Graduating in 2021, Camille is now a lighting technician at Disneyland Paris.
”My three years of study have really taught me to be rigorous, organised and above all professional in everything I do…” she says.
You graduated last year in Lyon! Can you tell us which specialisation you chose and why?
During my course at CinéCréatis, I chose the Image specialisation. I knew as soon as I arrived at the school that this would be my choice. I’d done quite a bit of photography and I was really interested in the technical aspects of audiovisual production, in learning how technique can serve the artistic side and the story of a project. What I also really enjoyed was working on the shoot itself. So image was a fairly natural choice for me.
Which project particularly stood out for you during your studies?
The project that made the biggest impression on me at Cinécréatis was obviously my end-of-study film. I had the opportunity to be a cinematographer. It was a great experience from both a technical and a human point of view.
We had a lot of challenges to meet, in all aspects of the film (sets, costumes, post-production, technique and direction), given that our project was about a particular era, the Second World War. But the story we told, the aesthetic we wanted to bring to the film, and the team we worked with, all came together to produce a magnificent project worthy of our three years of study.
What job do you do today, in which company, and what are your missions?
When I left school and after my work placements, I worked as a camera assistant and electrician on film shoots. When I arrived in the world of work, I realised that what I liked most was lighting, so that’s what I decided to do.
As an electrician, I found it easier to work as part of a team and to carry out a wide range of tasks, which are aspects I love in these jobs. Reporting to the chief electrician and often working as part of a team with the stagehands, my job was to set up the various lighting installations requested by the chief operator, as well as taking care of the lighting equipment and storing it in the lorry.
These days, I’m keen to explore new horizons, particularly in the field of live performance, where the live side of things brings a whole new and very interesting approach to lighting. So I’m now working at Disneyland Paris as a lighting technician in the entertainment sector.
Did your first steps in the professional world correspond to your expectations?
My arrival in the professional world didn’t come as a great shock to me. I’d prepared myself well for what lay ahead, i.e. a difficult start when you have very few contacts or projects that don’t necessarily live up to your expectations. But perseverance and motivation are really important in this business, whether it’s audiovisual or entertainment. On the other hand, I didn’t expect to get into show business so quickly. I knew that it was an area that interested me as well as audiovisual work, but getting the job I have today was a pleasant surprise for me.
If you had to sum up what you remember from your 3 years at CinéCréatis and what you find most useful today :
What I remember most about CinéCréatis, apart from all the theoretical and technical training, is the professionalism. My three years of study really taught me to be rigorous, organised and above all professional in everything I do. Whether it’s in any trade, it’s a school that gives you a professional conscience and a desire to always go beyond what’s asked of you, which helps you to stand out in the world of work later on. That may seem logical, but it really helped me to get the contacts and the job that I have today.
A few words for current and future CinéCréatis students?
All I can say is to do as many placements as possible, and to try as hard as you can to do projects outside school, even if it can be complicated.
For people with an interest in image or in this field, there are lots of film shoots, even voluntary ones, that you can take part in during your free time or holidays, even in your first or second year, if you get the chance. This will give you a foothold in the industry and allow you to start making contacts for later on, because contacts are one of the most important things! And finally, perseverance and thoroughness are two qualities that I find essential, even if you mustn’t forget to remain humble, honest and yourself. People will naturally keep you in their contacts and/or their team if you share the same values.
