“I was always being annoying, trying to work out how shots were done, rather than just watching the film.”

This month, we’re spotlighting Danny Rowntree, an emerging filmmaker building his early career through hands-on training, independent productions, and a growing focus on camera and post-production roles.

Watch Danny’s Showreel:

What’s your film career been like to date?

“Film has always been part of my life. Growing up, Friday nights were film nights in our house, and I was always being annoying, trying to work out how shots were done, rather than just watching the film. That naturally led into making videos, studying Creative Media Production, and then going on to study Directing and Cinematography at Pinewood, where I’ve developed my practical filmmaking skills in a much more production-focused environment. Alongside training, I’ve built experience through a mix of paid and independent video and editing work, while actively looking for opportunities to get onto real productions wherever I can. I’ve recently secured an opportunity to work on an independent feature film across grip and camera roles.”

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

“One of the biggest challenges has been moving from training and project experience into actual on-set opportunities. The industry is incredibly competitive at entry level, and it feels like you need experience to get experience. I quickly realised that waiting around for the perfect opportunity wasn’t the best approach, so I’ve focused on creating opportunities wherever I can rather than just hoping the right one appears. Smaller indie opportunities can be very valuable because you’re gaining practical on-set experience, learning how crews work and how productions run, and meeting the right people. I’ve learnt a lot through practical experience. During a music video project, for example, I was filming scenes involving a mounted car rig and reflective surfaces, which taught me how important it is to properly quality-check footage on set. Small things like reflections of crew or kit can create much bigger problems later in post, so it made me think much more carefully about technical detail and how decisions on set affect the whole production process.”

What are your career ambitions?

“I’m drawn to the technical and visual side of filmmaking, especially camera work, post-production (particularly colour grading), and the role of the DIT because it bridges the two. I’ve always been really interested in the way films look and feel, and how technical decisions shape that. Whether that’s camera movement, lighting, colour, or the choices made in post, those details can completely change how something connects with an audience. That’s probably why I’ve naturally gravitated towards this side of filmmaking. I enjoy the problem-solving just as much as the creative side, whether that’s trying to achieve a certain look, understanding how footage moves through the production process, or shaping something in the edit. Right now, the plan is to keep building real industry experience, learn from people already working in the industry, and keep developing my technical skills through real, practical experience.”

What tips and advice do you have for others starting out?

“I would say don’t wait until you feel completely ready. A lot of what I’ve learnt has come from doing things, making mistakes, and figuring things out along the way rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. Also, be proactive. Reach out to people, keep building your own portfolio of work, and don’t assume opportunities will just appear on their own. Don’t dismiss smaller opportunities just because they’re unpaid or not with huge companies or major productions. If you’re getting experience, learning something useful, or meeting the right people, it’s still valuable. And probably the biggest thing is not taking rejection personally. It’s just part of the process.”

Connect with Danny Rowntree

Website: https://rowntreedanny.wixstudio.com/portfolio

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-rowntree-3690062a9

Instagram: @dannyrowntreefilm

YouTube: @DannyRowntreeFilm

Join MFJF

Join My First Job in Film to access opportunities, monthly CV clinics, connect with other filmmakers, and start building your career in the industry.

If you’re looking for a bit more structured support, MFJF Pro offers additional job listings, workshops, and 1-1 mentoring with industry professionals to help you take your next steps with more clarity.

You can get 50% off your first subscription with code: BLOG
https://myfirstjobinfilm.com/UK/signup