Hello Hannah Jell

We catch up with Camera and Steadicam Operator, Hannah Jell.

Fran: So, tell as a little bit about your background:

Hannah: I'm 27, living in London and currently a Camera & Steadicam Operator that stepped up last April (2021). Before then, I was a Loader on Feature Films. Also.. most importantly, a current team player on Babe City FC. 

Fran: You’re at inner peace when…

Hannah: I'm on a walk with my dog in a park somewhere, 

Fran: Why the camera department? 

Hannah: I've always been someone very visual. I drew a lot growing up, enjoyed taking photos and found myself to be quite happy when I got to have a go with a crummy handheld tape recorder as a young teenager. I had ideas of potentially going in to Producing whilst I was at Uni... haha... I can't ever imagine doing that now! My first job out of Uni was as a runner on a short film.. still slightly undecided on which role to take, but by that lunch time, having watched the Camera Department.. I knew for sure that Camera was the Department for me. 

Fran: From Steadicam operating to operating - how did you find this change?

Hannah: They're obviously different ways to operate, but in essence you're still trying to achieve the same thing. The biggest change for me over the years, is that now I'm getting hired to Operate a Camera for longform - meaning I'm not just coming in as a Daily for a specific shot on a Music Video. Being a "traditional" Operator has a lot of challenges. Learning the dynamics between Director, Dp and also negotiating with Cast if and when you, all some things to consider. 

Fran: If you weren’t working in this industry what would your other dream role be?

Hannah: As a very young child, I loved the idea of Zoology. Which stemmed from watching many nature documentaries.. in fact, Attenborough's in particular made me also want to be apart of the filming process... I just never quite found my way into that side of the industry. From what I understand, Nature Doc's are even more tightknit than Features!

Hannah’s team: Loader, Molly Burcham and Focus Puller, Abi Catto

Fran: What major changes have you noticed over the past year or so in this industry? 

Hannah: The influx of women! Not only that, and perhaps a correlation because of it, I've also seen teams that really stick up for one another, and far fewer people bullying or giving others a hard time. 

Fran: Your bucket list location to shoot next would be….?

Hanah: New Zealand... or Japan.. or Thailand...   anywhere really! 

Check out Hannah’s work here @steadi.jell

Photo courtesy of Hannah Jell.