Don’t panic! Advice from multi-camera directors – part 6: Phil Jennings

Phil Jennings, Multi-camera Director

In the most recent post in this series, we heard from multi-camera Director Ollie Bartlett. In this post, we talk to multi-camera music Director, Phil Jennings.

 

 

 

 

 

Phil Jennings, Multi-camera DirectorPhil Jennings

www.philjenningsdirector.co.uk/

 

What are some of your biggest multi-camera directing achievements?

Working with internationally renowned artists including Kasabian, The Cure, Elton John, Crowded House, Chris Rea, Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Suede, Primal Scream, Elbow, Ed Sheeran and Stereophonics in iconic buildings and venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, The Roundhouse, Hackney Empire and the O2 Arena, Koko’s and BBC Maida Vale Studios. Also, working on BBC National History Unit productions such as Springwatch where I filmed puffins, beavers, foxes, kestrels and other birdlife, and Planet Earth Live following black bears in the wilds of Minnesota, USA – not only extremely rewarding but amazing fun too.

What makes a good multi-camera Director?

Passion, creativity, positivity, enthusiasm, patience, diplomacy and good people skills, efficiency, meticulous planning, remaining calm under pressure, respect for the crew. These are all crucial to ensuring that a production runs smoothly and as well as all the above, I love to create an enjoyable working environment where everyone involved can experience a fun and pleasant experience. 

 

What’s the worst thing that’s happened while you’ve been directing a live multi-camera production?

We weren’t actually live but during my first terrestrial TV music production, a fire broke out on set during a performance. I was busy directing the show and all I could hear (in a Basil Fawlty type voice) was “fire…..fire….fire”!

The drummer in the band had placed the cover to one of his drums on a floor lamp which created a lot of smoke but fortunately it was quickly extinguished, and apart from a horrid smell of burnt plastic for the rest of the day, no major damage occurred.

 

Have you got any advice for anyone looking to become a multi-camera Director?

Self belief. Confidence, rather than arrogance, is important. You need to inspire that confidence in the people around you and respect others’ skills and allow them to flourish.

Most importantly, enjoy what you do – you are in a very privileged position – work hard, be enthusiastic and passionate and this will rub off on others.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *