momothexplorer

How I got my first job in film-making 

I had no idea that I wanted to be a film-maker. Everything I did to get to my first job was a happy accident. But saying that, I knew I loved films, documentaries, and photography but younger me had no clue how to get into that field. Shieeet….my favourite films as a kid were Indiana Jones and the Alien series. Honestly, I thought it was locked off in a magical world over in Hollywood where only white people had the key. I didn’t have a map that said meet this person, apply to this job, get this degree. 

Having a map would have been great! But life doesn’t provide that. 

Like most first generation Africans living in a big city, my parents wanted their kid to either be a Doctor, Engineer or Lawyer - that’s the map they had and that’s what they knew would work. So I set out to university to become a Civil Engineer. I had no clue what I was getting myself into but mid-way through my degree I decided to get a camera; it was a Nikon D5100. That shit cost me £700. It was basically every penny I had. I was 19/20 at the time, and I just wanted to travel and take awesome shots. So I got the camera and shot with it non-stop. 

The more I had this camera in my hand the more I knew I wanted a job doing something with it. I got that itch. 

Final year at Uni and my sister sent me a job application for Discovery Channel. The role was for a production and development assistant in their factual department. Essentially, the role was assisting across all productions and developments for DISCOVERY!! I told my sister there is no way I was getting this job. Impossible. 

Anywho, she said apply, worst case scenario, it’s a No. So I applied. I sent my CV through and they got back to me asking if I had time for a phone interview - obviously I said yes! 

Other than asking me the generic questions….The main question they asked me was:

• Why am I applying for this job

Honestly, I just talked about my love for documentaries. Literally, that was it. They then invited me to write a 3 part essay. I think one of the questions was: what documentary would I make at Discovery Channel? That finally landed me an interview at the London HQ. The interview went great but the question that threw me off was what makes your degree in Civil Engineering relevant. 
I had never thought about it before because they aren’t linked in any obvious way - but trying to answer the question I talked about the similarities in intention. An Engineer creates buildings, bridges and roads with planning, with other surveyor teams and input from superiors and councils. The outcome can put peoples lives at risk and requires huge attention to detail and collaboration.

All of those things are extremely important in filmmaking and I told them I would bring those skills and mindset to their offices.

I guess it worked because I got the job and I never looked back. Since then I’ve created content for Stephen Hawking, Virgin, Samsung and so much more. 

To recap:

1. Passion - have passion in a particular field that you are an expert in. 

2. Get your hands on a camera - the best camera you have is the one you’ve mastered.

3. Get your foot in the door - getting any job in your field.

4. Find a story and tell it - Film-making is just a tool to tell a story.

5. Meet other film-makers and collab - it’s all about team-work.

6. Try not to over-plan everything and go with the flow when you need to.

I remember my boss telling me anyone can learn how to use a camera, but not everyone can tell a story. 

I’ve created content for Discovery Channel, Disney, VICE, Channel 5, UNILAD with no degree in film-making or a background in it.  

If I can do it, so can you.