Thomas Parker: Studio Professional
The Media industry is notorious for that great buzz of excitement and creative opportunities. Getting behind the camera and working in the studio were former student Thomas Parker’s ambitions and he has progressed onto a successful career with many accomplishments.
Thomas studied Level 2 & Level 3 Media at Brooklands College during 2009-2012. He now proudly holds the title of Camera Operator and Studio Technician at Media First. We caught up with Thomas to talk about his journey…
My #BCexperience
At school I was only really good at Art although I didn’t see myself doing that as a career. I knew I was a creative person so choosing Media at college was very helpful in growing my interest in camera operating and editing.
3 things I enjoyed about the course:
- Being given a broad insight to print, TV, film and radio
- The communication with lecturers
- The opportunity to grow skills to take into the working world or university
Working In Media
As someone who isn’t academic doing a hands on BTEC gave me more than enough experience and UCAS points to apply for most universities and on to the working world.
I studied Television and Film Production at the University of Portsmouth, primarily to gain contacts and have access to high end filmmaking kit. I then freelanced on some movies, live sport, TV and promotional content in the camera department before landing my current full time job. To support my freelancing lifestyle I was DJing every weekend in bars as my side hustle.
I now work alongside well-known journalists, traveling around the UK or sometimes overseas to give companies media training and creating promotional content. I run a TV and radio studio based in Reading where clients can come to us or I will take my camera and travel to them. I can also be found video editing in the studio, in my car or in a hotel room!
Q. What would you say to students thinking about coming to Brooklands College?
“Do it. If you want a more hands on approach to learning and earning a qualification, you would be silly not to! I highly encourage those coming to take advantage of the kit to create content.”
Brooklands College was an important stepping stone for discovering what I was good at and taking it further with university which has ultimately landed the job I have today.
