Early Days
Dunnet Head near Thurso
Born in Thurso, Caithness Scotland. As a child Family moved to Ayrshire. Educated at Kilwinning and Irvine Royal Academy.
Studied Electrical Engineering at Glasgow Strathclyde University. Developed a strong interest in theatre and television and the Arts. Left Strathclyde after two years.
After a short period with PO Telecommunications and Jordanhill College Film Unit, joined the staff at the BBC as a camera assistant. having been offered the chance to work as a student trainee in London TV Centre with the BBC.
BBC career
Early days in the studio with
an EMI 2001 Studio Camera
BBC Wood Norton - Evesham
Shortly after Joining the BBC graduated from the Open University with a BA degree in the Humanities.
Sucessfully completed a comprehensive range of Studio and Location Camera and Lighting courses at BBC Training Centre in Evesham Worcestershire
Spent several years based in Glasgow working in studios and outside broadcasts across a wide range of Programmes and Genres. This included Studio Drama, Arts and Music programme strands as well as major Sporting and other Events for both Scotland and the UK Networks.
With the development of single camera video techniques, Moved to Edinburgh as a Lighting Camera Supervisor before returning 7 years later to be based once again in Glasgow.
Worked as a Lighting Cameraman for over 30 years on a range of programmes and assignments in Factual, Arts and General Documentaries throughout the UK.
Considerable experience of Documentaries, News and Current Affairs and has been part of small teams making a number of award winning programmes.
Filmed in over 50 countries worldwide including several War Zones and have been involved in the coverage of many of the major stories and issues of the day.
Completed several specialist BBC Hostile Environment Courses, as well as courses on Video Journalism, Editing, Civil Unrest, Nuclear and Biological Incidents. Jim has also completed advanced First Aid, specialist defensive and off road driving courses. Extensive experience filming from Helicopters.
For the past 12 years Jim has been editing as well as shooting material, at home and abroad, for BBC News and Current affairs.
Most of his editing work has been done using Final Cut Pro.
Filming in rural Kenya
Freelance Career
Since leaving the BBC over 8 years ago JIm has filmed for many Broadcast and corporate clients including BBC World, the Arabic Service, Euronews, ITN Productions and ITV Channels 3, 4 and 5.
Over the years, he have been involved with several Media Skills, Performance and Technical Training companies.
He has provided equipment and practical training advice to a wide range of companies in the UK, India, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Dubai and Latvia.
Clients he has worked with, include a number of the UK’s major Companies,several Universities the Public sector,Third sector and many Professional Bodies.
In collaboration with other craft and production colleagues, he continues to film and edit high quality material for the Broadcast, Corporate and Internet markets.
Jim remains a highly skilled, motivated and committed member of the Film and TV community based in Scotland.