Age
27

Education?
I completed the International Baccalaureate in 1999, then spent a couple of years travelling and working before doing a BA in Broadcast Engineering at Ravensbourne.

So, what do you actually do?
I’m one of two directors of String Films, who make corporate films for social enterprises and companies with a commitment to CSR and sustainability. I’m a cameraman, producer, director and a whole lot of other things as well.

What’s so ethical about your job?
We have a very strong belief system at the core of our business, that James [Newton, co-director] and I both share, and all our decisions are made according to that. We’re not a company who’re simply in it for profit – we want to be able to give something back. We try to reduce our environmental impact, and we choose our suppliers carefully – usually small companies we want to support.
 
How did you get into it?
James and I were at university together. We went our separate ways after graduating, but had always talked about starting our own business. We were both working in the industry and getting a bit sick of other companies and the way they did business. James started String Films then we worked together to create a strong identity. We wanted to be a bit different, and decided we’d only work on things we really cared about and believed in.

What does your typical day involve?
At the moment, the majority of the time is spent in the office. There’s a lot of work on developing the business – research, marketing, contacting potential and current clients. Then there’s editing the films, which takes a long time, and a lot of networking, often in the evenings. Of course I’d like to be on film shoots more.

What skills and experience do you need in this area of work?
Fundamentally, you need production skills and experience. You also need an interest in sustainable living and business, and to care about it. Then there are all the skills you need for starting any new business – the ability to stick your neck out and take risks, visualising what you want to happen, and working damn hard.

Most memorable experience in this job?
In Istanbul, sitting on the back of a motorbike, facing the wrong way, filming two English guys who were cycling round the world. It was pouring with rain, and the traffic in Istanbul is just ridiculous. I had a sort of out-of-body experience, looking down on myself thinking “what on earth are you doing?”

Any top tips for someone wanting to get into this work?
Work out what’s important to you and bring that to the core of your company. Otherwise, you won’t be able to get passionate about it, and without passion there’s no point.

String Films
www.stringfilms.com