 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I produce natural history, educational, environmental, and entertainment films and videos about the marine world for television and for the classroom. I have my own company (www.marinegrafics.com) and do a little of everything -- diving and shooting, editing, writing scripts. I live 150 miles from the coast in Chapel Hill, N.C., but my work takes me all over the world.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
Realizing that it was possible. Lots of people think this would be a wonderful thing to do, but most think that it isn't possible for them. You have to decide that you can do it and be willing to put in the work and time required. Only a handful of people in the world actually make a living doing this, so it isn't something you waltz into.
What do like most about your career?
The satisfaction of creating. Filmmaking is an art and like any artist, I get satisfaction from the act of creating something I believe in.
What do you like least about your career?
The need to sell myself. I hate to self-promote and wheel and deal with "suits." I have agents who sell my work, but even dealing with them is a pain. The business aspects are the worst.
What do you do to relax?
I work all the time. This is not a career for well-rounded people who like to balance their careers with family and friends. All my friends are in the business. The only really relaxing part of my work is diving. I love to dive and shoot film underwater. It's like a hunt without killing anything. It is really satisfying and fun to bring back great images from the hunt. Diving is my relaxation, but unfortunately it's the smallest part of my work.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
Thomas Edison was a boyhood hero -- a hard working and unrestrained thinker. Also Werner von Braun, the German rocket scientist who helped start our space program. Currently, I would have to say that I most admire Dr. Sylvia Earle, whose contributions to life cross many disciplines. In my work, there are many people I respect but no heroes.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Deciding you want to be an underwater filmmaker is a little like deciding you want to be a rock star. Many are called, few are chosen. First, learn to be the best diver you can be, completely at home in the water. Second, don't major in film or television in college. Take marine biology or journalism or even business. Learn a lot about a lot of things. Take up still photography and learn all you can on your own. Then buy a movie camera or video camera and go out and shoot. Learn to critique and edit your own work. You will have to make your job because there are few (perhaps no) jobs out there at any given time. You'll have to be able to manage your money well, because some years there will be plenty and some years there won't be. Becoming a self-supporting underwater photographer or filmmaker is possible, but difficult. Always have a second career option!
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
Being an underwater filmmaker is different than being an underwater videographer. Filmmakers produce products, a videographer goes out and shoots something. There are no jobs in this world for underwater filmmakers, you work for yourself and sell your shows. However, with more cable channels and more interest in the environment, there are more outlets for your work.
There may be a few jobs for underwater videographers with oil companies or hull inspection services, with tourist operations, or even with research outfits. But not many and they may not be full time.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
I know that I will need to change with the times to remain competitive. The internet has opened a lot of possibilities for media producers and we've been moving into the fields of live streaming video events including some live underwater events. More and more of my work is surface/marine/underwater environmental. Heavy duty diving does take a toll on your body and over the years I've had two serious dive accidents. These days I can feel the pain every time I'm working. I know that I need to take care of myself and change with the times to remain successful.
|
