Manu is a London and Berlin-based 1st Assistant Camera with a keen eye for detail and a passionate dedication to the craft, working across feature films, commercials, and documentaries.
With an engineering background, Manu began his career in post-production, where he gained valuable insight into all stages of film production. This experience enables him to understand the requirements beyond his own department and to view the entire process, from story development to distribution as a cohesive whole.
Over a decade ago, Manu transitioned to the camera department, where he has since developed extensive technical expertise and honed his skills on set. He has gained experience working across several countries and particularly enjoys being part of international film crews, adapting to the unique nuances of each production.
Manu consistently strives to foster an environment that brings out the best in his team, ensuring that directors, cinematographers, and actors have the support and conditions they need to deliver their best work.
Tamia’s introduction to cameras came from her father, everywhere they went he had one with him, always taking slides. When she was 13, he handed it to her. She remembers the picture she took: a mushroom growing up through pine needles on the forest floor in California. When she was 15, her father died traumatically. She spent a few years emotionally lost in pain, with her need for vision slowly starting to develop
In her later teen years, she began to learn the basics of the camera as a machine, as well as developing and printing. The camera she chose to use had no light meter, so she taught herself to see how 400-speed black-and-white film would react. She loved it, but the whole time she knew something was missing, like there was a piece of the puzzle that was just not there. It bothered her, and then it hit her. She was standing outside of the film office at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She felt as though everything just moved around her, while she stood still in the middle of it, able to see far into the future. There was a feeling that she had found what was going to give her meaning for the rest of her life. At that moment, she knew what was missing in her still camera, what had been bothering her for so long, why she felt like something was missing in the pictures she took
Tamia came to loving making movies over the course of her life, reflected in her recent selection as one of the new directors of Women Behind The Camera!
Luke is an experienced 1st Assistant Camera based in London with over 8 years of experience in the film industry. Beginning his journey on film sets at the young age of 14, Luke has dedicated his career to excelling as a 1st AC, continually striving to be the best in his field. His diverse portfolio spans both long-form and short-form content, showcasing his adaptability to a wide range of projects and situations.
Raised in Southern Africa, Luke began his career as a trainee in the documentary sector. This experience honed his technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, allowing him to thrive in the most challenging environments. Since relocating to London in 2018, Luke has expanded his expertise into commercials and narrative content, steadily advancing within the industry.
Luke is a passionate and skilled focus puller, prepared for any scenario. His kit includes top-tier equipment such as the Hi-5, Ultra7, Cine13, and VAXIS, ensuring he is always ready to deliver exceptional results.
Joe is an accomplished focus puller with twelve years in the film industry. He has a proven track record of ensuring sharp focus and precise camera operation on a variety of productions including commercials, narrative films, and music videos.
His work with cameras began early, which led him to study Film Production at Ravensbourne and begin pursuing a career as a Cinematographer. However, his proficiency with various camera systems and a love for all things technical led him to Focus Pulling. His attention to detail, deep technical knowledge, and collaboration with directors, cinematographers, and camera operators consistently achieve the desired focus and specific visual style.
Joe is highly regarded for his problem-solving and his essential role in the camera team realising the visions of cinematographers.
He has a full kit including Hi-5, CineRT, CINE7 Focus Monitor, 702 Directors Monitor and Cine24 Client monitor.