At Stream7, we’re passionate about helping the next generation of content creators, technicians and producers find their feet in the industry. That’s why we’re proud to support placement opportunities for students like Jack, who joined us from UTC Sheffield as part of his Creative and Digital Media course.
During his time with us, Jack got stuck into a wide range of hands-on experiences – from rigging cameras and filming B-roll to editing content and supporting live event production. He quickly became a valued member of the team, learning fast and bringing great energy and ideas to every project.
Reflecting on Jack’s time with us, Stream7 Senior Technician Sam Smith said:
“Jack brought real enthusiasm and a willingness to learn – it was great to see his confidence grow each week. He got involved in everything we threw at him, and by the end of the placement he was handling pro kit like he’d been part of the team for years.”
We sat down with Jack to hear more about his placement experience, what he learned, and where he’s heading next...
- Let's start with the basics – what's your name and what are you studying?
Hi! I’m Jack and I am currently finishing my course studying Creative and Digital Media at UTC Sheffield.
- What made you choose Stream7 for your placement?
When Stream7 approached my class to compete for the placement, I really liked the idea that we’d be provided with footage to edit into social media content for them; with the best being selected for a round of interviews. I crafted a narrative advertisement mock-up in an hour and managed to secure the internship. I felt that Stream7 would allow me to get my foot in the door of the industry and progress my career through the connections I would make.
- Can you describe your first day at Stream7?
I was very nervous and quite reserved compared to the end of the internship. Thankfully everyone at Stream7 is really lovely and put me at ease right away. I was shown round the buildings, introduced to everyone and toured around all the equipment; being shown what it did and how it's used in a live production environment. I also played around rigging the Blackmagic Studio Micro G2 which I was excited to use as I’ve always wanted to use their cameras, especially one as customisable as the micro.
- What sort of things have you been involved in during your placement?
I’ve done a bit of everything, from setting up equipment as a grip, operating a professional cinema camera to editing a video for my intern project. The diversity in roles I got to try was really fun and helpful in finding what I'd like to pursue in the future.
- Is there a project or moment that really stands out from your time here?
Definitely going to Leeds for the TransUnion event. I really enjoyed helping out with the production of the event, my favourite part had to be filming B-roll and BTS footage on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k. It meant so much to me being able to be hands-on at a hybrid event, collaborating with and learning from the team.
- What new skills or knowledge have you picked up while working with the team?
Gaining and developing skills on the internship was very important for me, especially ones I can apply to future opportunities. For example, setting up professional equipment and rigs for events such as connecting up Blackmagic Ursa Broadcast G2s to the tricasters using fibre cabling. The workflow and operation of the Tricaster in a live, professional scenario. As well as gathering effective B-Roll and BTS footage for Stream7 to use for both clients and promotional purposes as well as my intern project. Being in an environment where these can not only be learnt but applied has been so helpful for me and has given me the necessary knowledge to take my first steps into the industry.
- Have there been any challenges you’ve had to overcome – and how did you handle them?
The hardest challenge I had to overcome was probably myself. Going into the placement I was very nervous about making a good impression, knowing this was a chance to get a foothold in the career I wanted. I feel like that fear hindered my ability to discuss ideas but by spending more time with the team over the placement and them all being really kind, I pushed past it. I feel like tackling being in a larger team will be easier for future opportunities and I can confidently discuss ideas for projects with everyone at Stream7.
- How has this experience shaped what you want to do next?
I am still questioning what route I should take when coming into the industry full time, whether that be by applying straight for a job, an apprenticeship or going to university. At the moment I want to pursue an apprenticeship in either streaming or film and TV as a technician, doing freelance camera work on the side. Then as my career progresses, I eventually shift to the role of an owner / operator cinematographer. My time at Stream7 has shaped and set me up with the necessary skills to start my journey into being both a technician and a camera operator.
- What’s something surprising you learned about the world of event production or live streaming?
Definitely the amount of equipment and gear that goes into a single production to make it smooth and seamless. Every piece of gear plays an important role in the event and Stream7 knows exactly how to select and use them all to their full potential. Also the importance of having redundancies when an event is live, so when gear fails there's always a fallback to keep an event running. I think the best example of this that really surprised me is the ability for presenters to call in if they are unable to access a zoom call.
- If you had to sum up your placement at Stream7 in three words, what would they be?
Capturing. Connecting. Communicating. It is in the tagline afterall!
- What advice would you give to another student starting a placement in the events or media industry?
Don't be afraid to share your passions, I absolutely love cameras and I think it definitely showed through during my placement. Also don't be afraid to joke around with the team, at Stream7 they're really funny and made me laugh all the time!
Huge thanks to Jack for all his hard work during his placement – and for being a brilliant part of the Stream7 team. He didn’t just gain hands-on experience across a range of roles – he also produced a brilliant video project as part of his internship, showcasing what he learned and the creative skills he brought to the table.
We’re excited to see where his career takes him next and wish him every success in the world of live streaming, media and beyond.
If you’re a student interested in placements at Stream7 – or an educator looking to partner on opportunities – feel free to get in touch with us. We’re always keen to support emerging talent and help nurture the future of the industry.
