Media Parents

I started my exciting life in TV at the BBC TV Centre, Shepherds Bush as a trainee cameraman, writes Graham Reed.  At the BBC I had the privilege of working on a very wide range of programmes: Dr Who, Top of the Pops, Only Fools and Horses, to mention but a few.

At TV Centre we became very excited when we started to work on Eastenders - at the time it felt like we were ‘trail blazing’. The first episode I worked on was number 7, since then I have worked on countless episodes!

I eventually left the BBC as a camera supervisor and went to work for a production company as a producer. But after only 11 months I was made redundant as there was another recession!  So I became a freelance lighting cameraman whilst looking for a full time job! Since being freelance I have worked on countless productions and have been fortunate enough to work in many parts of the world.

In the last few years I have worked more and more as a Lighting Director lighting many different locations and studios whilst still operating a wide range of cameras.

So I now wear many ‘hats’, cameraman, lighting cameraman, lighting director, DoP., and trainer, so life is still exciting and very varied.

I am also a sessional lecture at Ravensbourne College, London, where I teach students studying on a degree course in Broadcasting Operations.  I run about 2 training courses a month on camera and lighting skills and techniques for training organisation, individuals and companies.

On a personal note is been really great that my oldest son also works in TV as a senior sound engineer for Arena Mobiles. When we get together we can have a good chat about technical stuff – the family leave the room when we do! My other two children have ‘proper’ jobs and don’t work in media!