“I’m just over three years into my current role as a staff Senior Camera Journalist (Camera operator and editor) based in China for the BBC. It’s a dream job and an extraordinary privilege to be on the ground covering some of the most important stories and events of our time.
“I was previously based for a year in Westminster for a production company (Vice Media) producing a special 1-hour BBC Two special documentary following the twists and turns of Brexit inside parliament with the BBC’s Political Editor, Laura Kuenssberg.
“Prior to that, after spending a year washing up dishes in a pub after graduating, I managed to break into the industry gaining access, and then pitching/ field producing stories for the likes of the BBC and ITN during the Europe refugee crisis. I was then able to develop this into a more regular freelance career and move to London for three years before my current role.”
Tell us about your BBC experiences
“One of the best things about my current role in China is being based in a country and a region where there’s always something interesting happening. The great thing about working for the BBC is that it has multiple programmes and platforms which means there’s always a place for a story or idea – and always a way to make it work across different formats. I’ve been given the opportunity to craft some creative pieces of work where I’m continually learning every day, and it’s a lot of fun.
“Some of my most memorable moments are really the moments when I’m seeing a part of history play out in front of my eyes – from protests in Hong Kong to China’s Hubei Province, epicentre of the Covid-19 outbreak, being locked down. In Westminster, I remember filming at the back of the room while leading backbench MPs plotted to bring down Prime Minister Theresa May and her Brexit plan. It really is a privilege to be able to go to places and see things that others don’t.”
How did your BU experience prepare you for your future career?
“The media industry is a multi-skilled environment. Some of the best camera operators are not just people who shoot and edit but people who know how to produce and tell stories. They know how to ask questions and develop stories and access. The course at Bournemouth was not only great at teaching essential technical skills from camera to editing, but also at how to develop and tell stories. Being good at all these skills is essential.”