Current employer: University of Plymouth, Adam Read Media
Current job title: Production Adviser and Freelancer
Current location: Plymouth
"My course gave me access to the equipment and the facilities I needed to experiment with my video work. Before I came to Plymouth, I had never owned my own camera and now I am experienced with a range of DSLRs, sound equipment and fixtures!"
Has your career path changed since graduation?
I originally decided to come to University to improve my video skills. It’s always been my true passion, and my previous line of work as a wedding videographer was a great introduction to the profession. However, I was almost entirely self-taught and I wanted to focus more on improving myself, my skills behind a camera and create work that I could be truly proud of.
Since graduating, I have become more well-rounded and not just a camera operator. I have improved my direction, my editing and my animating as well as learned a whole host of other marketing-related skills. I feel like my degree was the foundation for all of this and gave me the opportunities I needed to grow and develop.
What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?
I would say working as a freelancer can be challenging. You have to put yourself on the line often and you need a strong online presence, a good work ethic and a lot of luck to find the jobs you need to pay the bills.
I can’t say if I would take the plunge and become a freelancer full-time, but I am happy working on projects alongside my marketing position when I find the time!
What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
In my previous role in the Campaigns team, I’ve played a part in creating a number of advertising campaigns. Some of my creations include digital banners, animations to go on the House screen on campus, videos to promote open days at the University and I even created the University’s first ever Snapchat ad! One of the most impressive things I’ve done was to even animate a section of a video that ended up being shown in cinemas around the country – hopefully one day my own work will be played on the big screen!
What, if anything, would you do differently if you could?
I would take advantage of even more opportunities that the University and the Student’s Union has to offer. There are so many events and clubs that you can join – I wish I had joined one in my first year instead of waiting!
What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?
Don’t get discouraged - with practice you will always improve. Do some research into new techniques, your competitors, your inspirations and put them into practice! You will definitely surprise yourself with what you’re capable of.
How did studying at Plymouth help you?
My course gave me access to the equipment and the facilities I needed to experiment with my video work. Before I came to Plymouth, I had never owned my own camera and now I am experienced with a range of DSLRs, sound equipment and fixtures!
What is your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?
In my second year, I directed a group project to create a multimedia marketing campaign for a YCN live brief. It was a large project that involved setting up a film shoot in the Levinsky Gallery, sourcing props and working with acting students. It was a lot of hard work, but it was really rewarding to get an insight into the work that goes into creating a marketing campaign (something that definitely came in handy for my current job!).
I was so excited to hear that our project had been commended and we were all invited to the YCN student awards in London. This was a huge achievement as we were competing against entries from all over the UK and Europe, and at the ceremony we were announced as overall winners for our particular brief! It was a great evening and we even had the chance to meet and talk to the company we created the campaign for, and find out what they enjoyed about our work.
Do you stay in touch with other University of Plymouth alumni or lecturers?
I made so many friends at university and it’s great that a lot of us still stay in touch. I’ve kept in touch with some of my lecturers and met with them at events and awards evenings since graduating.
Would you recommend undertaking a course with the University of Plymouth, and why?
Coming to Plymouth to study was the best decision of my life – since moving here, I now consider the city my home and I don’t want to leave!
You will make so many friends during your studies and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with the Student’s Union, sports clubs and societies and the huge range of events on offer.
Is there anything else which you would like to share with our current students?
Make the most of the beautiful location while you’re here. Go out and explore Dartmoor, take a ferry trip to Mount Edgcumbe, have a nice meal and drinks at the Barbican… there is so much to do down in Plymouth and even now, I’m still finding new things to do.
