Finding your filmmaking niche with BA student Natalie Rowe

On our BA Content, Media & Film Production degree, our students have the chance to try out a wide range of roles, leading to some pretty varied career paths. Graduates of this degree have gone on to work in front of and behind the camera, across advertising, marketing, and commercial industries.

The multidisciplinary approach to this degree is how London student Natalie Rowe found her niche as a Director of Photography (DoP). Now in the final year of her degree, Natalie spoke to us about discovering her love for cinematography, networking at Raindance Film Festival, and her latest project, an Industry Brief from Amazon Studios…

When did you know you wanted to be a filmmaker?

When I was 10, I wanted to be a marine biologist – but after speaking with my family, and watching Blue Planet, I realised that I actually wanted to be the one filming these animals.

I also watched a lot of YouTube, and would always be filming and editing things at home.

Growing up with this passion, I moved towards film and television, and after researching and finding MetFilm School, I knew it would be a great way for me to get more experience, meet new people, and progress in the industry.

And now it seems like you’ve found your niche as a DoP. Did this come naturally?

I’ve always loved being behind the camera, and I do enjoy directing, but there’s just something special about taking someone’s idea and bringing it to life.

Being a DoP is something I like to think I’m good at, and it always feels like fun. I love being in front of the camera, but as a DoP, I get to bring multiple departments together, from the lighting to the set design.

I also thrive on set, and have found a great camera crew to work with while at MetFilm School, which makes things even more fun.

You’ve attended many of our MetFilm Futures events – what’s been a highlight for you?

I’ve attended many of the talks and events run through Futures, such as meeting Peter Hoar, who directed one of my favourite Doctor Who episodes, Geoffrey Rush, and attending the Golda screening, where I got to network and meet the cast and crew.

These have been great opportunities as I approach post-grad life, as I’ve already got some great ways to get my foot in the door, and to get some amazing advice from the very best in the industry. It has also given me a job interview, which is really exciting!

And how else have you been expanding your network?

Last year, I attended the Raindance Film Festival as a Runner, and ended up meeting some really talented people who were involved in some of the films being shown.

I got to attend some truly inspirational talks, and also met a lot of my crew for a future project I have coming up!

These kind of experiences and courses are so valuable for making your way into the film and television industry. I’m looking forward to doing some more specialised short courses and attending future film festivals, too.

Can you tell us a bit about BLACKOUT, and how you approached the brief?

BLACKOUT is my latest project. Amazon approached us with a brief for a trailer that shows a unique perspective on London life. My group all came together for a brainstorming session, we each brought an idea and, in the end, decided to merge three of them.

After our first draft, I sat with the director, and I knew we hadn’t quite hit the mark with the London part of the brief. I brought this to the group, and we decided to break down the idea into smaller sections, to really focus on what was most important to the story we wanted to tell. Our tutor was a huge help in this process, and made sure to stop the idea from getting too complicated.

With our assignment being a trailer, it meant we needed to really focus on the visuals, allowing us to throw in images of London and to play around with the set design.

It was definitely a more challenging project, with us not needing to write a full story, but it’s a piece of work I’m really proud of, and I think it shows my growth as a DoP.

We saw that you filmed partly at Chiswick Cinema – how did the locations influence the shoot?

We actually lost one of our locations the night before the shoot, so the Chiswick Cinema came at very short notice!

This was super lucky, though, because it gave us a lot more freedom when it came to moving furniture, placing lights, and really creating the set we wanted.

Once we had Chiswick Cinema, I drew out new floor plans, and met with my Camera Op and Director to see how we could shoot in the space. Despite the initial setback, we came out with something even better than what we’d hoped – showing that, with enough planning, things always work out!

Looking to the future, what else have you got planned?

Right now, I’m looking at getting more experience in runner positions and as a camera trainee in some bigger productions.

I also have my own TV pilot, which I’ve entered into a few competitions (I actually met the writer through MetFilm Futures!). I’m hoping to film a proof of concept in May, so plans are all underway.

And of course, I’m working on my graduation project. I’ve got a few ideas, one which pulls some inspiration from a real-life experience… but I can’t reveal anything just yet!

And finally, what would be your top advice for new students joining film school?

It’s hard work, but as long as you are your true self, work hard, and make the most of every opportunity, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences.

Now is the time to try new things: if you don’t like one roll, try another. If there’s a shot you’ve always wanted to try, give it a go – that’s how I found my style!

And also, get to know your tutors. They have amazing experience in the industry, and will give you great advice to make your projects the best they possibly could be.

• Natalie Rowe studies BA Content, Media & Film Production at MetFilm School London. This course is also available in Leeds.
• Keep up with Natalie’s recent projects on her Instagram!