Michael d’Souza arrived in the screen industries via a roundabout route. He explains: “I started my screen career in my late 20s. I had an automotive engineering degree, nearly seven years working in other industries with no camera experience to speak of.”
“Unfortunately, I was made redundant in November 2020, but I saw it as an opportunity. I was always interested in media and made the decision to see what I could do in the screen industries. Luckily, a BBC 2 blue light show called Hospital was being made very close to where I live, and I was offered the opportunity to get my start as a runner.”
This was just the beginning for Michael who, since that first opportunity, has worked on over 30 unscripted TV productions including Escape to the Country, car show Ant Anstead: Born Mechanic, and BBC 3's Drugs Map of Britain.
While working his way in – and up – the industry, he knew he wanted to develop new skills in order to progress further. That’s when he first came across the Shooting assistant producer (AP) programme, funded by the Unscripted TV Skills Fund. The blend of practical and guided learning seemed like a great opportunity for Michael to further hone his skills.
“I originally found this course in late 2023, as I was researching ways to upskill”, he said. “At the time I couldn't commit because I was working abroad and hoped that shooting opportunities would come my way in the new year. Unfortunately - and I know I speak for a lot of people when I say that 2024 was a really bad year. I was interviewed for shooting roles but productions felt that hiring me would be too much of a risk. In the face of endless rejections, I asked an executive producer in passing for their thoughts, and they recommended doing this course. This put it back on my radar and this time, I went for it, with the feeling that if it doesn't help me prove myself, then at least I can say, I tried.”
Fortunately, he was able to do more than just try. He joined the Birmingham iteration of the training and quickly saw ways in which the programme would prove beneficial. He said: “A great bonus of the course was being taught by experienced shooters, whose core focus was to help develop our understanding of cameras and give constructive feedback.
“Obviously making a film and being able to share it with recruiters, as well as previous colleagues, has been very useful. However, I did feel as though I took a lot more from the course than I expected. There have also been additional opportunities for those that have done the course which led to me visiting Sky Sports studios during the Austrian GP, which was a great insight and amazing to see first-hand.”
He added that the course has helped him develop, both in knowledge and in belief: “Firstly, the course gave me more confidence. My tutors gave me more belief in my ability, so that I can say on applications that I am a shooter. And whilst I knew that there would be much to improve on, I felt I had a better understanding of lighting and a greater understanding of how to use a camera. It also gave me a clearer idea of what it took to become a shooting PD, and I hope I can get to that level one day.”
The impact the training has had on Michael’s career can be seen in his work. “The 12 months since taking part have thankfully been very productive,” he explained. “I stepped up to assistant producer, got my first shooting credit on The Great B&B Challenge and finished the year as a shooting AP on Sun, Sea and Selling Houses - both for Channel 4. I also entered the 2025 Birmingham Film Festival with the film I made on the course. I'm pleased to report that my film When the Writings On the Wall - a look into storied graffiti artist David ‘Panda’ Brown, was nominated for Best Documentary. Having it selected, let alone nominated, felt like such a career highlight and gave me an enormous sense of pride. I was so pleased that I was able to put into practice all the skills I learnt on the course, and it was amazing to see how much I have improved when looking through rushes. 12 months on, I am more hopeful that I can continue to develop and progress in the coming years.”
The Shooting AP programme is part of the training delivered by the Unscripted TV Skills Fund. To find out more and discover the range of opportunities available, visit the unscripted TV website hub.