How did you become a camera assistant?

I developed an interest in photography as a teenager, spending time in the school darkroom, which my art teacher fought hard to keep. This passion evolved into filmmaking, leading me to study Film and TV Production at university. I started out as a runner in my first year and later joined a kit rental house after graduating.

Can you remember your first job as a camera assistant? How did it feel stepping into that role for the first time?

I can’t recall my exact first day as a camera assistant, but I vividly remember my first day as a runner at 18 on a professional film set for a fashion company. The shoot took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Knightsbridge, where we were filming a model. I was excited to be there but also felt out of place and extremely nervous. However, they kept me on as their regular runner for a couple of years until I moved into the kit room. I still keep in touch with about half of the crew from that day, and the DoP has since become a close friend.

Do you have a favourite piece of kit or equipment you particularly enjoy working with?

I appreciate the usability of ARRI cameras; I’ve found them to be the most seamless to work with.

Who is the most inspiring camera operator you’d love to work with, and why?

Rina Yang. Her style is stunning, and she has applied it across so many different areas of the industry.

What was your most recent project, and what did you enjoy most about it?

My most recent project was focus-pulling on a football tournament at St George’s Park. It was chaotic and quite different from my usual work. As someone who’s trained to focus-pull using marks and measuring distance by eye, I found myself relying more on the monitor to follow the action. It was a great challenge, though, and the client was pleased with the result.

Is being a female camera assistant challenging?

It can be, but the industry has come a long way in the nine years since I left university and started working in the kit rental house. There are now many female camera assistants in the industry, and representation is crucial in breaking down negative stereotypes.

What advice would you give to aspiring camera assistants looking to break into the industry?

Starting out at a kit rental house is a great way to get your foot in the door. It provides a steady income, along with the opportunity to gain experience, make contacts, and receive technical training.

How do you maintain focus and creativity when working on long shoots or intense schedules?

Getting a good night’s sleep and eating healthily is the only way not to get run down.

What has been your proudest moment as a camera assistant so far?

I worked on ABBA Voyage and was given two free tickets to the first full run-through, which was an audience of crew and guests. I gave the tickets to my parents, who were thrilled to attend and had a fantastic time, especially as they got to see the show before their friends, who had been holding tickets for months.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time to unwind from work?

I still practise photography and used to have a membership to a studio in Dalston, where I shot three times a month. Nowadays, I do yoga once a week, cycle whenever I can, and enjoy visiting art galleries.

If you would like to review Stephanie’s CV or work with her, please contact a member of the team here.