Television Industry
After graduating from Staffordshire University in 2010, Andy quickly picked up work at the prestigious Granada TV Studios in Manchester City Centre. Throughout his time there he worked on hit shows such as The Jeremy Kyle Show, Britain’s Got Talent and The Royal Variety Performance in 2012.
‘I have very fond memories of working at ITV Granada, it was my ‘TV home’ for the first three years of my career. It was fantastic experience to work within a studio that has such a rich history in television production and I feel very honoured to have been one of last crews to have worked there before ITV moved to Media City’.
After the closure of Granada studios in June 2013, Andy continued work across a wide range of Television shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4), The Caribbean Cookbook (UKTV Food), Show Me the Telly (ITV) and annual Christmas charity appeal Text Santa (ITV).
Before settling as a camera assistant at the BBC working on varied productions such as The Voice UK (BBC1), World’s Toughest Jobs (BBC3), My Team: Cheer (CBBC) and Mr Bloom’s Nursery (Cbeebies). This led to a full-time position on long running show Songs of Praise (BBC1) as a camera operator and technical assistant to the shows constantly travelling directors. During this time Andy also provided regular behind the scenes photography for the shows website, annual singing competition ‘BBC School Choir of the Year’ as well as the cover photos for Songs of Praise on the BBC iPlayer.
“The film making and camera skills that I learnt from my time at Staffordshire University enabled me to hit the ground running with my early TV career. Graduating with practical expertise and knowledge of television studio camera systems was really instrumental in breaking in to the industry. I also had fantastic support from head lecturer and mentor Fiona Graham who guided me towards TV during my time at Staffordshire University and I owe a lot to her advice and enthusiasm for the industry.’’
New Challenges, Photography and Videography
After travelling all over the country with the BBC, Andy sought a new challenge which he found as Head of Photography for an international bathroom retailer where he was tasked with setting up an entire photography studio.
For three years Andy managed the creative team of professional photographers, videographers and talented set builders working within the studio. The team created stunning inspirational room sets that are regular features in national home interest magazines such as Real Homes and Style at Home and Ideal Home.
Andy then pursued other avenues of photography with his own brand Andrew-James providing commercial product photography, fashion and wedding photography services. He currently works as a Videographer for CurrentBody, a beauty tech expert company.
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