FTI graduates find success at GWN

7 April 2009

Short Courses

Three graduates of the Video Production program at the Film & Television Institute have found success at regional television station GWN.

All three are working as News Camera Operators and Editors for the broadcaster that covers all of Western Australia. Pierre Huembs is based in Kalgoorlie, Andrew Seabourne is in Bunbury, while classmate Karl Carosella covers the Geraldton region.

Pierre tells us that to shoot and edit on a daily basis and then see your work on regional television every night, is a fantastic and satisfying reward.

Pierre explains that typically the cameramen work with a journalist who will source stories from various contacts and organisations,at other times the producer in Bunbury will allocate particular stories to do.

The team cover everything and anything news-worthy, from car accidents and fires to sporting events.

Pierre describes the experience of being a news cameraman,

“We are pretty much on call 24/7, but fortunately not too much happens after hours in the country towns. Quite often Channel 7 will use our footage, or get us to do “pick-ups” for the Perth local news, as GWN and Channel 7 have a close affiliation.”

Pierre explains that no day really feels like work, as they all get to develop their passion on a daily basis and being a news cameraman is never boring. One moment you might be in the office editing, and then next minute rushing to accident.

“News happens very fast, you learn to shoot & light a scene and be creative very quickly in every type of situation”, says Pierre.

“There is no doubt that the skills and knowledge we all learnt at FTI, has enabled us to perform our jobs to a very high standard. Any student wanting to pursue a career in the television/media industry should definitely express interest with GWN in Bunbury. Normally you will spend some time in the country and this tends to make you very resourceful and autonomous.”

Covering the news may not be a career pathway that many aspiring creatvie filmmakers think of but John Seale and Dion Beebe are two famous Cinematographers who started off in the news business.