Lee Byatt

Day two of industry week and I went to watch Lee Byatt. Lee has been a camera operator for about 15 – 20 years and he gave us the ten top tips for working in the media industry and they are:-

1.       Never let your guard down

·         Be proactive, be willing and if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing STOP and do something different.

2.       ABC (Always Be Closing)

·         Don’t rest your laurels. There is always something you could be learning whether that is new kit, new techniques or experimentations. Take your camera out film something and put it on YouTube. If you don’t try you don’t know.

3.       Don’t get slack

·         Laziness is EVIL and it can compromise the quality of your work, always take your time this will help you get the best results. If you make a mistake own up to it and move on. Lee told us that this saves time, stops getting you in trouble when people find the truth and telling the truth makes you look good. He also said the main rule is just DON’T LIE!

4.       Don’t be a DICK

·         Understand that you will have to work with people, people can be idiots. Make sure you’re not one of them, half the job is dealing with colleagues some of which you may not like, and you will also have to deal with public which also can be idiots. Grow a thick skin and remember at the end of the day you get to go home and can relax and forget about the idiots you have had to deal with.

5.       Get use to slumming g it

·         If you like home, sleep or a quiet life them the media industry is not for you.

6.       Get a driving license

·         Lee told us that having a driving license is essential, he also told us when you get your license not to lose it because then you lose your ability to earn money.

7.       Can you edit? What software?

·         Final Cut, Avid or Quantel

8.       If you love your kids, you have to learn to kill them

·         Obviously he doesn’t mean you have to kill your kids, he was telling us even though you love the work you have been filming when it comes to edit it ‘trust your gut’, don’t be afraid to cut it down.

9.       ABC2: The Return

·         Editing is a show reel, make sure you get it online, update it and think about using social network sites like Twitter and Facebook and don’t forget YouTube.

10.   Remember…… SMILE!!!

·         See point 5 …….. Don’t be a dick, the industry is very small and reputation is everything and a good reputation will open doors. Always remember be good at what you.

This is some good advice which would help anyone trying to make it in the film and Television industry.

By Corey Hatton Level 2 student in Film and Television.