Thomas Cressey

The Outlook Creative Group is an events, digital, video and design agency based in Northampton. During my time at Outlook, I helped deliver hundreds of videos including social media content, webinars, promos, event coverage, TV commercials and podcasts to clients in a variety of industries ranging from medical and logistics to automotive and retail. Working closely with the directors and producers my duties included planning shoot logistics, organising kit hire as well as creating mood boards and lighting plans before moving into the production stage where I would lead the shoots usually as the DOP. In post-production as well as editing the content I had previously shot, I would create infographics using After Effects and add VFX and colour grades using Da Vinci Resolve. On several projects, I also filled the role of Shooting Director heading out across Europe to lead local crews solo while the production team stayed back in the UK to handle the incoming rushes.

I joined 1080 Media TV in August of 2015 as a Lighting Cameraman to start production on the documentary Race of Their Lives 2, the TV series following the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2015-16. The race started in London and then went on to Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Albany, Sydney, Hobart, Airlie Beach, Da Nang, Qingdao, Seattle, Panama, New York, Londonderry, Den Helder before ending in late July 2016. During the race, I worked closely with the director and production team to plan and execute the visual style and narrative of the series. On location, I also had to liaise with local news and media crews to provide footage previously captured and organise interviews with the yacht skippers and crews.

The series went on the win awards for Best Sports Documentary and Best Technical Innovation.

While working at Ideal World I operated and maintained studio equipment for live TV broadcasts, including cameras, lights, and sound mixers. Working with the production team, I ensured that everything looked and sounded great on air, adding graphics and going live on location. In addition, I helped with equipment setup and breakdown and troubleshooting. This position required me to learn and master various production skills and equipment, multitask under pressure, and work well with everyone on the team, even when it meant working nights, weekends, or holidays.