners up in the competition. I was really happy that my film was chosen and if it wasn't for all the footage sent to me from other students it wouldn't have been possible.
Rough Edit 1
Wedding Clients
As part of my client work, I actively look for wedding clients. I often get family members tagging me in post on social media of people looking for wedding photographers and videographers.
Below is correspondence between me and potential wedding clients.
Below is correspondence between me and potential wedding clients.
Here is the correspondence for a wedding video edit from the US but unfortunately she never got back to me and wasn't replying to her messages.
Professional Documents
This is my creative CV
My 2020 Showreel
Job Applications
I have been messaging loads of film companies around the area asking if they offer work experience or part time jobs.
I had a reply from Rob at West Coast Films based in Clevedon. I'm currently in the process of scheduling a meeting with him to discuss what he can offer. Below is all the correspondence we have had so far.
This opportunity has been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic at the moment but hopefully will resume when it passes.
https://www.westcoastfilms.co.uk/
I had a reply from Rob at West Coast Films based in Clevedon. I'm currently in the process of scheduling a meeting with him to discuss what he can offer. Below is all the correspondence we have had so far.
This opportunity has been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic at the moment but hopefully will resume when it passes.
https://www.westcoastfilms.co.uk/
I found a job application on Indeed for a wedding videographer. I made sure my cv was up to date and applied for the role. I didn't hear anything back for a couple weeks so I messaged the company on Facebook to see if they received my application. The correspondence between us is below.
https://www.steelandoakfilm.co/
https://www.steelandoakfilm.co/
Reflective journal
I have been using loads of tutorials to learn new skills and techniques. These tutorials have been really useful as I have been doing loads of food photography and videography.
Throughout this past year I have been trying to find my niche genre of work. I have also been trying to build up my client base but this has been hard due to the pandemic but I have been experimenting with skills and techniques to help develop in the field of camera operating.
I have been practising my skills in gimbal and drone operating, I am really happy with my progress and I have been planning to create tutorial videos to post online to help other budding camera operators also I want to record my progress so I can see how much I have progressed over the past 4 years.
I am really looking forward to the near future as I have quite a few ideas planned which will help me progress and potentially get more clients as well as more job opportunities as I will have more work to show potential employers.
Over the next year I have 2 weddings currently lined up which will go towards my portfolio.
Over the past year I have found load of ways to keep my productivity up to make sure I get all my work complete.
Here are some of the things I have found that help.
Using work as an escape to be able to think and plan ideas from keeping me getting bored or frustrated working a 9 hour shift. I find it is a great way for me to use different things I see or experience to motivate my creative side.
Taking a break to make a drink and chill for a bit before going back to my work, I have also found blasting music helps me concentrate as it helps me block out distractions.
Talking to other people helps me focus and get motivation for my work as everyone has different views on things.
with this being a creative industry, I feel that not only one person can create a project that’s why we work as a team to make our projects or get feedback.
Throughout this past year I have been trying to find my niche genre of work. I have also been trying to build up my client base but this has been hard due to the pandemic but I have been experimenting with skills and techniques to help develop in the field of camera operating.
I have been practising my skills in gimbal and drone operating, I am really happy with my progress and I have been planning to create tutorial videos to post online to help other budding camera operators also I want to record my progress so I can see how much I have progressed over the past 4 years.
I am really looking forward to the near future as I have quite a few ideas planned which will help me progress and potentially get more clients as well as more job opportunities as I will have more work to show potential employers.
Over the next year I have 2 weddings currently lined up which will go towards my portfolio.
Over the past year I have found load of ways to keep my productivity up to make sure I get all my work complete.
Here are some of the things I have found that help.
Using work as an escape to be able to think and plan ideas from keeping me getting bored or frustrated working a 9 hour shift. I find it is a great way for me to use different things I see or experience to motivate my creative side.
Taking a break to make a drink and chill for a bit before going back to my work, I have also found blasting music helps me concentrate as it helps me block out distractions.
Talking to other people helps me focus and get motivation for my work as everyone has different views on things.
with this being a creative industry, I feel that not only one person can create a project that’s why we work as a team to make our projects or get feedback.
Evaluation
Over the past year, I set myself a wide range of goals related to my chosen job role which is a camera operator. I wanted to explore all the possibilities which were available within this role. I researched into the different aspects of a camera operator and found 3 different roles.
