I started out in radio in 1968 at age 17. I had big plans for becoming a well-paid announcer. One of the other staff members had a television talk show that aired on UHF Channel 14 in San Mateo, California. I followed along to watch him do the show (live I might add!). I found myself watching the cameramen and what they were doing and later decided to take college courses in television production.
The first time I put my hands on a camera the professor asked, "where did you learn to do that?" I told him it was the first time and he couldn't believe it. At that point I knew I had been granted a talent! In my second year I was one of 10 out of 300 students chosen to be a "vacation relief engineer" at KGO-TV (ABC) in San Francisco.
The following year I decided to go "big time TV" and move to Hollywood. The first 6 months were a struggle, and I spent most of my time networking and begging for work, no matter what it paid. 30 years have passed since then...some Emmy nominations, a DuPont-Columbia School of Journalism "Best Documentary" award, and some amazing travel opportunities around the world. It's hard to imagine retiring, so as long as my body allows, I'll carry my equipment to the ends of the Earth to shoot!
My advice to anyone who wants to be a cameraman is to learn all you can as fast as you can...but realize you will be learning this trade as long as you are involved in it. Always be open to others who have more...and sometimes less...experience than you have. And don't even think about doing it for the money! Do it because it's your gift.
www.marccurtis.com
