In conversation with Camera Village

Camera Village is a very simple idea.

It’s an informal group on WhatsApp created by and for like-minded mothers from the camera department. It’s a group for the unsung heroines of the camera department - Focus Pullers, 1st AC, 2nd AC, Camera Loader etc.

It is a safe-space, based all around the UK, where camera mums can vent, laugh, cry, freak out or simply share how they are feeling that day. The group posts about a whole array of topics that affect women and working mums in particular; so tips about job-sharing, how to find partnerships, advice, hacks, and tricks. They also post when looking for daily crew and/or cover. This is truly women supporting women and mothers supporting mothers. The idea is to create a place where mums feel they can express themselves to colleagues and/or people who understand their perspective, in a way that they probably wouldn’t do whilst working on set.

The group founders are Hilda Sealy and Kim Vinegrad, both mothers working in the Camera Department as Focus Pullers. The interview below comprises of various views from different members to offer a variety of perspectives. This includes Ravi Kang, Kim Vinegrad and Veronica Keszthelyi-Scown.

Hilda Sealy working on set for Call the Midwife

Becoming a parent for the first time can feel daunting, especially for those of us working in the screen industries. Can you tell us what that experience was like for you?

KV: I didn’t meet my partner till I was 39 and had my little boy when I was 43. I think I’d put off “settling down” and put my career first out of fear of not being able to do both. When I decided to have a baby it was a very conscious decision that starting a family would mean somehow giving up on my career however in reality I’m busier than I have ever been.

A: I’ve never felt so torn between work and home, never known the unknown to be so heavy. Going from being so fiercely independent to being so heavily dependent on others. Trying to reassure myself that dailies and opportunities as such will arise and that I will be up to the job no matter how many times my sleep is broken, no matter how many miles I have to drive, no matter how many times I repeat this in a week.

VKS: I was surprised how quickly I was ready to get back on set actually! The hardest parts were figuring out childcare and the fact that my husband and I don’t want to have long jobs at the same time so that one of us is actually seeing the baby on a regular basis. The major hit in income is also difficult, especially with re-mortgaging in a few months!

RK: Certainly daunting! Felt very scary to stop working after being so independent as you are then relying on one income if you have a partner!! The fears of when will you work again and if people will forget you and move on. Lots of adjustments at such an emotional time.

Do you think it's possible to have a decent work/life balance in our industry?

KV: This is a very tricky question as the hours on set and people’s situations dictate the answer. When I’m working I miss nursery drop-offs and pick-ups, bedtime, and other important daily routines. However, I have also made a decision to take time out between jobs, push the job-sharing option on longer jobs and listen to my family’s needs. I am lucky I have a supportive partner and an established position as a focus puller. Everyone's circumstances are different.

A: Trying to keep a balance between work and life has involved fewer long blocks of work and more daily bursts. I have had to step away from great work opportunities. I step in to cover someone’s holiday or to fill an extra camera position from time to time, not seeing projects from beginning to end. It’s very hard not to feel disjointed, but this is the only way I can keep being present at home.

VKS: I definitely think it’s possible, just not with the way it is at the moment. Those at the very top need to grasp respect that days longer than 10 hours and anything outside of Mon-Fri is just untenable for a healthy balance.

RK: I never thought it was possible until returning back to work recently and learning that people job share. My other half is also in the industry so its difficult to always say yes to work because of childcare and think that is a hurdle we have to work on. Shorter stints in dramas would make the balance more manageable.

As a community support group ourselves, we understand the need to find your tribe. Can you tell us what led you to create Camera Village?

KV: I rang Hilda after finishing my first job share, I was really excited that it worked so well. Of course, Hilda already had a well-established job share on Call the Midwife so she was an obvious person to bounce ideas off. We wanted to show parents it was possible and to also have a safe space to share thoughts and fears.

VKS: I didn’t create it but I’m so happy it exists! To be able to talk with other parents who know the particular hardships in our industry is just invaluable as a support network, for mental health alone.

RK: It’s amazing to a part of a group that is solely for mothers in the industry who understand the trials and tribulations. There are lots of individual groups i.e 1 st AC, 2 and AC etc, but one for women to discuss childcare, parenting and work are very helpful as we have all been there and are in different stages of parenting and we can share knowledge or helpful advice on all matters.

How does Camera Village support working parents?

KV: It’s a very simple idea but when people are based all over the country a What’s app format works really well. We have posted a whole array of topics on the group which affect women and working parents in general. It would seem that the group, which is made up of mums feel they can express themselves to colleagues in a way they probably wouldn’t do on set. So basically all the women are supporting each other.

VKS: So far what I’ve seen is people feel safe to vent their frustrations. Resources are regularly shared. And we’ve even had a few crew calls which have been especially appreciated!

RK: It’s supporting and encouraging on many levels. Not just information about the industry but on current affairs or childcare or about whether it’s ok to take your kids to a work event - just to have backing from others to reassure you that’s it’s ok.

Have you seen any shifts in behaviour? Are productions more open to flexible work and job sharing?

KV: I have just finished a job for Netflix which did support my job share however it hasn’t been without its flaws. I think it’s very departmental-dependent. I also don’t think it would work having multiple people within a department job sharing. Things are changing slowly in a very positive direction, I think the issue of 10 hour plus working day is the real crux of the problem.

A: I have had some support from co-workers to job share but have yet to successfully job share. My experience has been that both Production & DOPs have felt uneasy about the idea.

VKS: I’ve not experienced anything obvious myself. People seem generally supportive of me being a working mother but I also don’t see when I don’t get hired due to anxiety over any childcare issues. I’m aware that certain job shares are happening and that people are talking about them more but I don’t know if productions are more open to the idea yet.

RK: Since returning to work I’ve learned there is a world of job sharing but there are also many that haven’t got on board with this, which makes it hard for mothers to progress and keep work constant, almost cutting them out.

What are the most critical changes that need to happen within the industry in order to better support working families ?

KV: As said above the hours, in general, need to be addressed. I also think HOD’s need to be on board the job share. Luckily my HOD’s have accommodated me however I have heard of people being turned down. Also more childcare on site at studios is another option. I have been very lucky that my partner can do the wrap-around care (before 9 am and after 5 pm), I think that is the biggest issue for more working parents.

A: The hours are ridiculous. With travel on top, if I was to work long form, I would never see my family.

VKS: Respecting our time!! Make it possible to shoot what you need Mon-Fri in 10 hours or less even if it means adding a week or two to a schedule. Keep night work, OT, etc to be minimum. Be open to job shares. Crèches like WonderWorks at Leavesden would be a godsend. It would be incredible to have childcare options at work tbh.

RK: I would love to have events that help parents who are returning to work. As cameras and equipment change in the blink of an eye, it would have been great for companies to have training sessions for parents where we can ask questions without feeling silly!! (or was that just me)

What advice would you give to any parents working in a technical department wishing to work flexibly?

KV: My advice would be don’t be afraid to ask, push forwards with your working wish list and you might be surprised. There was DOP I really wanted to work with but didn’t think he would go for the whole job share however he has been the biggest advocate of it. With regards to job sharing I think it’s very important to find the right partner and establish ground rules as decision-making affects both parties and families.

VKS: Support the idea of job sharing I guess to normalise it. Switch off with your partner if they’re also in the industry.

A: Try to start to build a foundation of people willing to keep you in mind for short stints or job sharing.

RK: Don’t give up, there is support out there, now more than ever.

If you’d like to join Camera Village, you can get in touch by contacting this email address: cameravillage22@gmail.com