Camera Operator
Drone operator
Gimbal operator
I have a wide range of experience in camera operating as I have been following this career path for the past 3 years and I have worked on a range of film sets and commercial projects.
I believe this has given me a huge insight into how important the camera department is on a film set and how they operate effectively.
The Drone and Gimbal operator roles are the two new roles I have decided to adapt upon and try to improve. To make my experience the best I could be I decided to purchase the DJI Ronin s gimbal and the DJI Mavic Mini drone. These purchases were a big investment for me but they would come in handy while I build my skills in the different roles.
To use a drone commercial I am required to get a license to fly around the UK. As I haven’t obtained the licence yet I cannot fly my drone for commercial reasons but I am able to fly it as a hobbyist so I can still learn how to fly and play around with techniques legally.
As a cinematographer, I’m always doing research into new techniques and equipment which is being released. I am always keen to learn as it helps me build up my portfolio. This would be key once I start working for someone or go freelance.
Over the past year I have worked on a wide range of collaborative and client based projects.
Due to the Pandemic some of my projects I was meant to work on this year have been postponed until next year but this have given me more time to plan out the ideas and how I plan on shooting each project.
The projects I have managed to do this year, I was really pleased with the way that they turned out and I believe that I created them to a high standard. I also received positive feedback from all the projects that I worked on which will help me get potential work in the future.
I have been aiming towards creating my own production company called LewisJohnStudios which I currently run as a small service in my local town. I have been looking into ways that I can turn it into a fully functioning production company. I currently do more client based work but I would like to get into producing shorts.
Each year I create a showreel to showcase my best work to potential employers as a cinematographer. This is vital as all my work is visual. A showreel is the best way for me to put together all my favourite clips and present them. I am able to use my showreel as a selling point and give potential employers a reason why I should get the position. I am really happy with the way that my showreel came out this year as I have worked on some really exciting projects. I was able to show off my ability as well as new skills and techniques I have learnt this past year. Looking back over my showreels, I can tell how much I have progressed within cinematography and it is a really nice way to round up my second year.
Over this past year I have worked on a range of projects. I was asked by Nathan and Grace to work on their film Empty Spaces. The job role I was given was Behind the scenes videographer and Runner. They allowed me to put my own spin on the video and allowed me to do whatever I wanted.
Working on this project it gave me the opportunity to meet and network with a range of people. Also it allowed me to see how people worked together and learn new skills from each other. After 4 days on set I got some amazing footage which I am proud of also I learnt so much and had great fun working with everyone. After production was over I had all positive feedback from Grace (the director).
UCW community Day, I was approached by the HEART team at UCW to film and create a promotional video for their community day so they can use it to promote the event next year. I filmed the event and created an original edit which I sent over to them. They were really happy with the way the footage came out and the edit. They just had a few changes as I didn't originally include some of the clips they liked after looking over the footage. I made the relevant changes to the edit and sent it back to them but we got hit with the pandemic and have had much correspondence since. I will get in contact with them soon to see how they liked the last edit I sent them. Overall I was really happy with the way that the footage and last edit came out. I can’t wait to see the final edit online showcasing the event to the public.
During our time in lockdown I entered the Dochouse competition based around isolation. This was a group project that we did remotely, I was sent loads of footage to create into an edit. I started editing all the footage together and once I was happy with the order and flow of the footage. I started my search for the music, I couldn’t find any royalty free music that fitted this project or didn’t sound generic. In the end I decided to choose bruised by Lewis Capaldi, This song fitted the style of the video and the lyrics fitted the theme of the video as well. After I submitted the video for the competition, I was really happy with the video I had created and pleased with the outcome. A week later I received an email saying that they really liked my video and came runner up and they wanted to use my video on their social media. I was really pleased with this outcome and happy my edit was picked for one of the competition winners.
Over this past year I am really happy with my progress as a camera operator, I believe I have progressed loads within my chosen job role. I have been able to create a wide range of projects to build up my portfolio. I have been given loads of amazing opportunities and I am grateful for them. I have been able to experiment and learn new techniques related to gimbal and drone operating. I am really looking forward to what is coming ahead in the next year, I am preparing myself for possible opportunities in the future and I believe I have a strong portfolio to show potential employers.
Camera Operator
Drone operator
Gimbal operator
I have a wide range of experience in camera operating as I have been following this career path for the past 3 years and I have worked on a range of film sets and commercial projects.
