Michelle Coomber
Director
Medina Films
"Medina Films is a London-based production company creating high calibre documentaries, commercials and promos in the UK and internationally. We are global storytellers in a digital world."
What do you actually do?
I develop, produce and direct long and short form films for brands and broadcasters.
What would you be doing if you weren't doing that?
My school careers test said I should be a prison warden.
How did you get started in the industry?
Constantly doing two things at once. I did a Masters in the lovely but vocationally dubious subject of Cultural Studies, but persuaded the university to let me sit in on the filmmaking course at the same time. During my first job in the industry, I used evenings and holidays to make my first broadcast doc independently.
What's your current favourite piece of creative work at the moment?
Christian Marclay's 'The Clock'.
What do you love about your job?
The extraordinary situations and locations it takes me to, the opportunities to collaborate with sassy, creative minds.
If you could give one piece of advice for someone starting out, what would it be?
Using your spare time wisely: (see the two-things-at-once approach above) cameras, equipment, editing software, are all cheaper than ever before - producing pieces for your showreel / portfolio under your own steam is the best way to hone your craft and have something original to show potential employers.
If you have one Super power what would it be?
Not needing to sleep
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Who says I want to grow up?
What was your worst job and what did you learn from it?
Telemarketing for an orthopaedic beds company in Leeds. What I learnt from it - that your world doesn't collapse if you walk out of a job you hate. In fact, it feels delicious.
Iphone or Blackberry?
Iphone (typical apple fetishist)
Too Cool for School or too School for Cool?
Too school for cool, I'm a happy little geek.
Facebook or Twitter?
Twitter.
Eat In or eat out?
Depends who's cooking
