Filming on Ridley Scott’s Exodus
Graduating in 2009 with a degree in Film Production Technology, James has already achieved notable landmark achievements in his short career.
Having already worked as a trainee camera assistant on science fiction films including ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ starring Tom Cruise, and ‘Jupiter Ascending’ directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski (The Matrix), his latest work has come on Ridley Scott’s (Alien, Blade Runner and Gladiator) next feature film ‘Exodus’.
While some dream about working with Hollywood’s biggest names, for Staffordshire graduate James Thomas it’s the day job.
Filming with Ridley Scott
‘Exodus’, a retelling of the story of Moses, with Christian Bale as the prophet and exodus-leader, will be shot in the UK and Spain.
“I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work for such a giant name in the industry. I’m again working with some of the same crew I have all year which I feel very thankful for and hopefully means they feel I’ve done a great job for them.”
“This will bring a whole new set of challenges as its being shot native 3D with talk of up to 9 double Red Epic rigs for some of the biggest days out in Spain.”
Rewarding work
James says working in the camera department on any scale can be extremely hard work and often involves long hours. But, he says the opportunities and rewards they bring more than make up for it.
He said: “I had my best day at work this year whilst on Edge of Tomorrow. I was loading on the camera responsible for close ups of Tom Cruise after he got out of a military helicopter which landed in the middle of Trafalgar Square, it was a moment I had to step back a second and think is this really happening?’
“That, I will never forget. I hope I can build on this success so far this year and take it further next year.”
Staffordshire influence
“My degree gave me a great grounding of background knowledge that I needed and the motivation to fight to work in the ever changing film industry and not settle for anything less.”
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