Lou Macnamara is an aspiring camera operator. After studying Fine Art at Central Saint Martins, Lou worked in art galleries alongside shooting artist films and independent documentary before finding their way into the world of film and high-end TV (HETV). Currently working as a focus puller, Lou is a collaborative and proactive member of the camera department. They like problem solving, a tidy camera build and working towards a more inclusive camera department. Over the past year, they have begun stepping up to operate/2nd unit DP on commercials and dailies alongside DPing short films. Lou has been training to operate steadicam, handheld, geared and remote heads in their time outside of work. They are looking forward to putting their new operating skills into action over the coming year.

Lou is currently a HETV Leader of Tomorrow. Participants in the three-year inclusion programme for mid-level professionals are nominated by senior colleagues in high-end TV. Lou’s nominator Emily Almond Barr said: “I was lucky to meet Lou three years ago as my focus puller on a shoot I was operating and DPing on. I instantly noticed their attention to detail, how they were hungry to learn and operate. I was impressed with their documentary work and was able to pass on opportunities to them that I was unable to take myself. The feedback from directors and producers was so positive, I knew they needed some solid credits to take the step up to operating. Having met operators who had been through the Leaders of Tomorrow programme, I knew it would be an excellent opportunity for Lou to grow and connect with other industry crew who will hopefully step up together. I know Lou will be such an asset to our industry as a HOD in the future.”

1. Developing the art of successful negotiation for Leaders of Tomorrow

   ScreenSkills · Mar 2024

   ScreenSkills Funded

2. Mental health awareness workshop for Leaders of Tomorrow

   ScreenSkills · Feb 2024

   ScreenSkills Funded

3. Leaders of Tomorrow Bursaries FAQ session

   ScreenSkills · Mar 2024

   ScreenSkills Funded

4. Mentoring for mentees

   ScreenSkills Learning · Dec 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

5. Leaders of Tomorrow Bursaries FAQ session

   ScreenSkills · Nov 2023

   ScreenSkills Funded

6. Business Toolkit for film and HETV freelancers

   thinkBIGGER! · Dec 2022

   ScreenSkills Funded

7. Coronavirus basic awareness on production training

   ScreenSkills Test · Jul 2020

   ScreenSkills Funded

• Mental health awareness workshop for Leaders of Tomorrow

  Screenskills Training Course
  Issued 6 Feb 2024 · Expires 6 Aug 2025

• Mentoring for mentees

  Screenskills Learning
  Issued 13 Dec 2023