Meet the Owner

It was 1991 when I turned up for my first day in a professional video production department. I was a trainee. Until this point I had only used my father’s VHS camcorder, recording onto the small VHS ‘C’ format cassettes.

This was different. This was a lot different. This was a whole new world, and I liked it.

On my first day I remember being shown how to set up the studio for a 3-camera interview, how to set the lighting, how to connect the talkback system for the camera operators, and many other tasks. And no, I did not remember it all that first time.

I was shown how to operate a professional video camera and told to practice as I would be operating one the next day during a studio recording. This was the deep end and I had been thrown into it.

Now some 30 plus years later I still remember that first day. Since then, I have worked on countless recordings, everything from interviews to Graduation ceremonies, to weddings, and even been in the middle of the Tall Ships flotilla as they left Belfast. I had the best seat in the house.

Sometimes it is not exciting, sometimes it is challenging, but it is always a real rush for me when I see the final video.

There have been disappointments too;

I was once booked to go on board the RAF Lancaster World War 2 bomber when it was to fly a display over Bangor to mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. I love flying and to get on board this aircraft would have been a career highlight. Sadly, the aircraft had a technical problem and never got to come over to join the celebration.

Two World War Two RAF aircraft flying past, a DC3 and a Lancaster.

I once travelled over to Silverstone to record a race, only for snow to fall about two hours before the start, and the entire event was cancelled.

So, while the work I record is very varied, there is one common denominator. The people I meet. I have met some fantastic people over the years, most of whom are incredibly humble. They do not think their story is important or worth recording, but then, in a casual manner, they tell me some of the most incredible and fascinating stories of their life. Or they tell me about their work, which is nothing special to them, but it is in fact, astounding.

Now you know why I work in the field of professional video production. I love meeting new people and helping them tell their story, or promote their product, or to capture them on their wedding day.

It is my privilege to work with all of you.