Full name/age/job title 

Georgina Howard, 24, Filming and Photography Location Account Manager at The Old Truman Brewery 

Please give us an overview of your average day

I start my day by checking my emails and answering any new enquiries, or following up on queries about existing enquiries. The enquiries can range from editorial and advertising photoshoots, to TV commercials, to big feature films. They’re looking for locations that fit their brief, which I then try and accommodate with the various locations over our 11-acre site. I spend a lot of the day showing people around. 

I’ve also been working on building a photography festival onsite in October, called PHOTOBLOCK. PHOTOBLOCK will be a season of photographic events, such as Lecia’s Photography Unplugged and Hasselblad’s shootLDN. As a part of PHOTOBLOCK I’ve been arranging a photography exhibition for MA photography students, called PHOTOMASTERS; which will be a dynamic showcase of MA students work from across the UK. The Private view is on 24 October and the exhibition runs over the weekend to 26 October so I’e been busy finalising details for that.

What is the most common misconception about your job? 

That The Old Truman Brewery is just one venue, when in fact we have about 20+ different event spaces for hire. 

What is the hardest thing about your role? 

I have to stay very self-motivated and organised, as I don’t have a boss telling me to do things and when they need to be done by. I set myself deadlines and targets to work towards, as personal achievements within my role. 

When did you decide what you wanted to do with your life and how did you set out to achieve it? 

After finishing my photography degree I knew I didn’t want to pursue photography as I needed money and didn’t fancy being a struggling artist but I knew I wanted to work in photography and the creative industries. 

I started interning straight away and within four months I secured a job in a photographer’s agency and production company for two years, working on high fashion photoshoots, before I moved to The Old Truman Brewery to explore a wider range of events, exhibitions and filming, as well as photoshoots. 

What can you do to get a head start? 

Start interning to get your foot in the door and make connections as soon as possible. While at university is ideal, during summer breaks. You need to get ahead of the game!

Could you describe the creative element to your job? 

I work with the design team to create visually appealing marketing material on a monthly basis. For the shoots, I work alongside the creatives to make their vision happen in our locations.

And when organising the PHOTOMASTERS exhibition, I’ve been selecting the photographers for the showcase based on the work they’ve submitted, using my creative eye to make judgments. 

What’s the one thing you wish you had known at the start of your career that you know now?

Internships are key as a student; that way you can try out a few different roles and ventures, until you find a vocation that suits you. 

Which organisations/websites/resources do you think would be useful for people entering your industry?

Arts Jobs is the best website for arts job hunting.

For more articles, jobs and opportunities, visit our Photography hub.

Image courtesy of Georgina Howard