I believe this has given me a huge insight into how important the camera department is on a film set and how they operate effectively.
The Drone and Gimbal operator roles are the two new roles I have decided to adapt upon and try to improve. To make my experience the best I could be I decided to purchase the DJI Ronin s gimbal and the DJI Mavic Mini drone. These purchases were a big investment for me but they would come in handy while I build my skills in the different roles.
To use a drone commercial I am required to get a license to fly around the UK. As I haven’t obtained the licence yet I cannot fly my drone for commercial reasons but I am able to fly it as a hobbyist so I can still learn how to fly and play around with techniques legally.
As a cinematographer, I’m always doing research into new techniques and equipment which is being released. I am always keen to learn as it helps me build up my portfolio. This would be key once I start working for someone or go freelance.
Over the past year I have worked on a wide range of collaborative and client based projects.
- Dirigo
- Cinematographer - Yume De Aimashow
- Empty Spaces - Behind the scenes/ Runner
- UCW Community Day Promotional Video
- Collaborative Isolation Video for Dochouse Competition
- Weddings
Due to the Pandemic some of my projects I was meant to work on this year have been postponed until next year but this have given me more time to plan out the ideas and how I plan on shooting each project.
The projects I have managed to do this year, I was really pleased with the way that they turned out and I believe that I created them to a high standard. I also received positive feedback from all the projects that I worked on which will help me get potential work in the future.
I have been aiming towards creating my own production company called LewisJohnStudios which I currently run as a small service in my local town. I have been looking into ways that I can turn it into a fully functioning production company. I currently do more client based work but I would like to get into producing shorts.
Each year I create a showreel to showcase my best work to potential employers as a cinematographer. This is vital as all my work is visual. A showreel is the best way for me to put together all my favourite clips and present them. I am able to use my showreel as a selling point and give potential employers a reason why I should get the position. I am really happy with the way that my showreel came out this year as I have worked on some really exciting projects. I was able to show off my ability as well as new skills and techniques I have learnt this past year. Looking back over my showreels, I can tell how much I have progressed within cinematography and it is a really nice way to round up my second year.
Over this past year I have worked on a range of projects. I was asked by Nathan and Grace to work on their film Empty Spaces. The job role I was given was Behind the scenes videographer and Runner. They allowed me to put my own spin on the video and allowed me to do whatever I wanted.
Working on this project it gave me the opportunity to meet and network with a range of people. Also it allowed me to see how people worked together and learn new skills from each other. After 4 days on set I got some amazing footage which I am proud of also I learnt so much and had great fun working with everyone. After production was over I had all positive feedback from Grace (the director).
UCW community Day, I was approached by the HEART team at UCW to film and create a promotional video for their community day so they can use it to promote the event next year. I filmed the event and created an original edit which I sent over to them. They were really happy with the way the footage came out and the edit. They just had a few changes as I didn't originally include some of the clips they liked after looking over the footage. I made the relevant changes to the edit and sent it back to them but we got hit with the pandemic and have had much correspondence since. I will get in contact with them soon to see how they liked the last edit I sent them. Overall I was really happy with the way that the footage and last edit came out. I can’t wait to see the final edit online showcasing the event to the public.
During our time in lockdown I entered the Dochouse competition based around isolation. This was a group project that we did remotely, I was sent loads of footage to create into an edit. I started editing all the footage together and once I was happy with the order and flow of the footage. I started my search for the music, I couldn’t find any royalty free music that fitted this project or didn’t sound generic. In the end I decided to choose bruised by Lewis Capaldi, This song fitted the style of the video and the lyrics fitted the theme of the video as well. After I submitted the video for the competition, I was really happy with the video I had created and pleased with the outcome. A week later I received an email saying that they really liked my video and came runner up and they wanted to use my video on their social media. I was really pleased with this outcome and happy my edit was picked for one of the competition winners.
Over this past year I am really happy with my progress as a camera operator, I believe I have progressed loads within my chosen job role. I have been able to create a wide range of projects to build up my portfolio. I have been given loads of amazing opportunities and I am grateful for them. I have been able to experiment and learn new techniques related to gimbal and drone operating. I am really looking forward to what is coming ahead in the next year, I am preparing myself for possible opportunities in the future and I believe I have a strong portfolio to show potential employers.