Current job
I’m a freelance DoP that works on reality TV shows, documentaries and branded content/commercials. Some of my clients include The Amazing Race, The Amazing Race Canada, Top Chef Canada, a variety of Food Network shows, Netflix docs, Toyota, Mercedes, Doritos and Clover Leaf.
Career path
My first love of cameras and storytelling came when I was in high school. There started a course called Communication Technology, which involved video cameras, still photography and editing. I was hooked and applied to Niagara College. It became the foundation of what I needed to begin my career.
While I was attending Niagara College, I began working in commercials as a production assistant. I became a PA/camera trainee in that world when I got an opportunity to assist/b-cam on a renovation show called Real Renos. HGTV and cable channels were relatively new at that time and the producers needed a young shooter (affordable) that could get the day-to-day process of the renovation. The director wanted to be completely verité so I went every day and shot something. I eventually became the lead camera and DoP of four different shows for that company.
I started to branch out on other projects, which led to my first big reality show called Project Runway Canada as the late-night workroom shooter. From there I worked on big formats that came to Canada and became DoP of The Amazing Race Canada, Top Chef Canada All Stars and a variety of other Canadian Screen Award-winning shows.
I’ve been nominated for a variety of CSA’s for Best Cinematography and have won five times. I’ve also been part of the team nominated for an Emmy for The Amazing Race.
Standout NC experiences
Niagara College laid the groundwork to start my career. What I loved about NC was that within the first week we were handling cameras and shooting stories. It was a very hands-on approach that I needed. They allowed us to grab gear at any time that we wanted to shoot and practice our craft. I spent many hours in the equipment room loading mags, changing lenses and messing around with lights.
The biggest thing that stands out when I attended NC was the friends that I made. I’m still close with a lot of my classmates. Being a school in a smaller community helped that. Whether it’s a night at the school pub, going out to St. Catharines or hanging out at a friend’s place, we became a close-knit film community.
As for the faculty, they were incredible. Everyone I had was not only proficient in what they do but also very caring. They wanted you to succeed. An instructor that stood out to me was Greg Darling. After I received my first-year report card, Film was my lowest mark. I really wanted to pursue Film but was now having second thoughts. Maybe radio or television is a better option? I went to Greg to talk about my grade and ask for advice on what do. He said …. If you want to do film and work in film, do it. Don’t worry about a … number that someone else gave you.” RIP Greg.
Career words of wisdom
The best advice I learned was that you get out what you put into it. That goes for anything in life. If you’re expecting to be handed a job right out of school, you will be disappointed.
It’s a long, hard road so you better love it because it will take up a lot of your time and energy. The industry is constantly changing so you need to keep on top of it.
When you are starting out just observe and listen. It’s amazing what you can learn by watching the professionals do their craft. I took notes and when the time was right, I would ask questions.
Always be there to help and never complain in front of your superiors. Be willing to go the extra mile to stand out.
Once you start to establish yourself, surround yourself with good people. I’ve learned more from my grips, gaffers and assistants than any book could teach you.
It’s a long, hard road so you better love it because it will take up a lot of your time and energy. The industry is constantly changing so you need to keep on top of it.
