Video Production
Producing animations
A recurring success for me has been making complex topics interesting with eye-catching videos. One of my proudest achievements came during my time at the NHS. I was tasked to produce a video about CAR T-cell therapy as a cure for cancer targeted towards children. Rather than making a typical health explainer video, I went out of my way to make something different and a bit crazy! I spearheaded the entire project, blending my project management skills with a creative vision to produce a long-form anime-inspired film about a future robot heroine saving the world from extinction! I created a detailed mood board, researched animation styles, and collaborated closely with a freelance animator to ensure the final product reflected my creative direction.The initiative extended beyond production; I played a key role in negotiating contracts with Ted Ed to host the video on their YouTube channel which was integral, as the video garnered an impressive over a million views. Notably, when I joined in 2018, there was no existing video presence, with the benchmark set at a modest 150 views. This animation film stands as a testament to my time at the organisation and is a significant accomplishment in elevating the visibility and impact of the BRC's work.
IG Reels and TikTok
Audiences connect better with content that feels genuine, so for this video, I intentionally avoided an over-polished look. Using a handheld, slightly shaky approach fostered a more human, relatable feel. To enhance replay value, I kept it under a minute, incorporating subtle sound effects and light animation for engagement. The first five seconds are crucial, so I opened with a candid blooper-style moment. In the past two years, I’ve shifted Defra’s content from long-form documentaries to a more social-friendly style—tripling our benchmark views and personally hold three of Defra’s top five most-viewed videos.
Working on short notice
Late Sunday evening, I got a call from my manager asking me to cover a Monday morning shoot. I quickly reviewed the brief, planned my own approach, and decided on a two-camera setup—adding a separate interview with the chef to enhance the main piece. The next morning, I left at 5:30 AM to pick up extra gear before heading to the shoot. The result? A well-executed video that doubled our benchmark views—showcasing my ability to adapt quickly, think creatively, and deliver high-quality content under pressure.
Producing documentaries
I led the production of a short film for the Department of Health and Social Care, a collaborative effort that brought together 11 Biomedical Research Centres to commemorate the vision and leadership of the outgoing UK Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, who initiated the BRCs in 2007. Ensuring seamless logistics was paramount with the tight deadline, and I took a hands-on approach to guarantee every detail was meticulously addressed. This project was filmed in over 12 locations and was accomplished within a tight timeframe of 20 days. Serving as the lead producer, I effectively coordinated and supervised 11 communication departments to ensure the success of all filming logistics. The video was released in 2018, a period when high-end videos were not yet commonplace within communication departments. I received a personal email from the DHSC Communications Director, acknowledging and commending my efforts in delivering a highly professional and impactful video.
Multitasking
In my current role, multitasking is the most important skill to have. I film, edit, manage a team of videographers, and focus on improving our social media engagement. This All Staff video was filmed over four floors of our office, in multiple rooms throughout the day while simultaneously overseeing my team’s workload, peer-reviewing edits, and meeting my own editing deadlines. This required exceptional organisation, time management, and prioritisation. At Defra, I’ve filmed in nearly every setting imaginable—allowing me to confidently tackle complex projects with creativity and efficiency, ensuring high-quality results.
Making boring videos interesting for engagement!
At a 2024 YouTube conference, I was shocked to learn we now have just 2–3 seconds to capture an audience’s attention—down from 5! With this video, I embraced that challenge. Instead of a standard PTC, I changed the brief into a fast-paced, social-first piece. I opened with a blooper, used a panned transition into a quick intro and b-roll, then moved into the interview with animated titles. The pace was intense for government content—featuring a cut every second, three song changes, and layered visuals to enhance engagement. The result? Defra’s most-viewed video of the year.
Video Journalism
I had the chance to film interviews with environmentalists for a government-launched shark fin policy. Conducting interviews, directing, and serving as the camera-operator in low-light conditions has become a routine aspect of my daily work. However, with this particular project, due to the limited sections for sharks at the London Sealife Aquarium, I faced challenges with repetitive and uninspiring filming opportunities. To overcome this, I focused on stylising the video during the editing process, incorporating simple yet impactful motion design to enhance its appeal for the audience.
Filming internationally
Filming internationally adds a whole new layer of complexity, requiring meticulous planning, adaptability, and quick problem-solving. Take for example the G7 Climate Change Conference in Italy. Once on location, unexpected challenges like shifting schedules, language barriers, and unpredictable weather demanded on-the-spot flexibility. Despite the hurdles, by staying adaptable and thinking creatively, I delivered a compelling, high-quality video that captured the project’s impact and also showcased my skills as a cinematographer.