Tell us about your film career so far...what experience do you have? What skills have you development and how? How did you gain the knowledge you currently have?

My first proper introduction to filmmaking was actually through my photography teacher, Greg Dean. I take a lot of my inspiration from my time as a street photographer, I believe there is a merit to trying to find the best situation from the best angle in cinematography. When reading a script I build a room in my head and spin cameras and lights around it until I think of something that fits the emotional beats of the script.

Greg had allowed me to take my A level a year early so I could move from street photography to filmmaking. I spent all the time I could find over the Summers studying all aspects of the industry from animation to editing, photography to documentary making. I took as many short courses as I could at City Academy and St. Martins and I made loads of short films with friends.

I was lucky to be chosen to join the BFI academy then picked by the NFTS/BFI to join their speciality craft skills course where I took on the role of cinematography on the short film ‘Feeling Blue’ which won best under 18 short film at the Kingston International Film Festival.

What challenges have you faced? How have you overcome them?

Like many people (especially after lockdown) anxiety is a common problem for me. I believe the majority of us experience happiness in the same way, but when it comes to sadness or anxiety it can feel completely unique to yourself. The way I process my anxiety is imaging the situation I am in from different perspectives, I have done this since I was a kid and was only until I discovered film making and cinematography that I learned that I had built this catalogue of different perspectives, or shot types, for each emotion and situation in my life. The way I overcome my anxiety is by building it into a scene, almost like I am watching a movie in my head of what's playing out in front of me. what keeps me going is that knowing that every good or bad experience will help towards understanding a new perspective.

What are your career ambitions? What is your plan to get there?

My dream is to become a cinematographer. I am aware that doors can open from anywhere in this industry, So I am not sure on my exact path but I'm looking forward to trying everything that comes my way. I have a feeling that if I keep working with my goal in mind, then one day I will achieve my dream.

What tips and advice do you have for those also on a similar journey trying to establish their film careers?

I would say, be aware of the challenges you will face and what what it would mean to overcome them. Try and become the version of yourself that can be tasked with what ever is thrown your way.