Stepping Stones: Whisper Cymru edit assistant and EVS operator Caitlin Lewis on fuelling her passion for sport
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Caitlin Lewis is an edit assistant and EVS operator at Whisper Cymru, and a Whisper Cymru Academy graduate. She is obsessed with sport and has managed to find a career that enables her to fuel that fire further. We hope you enjoy Stepping Stones, our series of articles which showcase young talent in the sports broadcasting industry.
What is your job role today and what do you love about it?
I currently work as an edit assistant and EVS operator. I enjoy both of these roles as they offer me different challenges. I love the attention to detail and fast turnaround of being an edit assistant, but I also thrive off the fast-paced, lively environment that comes with EVS operating.
What does your current job entail on a day-to-day basis?
Each day is different, but essentially anything and everything to do with technical support; from ingesting and managing footage, to setting up edit projects, creating social media content, editing short-form media and the occasional VTs.
Can you talk us through your relevant education that helped you break into the sports broadcasting industry?
In 2019 I began studying Sports Performance at Cardiff Metropolitan University. I chose this course as I grew up being obsessed with sport, and had an interest in cameras and technology. One of the course modules was sports broadcasting, which turned out to be the module I enjoyed the most.
Because of this, I decided to pursue the broadcasting avenue further, hoping to begin a career in the field. I went on to complete my Masters in Sports Broadcasting, part of which was a two week industry placement. I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to complete this with Whisper Cymru, eventually finishing my Masters, and coming back here to work full time.
How did you get your first job in sports broadcasting, what was the role, and when?
I initially came to Whisper Cymru for work experience as part of my university course, where I was later offered a 12 month placement as a trainee EVS operator. This was my first job in the sports broadcasting industry, and was a year packed full of amazing experiences and opportunities. I was able to shadow leading industry professionals within the discipline, working on projects such as Women’s Six Nations and Super Rygbi Cymru throughout the year.
What happened next to get you where you are today?
After my 12 month placement, I was given the opportunity to extend my contract, and transitioned from trainee EVS operator to edit assistant. The first project I worked on in my new role was the Paralympics coverage for Channel 4. This was an extremely beneficial and exciting project to work on due to the scope of broadcast, and the wide range of sports that we were following, as well as the talent I was working alongside.
Which job would you like to be in in five or 10 years’ time? What are your career goals?
Having now worked on the Paralympic Games and really enjoying the experience, I hope to one day work on the Summer Olympics coverage, hopefully in the same area of work as I am now.
Can you give us some top tips that really helped you get where you are today?
I definitely think that your willingness to go above and beyond for your work is the best way to set yourself apart from the crowd. Most people can do an adequate job, get what they need to do done, and not stray away from your role’s responsibilities. But willingness to go that extra mile is what will make people remember you and think of you when opportunities arise.
Can you give us some tips on things not to do or to avoid when trying to get a role you really want?
One thing that I realised early on in my career is that the more you put in, the more you get out. Things don’t tend to fall in your lap, which I think can be quite a misconception when you’re a young, naïve university student. If you want something, you have to make it happen for yourself.
What would you say are the barriers to getting a job in the broadcast industry?
As with any industry, there are some barriers which I, and others, have had to deal with to get the job we want. It can be difficult being a woman in a male-dominated industry, trying to share your opinion without coming across as ‘difficult to work with’, fighting for your opinion to be heard, trying not to express frustration when you feel as though you have been overlooked.
What would you recommend to other people thinking of working in the broadcast industry?
Be brave, be creative, go above and beyond, set yourself apart from the crowd, and don’t forget that your opinion matters.
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.