Amy Somers

1. What made you decide to apply for your trainee position on the Northern Routes Training Scheme?
This training scheme appealed to me as an opportunity to advance within camera. Northern Routes gave me the chance to work within my region. The length of the placement also appealed to me as it was long enough to have time to develop within the role, time to progress.

2. Please give a brief outline of your previous experience, related to this training position.
I have a BA Hons degree in Contemporary Film and Video from Manchester Metropolitan University. While at university I did some work experience on Spooks. Since graduating I have built up my experience, working within the industry on various productions. My first substantial trainee role was with the Director of Photography that I met through my work experience. I have also done some stills photography jobs, continually aiming to build up my experience, knowledge and skill.

3. There were nearly 500 applications for 22 places across the North of England, how did it feel to be chosen?
It was brilliant to be chosen. It felt amazing. To be given a chance. The opportunity to work within drama, to meet people working in the North West and to work as a camera trainee. What I have been fighting for.

4. What have you been up to so far on your placement?
My placement is split: 6 weeks on North West Tonight (regional news for the BBC) and 6 weeks on The Cup for Hartswood films; a comedy shot in an ob doc style, set in Bolton about the lives of the parents of an under 11’s football team.

5. What's been the best bit(s)?
Assisting with the Sports Relief live broadcast was great, as we used a jimmy jib which I got to learn how to rig and operate. It was used to gain an aerial perspective of the runners. The people at North West Tonight and the crew on The Cup are brilliant. The Director of Photography and camera assistant are great teachers, from whom I have learnt a lot. Shooting on a football pitch in Bolton, with rain machines, a jet propelled football launcher and a camera lens rain deflector….was a great unusual experience.

6. What are your long term career aims and how do you feel this scheme will help you achieve them?
To progress my skill as a camera assistant and advance to become a focus puller/operator. I want to continue to work within drama and to be a skilled member of the camera team. I thrive on contributing to produce the visual style of a film, to be part of building the aesthetic portrayed to the audience; to be creative and continue to build a successful career within film and television contributing to many varied productions. This scheme has given me the opportunity to learn through working as a camera trainee. It has also put me in a position to meet people within the industry, contacts for future employment. It has given me a starting block.