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Film Crew  Andy

“ People will be watching the films we make now in 100 years time ”
Who?

Andy Parsons, 38

My job
I've run my own production company since 2002 with my mate, Tim.
Did you do any practical learning qualifications at school?
No, I learned all my skills on the job. I do think access to equipment at school would help as kids could get hands-on experience actually filming stuff.
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My best bits

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  • What a day! I've been up filming in a helicopter - I felt like James Bond
    mon, 09 aug 10
  • Just got the nod that we're going to be filming with Tom Daly soon. It's inspirational working with the Olympic athletes
    wed, 07 apr 10
  • I might be in Usain Bolt's bedroom..!
    tue, 30 mar 10
  • Just had a lesson in Scottish literature from the bloke from Raven!
    fri, 12 mar 10
  • It's important to focus in this job. Sometimes you only get one chance at a shot and you don't want to lose it because you weren't prepared.
    thu, 11 mar 10
  • Just filmed some kids talking about the Olympics. They reckon getting sport involved helps them with maths!
    thu, 04 mar 10
  • In my exams at school I felt my dyslexia held me back but in this career it's not had an effect at all.
    mon, 15 feb 10
  • Get on the internet, on the phone, watch TV programmes and see who the production company was that made it.
    tue, 09 feb 10

My career path:

  • Photography Course
    My dad was a commercial photographer so I learned a lot from him and basic courses at the outset
  • NVQ Level 4 Photography
    If you're serious about photography this course is excellent.
  • Moving Image Society
    I need to keep on top of the latest technology and these courses tell me about the new equipment.

Ask me about my job

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Previous month
February

Studying in a college is not the only way to get ahead in this game - in fact if I had the choice to do a degree or get on and learn the job by actually doing it, I'd take the hands on approach every time.

wed, 02 feb 2011

My job is about telling stories, whether that's a film or a real life documentary. If you're interested in something, get hold of a camera and start filming, you'll learn everything else as you go.

fri, 28 jan 2011

The number one thing most people look for in an employee is passion. If you've got that drive, people will see it. Find what makes you passionate and make it happen for yourself.

wed, 26 jan 2011

We've been documenting London 2012 from the beginning, it's amazing to think in just one year, the Olympics will be here!

fri, 21 jan 2011

Start the new year with a job. Get on the phone, call up tv production companies and ask about being a runner. That call could change your life.

thu, 20 jan 2011
 
Edge.co.uk - Know your options

CloseWho?

Andy Parsons, 38

What inspired you to get into this?
I knew I wanted to be a photographer when I was 13 years old and I got my first picture published that year in the local paper. After that I sold one or two pictures a month and I spent the cash on new film.
What did you do before having your own business?
I worked as a freelance cameraman for 10 years until my friend Tim and I decided we could do things better and started our own business.
Filmed any superstars?
I've interviewed the Prime Minister and Jenson Button – he was a really nice guy. We've had a few diva actresses that are demanding about the light we shoot them in but I wouldn't be so discourteous as to name them!
How did you get on at school?
School for me was a disaster, but I had one teacher who believed in me and told me I could do whatever I wanted to and that I didn’t have to listen to the careers advisor, who kept suggesting jobs I just wasn't interested in.
Did you do any practical learning qualifications at school?
No, I learned all my skills on the job. I do think access to equipment at school would help as kids could get hands-on experience actually filming stuff.
How did you learn the skills needed for your job?
There are loads of courses that show you how to use filming equipment and I took these to work as a freelance cameraman. I still take courses all the time. You've got to keep on top of your game.
What do you need to be good at?
If you're enthusiastic you can do whatever you want. Don’t think you have to go out to college and get a media studies degree to get on in this job, it's all about attitude. Get out there, get a job as a runner, get on as many sets as you can.
Are you always learning?
Not a day goes past where I don't learn something; there's always new kit and new technology to use and you pick things up from people on the job. Every job I do, I learn about five new things.
What does it feel like to be documenting the build up to the London Olympics and Paralympic Games 2012?
It's a dream come true. It is a once in a lifetime event. We're documenting history. I like to think that people will be watching the films we make now in a hundred years time.
Tell us something about your job that might surprise us?
You never know where your next job will take you. You work long days but you get to travel to some brilliant places. Right now, I'm filming wildlife in Scotland. No frills, I've got a tent on top of my car and I camp out in that once a month for a week.
CloseWho?

Andy Parsons, 38

What’s the toughest challenge you’ve faced so far?  Danny Clarke
Hi Darren thanks for the question...There is constant responsibility to do things well, and a never-ending battle with attention to detail. You can't ever get everything perfect, but that's what we aim for.
I'm interested in following in your footsteps! Any advice?  Gaz, 16
You've got to go out there, ask for experience and grab it. No one is going to hand it to you on a plate, especially in this business. It's competitive, you have to be driven.
i was interested in doing somthing like your job but i got told not to bother because there wasnt enough demand, do you think its a good carrer choice and is it hard to get where you are now??  jessica, 15
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