Hi everyone!

Just dropping a line to ask if anyone needs any help at all with any England UK, Yorkshire based projects.

My experienced is varied, like most of us I started (and continue) to make my own films that required writing, direction, producing, acting, camera work. When making my own films we have always had a smallish crew so every member of the team multitasked, which I think can be enjoyable. I have worked and produced live events such as theatre productions using a four camera live mix, including recording 32 tracks of audio on multiple aDAT units, then mixing some of them down in Pro Tools.

As you would expect the production work included setting up PA systems, lighting rigs, cameras, microphones, copying station, VTRs.

I would like to believe my audio work has been diverse as on the computer side it ranges from Pro Tools systems through to Cool Edit and Sound Track; I used to be a part time radio presenter so I am used to the usual mixing equipment, include 1/4 inch tape, DAT, CD and MD.

When it comes to microphones I like to use radio microphones (receiver and transmitter, option mic), but it depends on the requirements, be it lapels, K6 Kits, 416s and so forth to provide whatever pick up is required, I normally record directly to a Pro Marantz Mini Disc unit or to DAT if required. I love combing older techniques and technologies with new including recording on 1/4inch and 8mm and experimenting with the results in post, I wish I had more experience with film!

Compared to the rest of the work I have done I would consider my editing as more specialised, although I have used AVID DV, AVID Express, FCP 2/3, Adobe Premiere I now favour a G5 FCP 4 system, with the added bonus of DVD production onboard. I dabble with design (DVD, print and web) but its nothing as serious as what my film production ambitions are, although as with my filmmaking I try to demand a high level of creativity and technically quality from my work, attempting to emulating the quality of good world TV and film media.

I love cameras, I have always one in some form or another but when it comes to film making I have used XL1s, XL 2 but I always prefer a high quality camera such as a DSR 300 / 500 that shoot large DV CAM, D9, DVCPro or HD. My still camera work has always been a hobby, I can shoot digital but I prefer to shoot transparencies and scan if digital shots are required, but that’s more of a hobby.

I have worked for the National Police and Fire Departments, work on external films (video and audio) not to mention some of my own small budget productions. Other organisations include BSkyB and Film Education, theatre groups, The T.A (Territorial Army).

I taught and facilitated media studies at a South Yorkshire college while studying. Although I have had moderate experience I am under no illusion I am still learning and I strongly believe working with others will help everyone in producing their best work.

My influences include such popular films / programmes as Grosse Point Blank, Saving Private Ryan, Jaws, Rear Window, The Shawshank Redemption, Donnie Darko, Black Hawk Down, Unbreakable, 24 (original series), CSI, ED, ER, Jonathan Creek, and The Last Detective to name but a few. Nevertheless I prefer amalgamating a wealth of techniques, opinions, and concepts from a variety of sources when working.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in touch, I am willing to help wherever I can on local film shoots as I study (full time) and work (part time). I am based in Yorkshire, and if I have time to help and one out I will try, even if it’s making the tea!

Sorry I tend to forget when I am babbling, kind regards, James.