Stepping Stones: Being creative behind the lens with EMG / Gravity Media junior camera operator Annemijn van der Meer
Annemijn van der Meer is a junior ENG camera operator at EMG / Gravity Media, and she loves learning about the trade that she hopes will take her around the world and back in future years. Stepping Stones is a series of features that showcase young inspirational people working in sports broadcasting.
What is your job role today and what do you love about it?
My job role is junior ENG camera operator. What I love about my job is that I can express my creativity in my work, and no day is ever the same. You’ll probably always hear this answer if you ask my colleagues, but that doesn’t make it any less true!
What does your current job entail on a day-to-day basis?
Being a junior camera operator means that I am still partially in training to reach full professional level. I get to assist with some jobs, and for others, I either help or observe. I also have training days with colleagues where we simulate specific job situations and then review the footage afterwards. I’m now starting my first real ENG job, shooting items for a daily entertainment talk show.
Can you talk us through your relevant education that helped you break into the sports broadcasting industry?
I’ve been learning ever since I did an internship two years ago, and now, after more than a year in full-time employment, I continue to learn new things every day! I’m still at the very beginning of my career and have a lot to learn. I think the biggest lesson so far has been to always stay calm! It might sound superficial, but I have learned that in many situations, this is exactly what will save you from making mistakes.
How did you get your first job in sports broadcasting, what was the role, and when?
During my studies in 2022, I did a six-month internship in the ENG department. At that time, I knew nothing about television, and I had never been on a set before. During that six months, I went along with colleagues on jobs almost every day, and I gained a very good understanding of how exciting it is to be a camera operator in television.
I didn’t want to do anything else after that, and as soon as I graduated, I came back. In November 2024, I started at EMG as a camjoe operator, primarily doing jobs for online content. These were smaller jobs where you also handle the editing yourself.
What happened next to get you where you are today?
Due to a reorganisation, the camjoe department was dissolved in September 2024, and I was allowed to reapply for the junior ENG camera operator role. I was hired for that position and have been working in my current role since 1 October 2024.
Where would you like to be in five- or ten-years’ time? What are your career goals?
In five years, I hope to have gained a lot more experience. I would love to travel a lot for work and have the opportunity to work on exciting projects with the colleagues I’ve already learned so much from.
Can you give us some top tips that really helped you get where you are today?
I’m still at the beginning of my career, but there are things that have helped me get to where I am now. I always try to ask lots of questions and stay curious. I learned that people love talking about their work and helping you out. “Dare to ask” is a good motto to remember.
A large part of our job is being social, and when you invest extra time in the people around you, you’ll get a lot back in return.
Can you give us some tips on things not to do or to avoid when trying to get a role you really want?
Nothing happens automatically, so I always try to listen carefully to what’s going on in our department and not get too comfortable in what I’m doing now. Sitting back and waiting for things to come to you is often not the best choice in this job.
What would you say are the barriers to getting a job in the broadcast industry?
I guess that if you don’t have any connections, it could be difficult to find something in this industry. Having something like an internship or shadowing someone when you have no experience can bring you a lot.
What would you recommend to other people thinking of working in the broadcast industry?
You can always call people or reach out to contacts who are doing something you’re interested in. Have a chat or maybe shadow them for a day. Be bold (but of course polite), and you’ll see that this is highly appreciated!
On Wednesday 19 March, SVG Europe Women is hosting A City United, a learning, inspiration and networking event taking place at the Hot House in MediaCity, Salford, in association with Dock10. Find out more and register here.