Real-life 9 to 5s: Spotlight on Nick Alexander

What is your job?

I’m Head of Media Production EMEA at Oracle (the American multinational computer technology company, not the shopping centre as everyone who lives in Reading first thinks!).

Tell me a little about what that entails day-to-day?

My day-to-day varies greatly. Some days, I act as a creative director/producer, working on everything from creative briefs, scripts and storyboards to budgets and logistics. Other days, I might be video editing at home or out on location anywhere in the world, either operating cameras, conducting interviews, or both! It really depends on each project and what’s needed.

How did you get into it?

I knew that I wanted to be in the media/film industry from a young age when I used to borrow my parents’ old 35mm video camera, grab some friends and shoot a film of some kind. We’d then host premiere nights around one of our houses, where we’d invite other school friends over (with snacks, of course) and watch them. I mean, they were BAD and will never see the light of day again, but I loved the whole creative process.

I then went on to study Media Production at university, specialising in film, after which I did a stint in broadcast television and then went on to work for several video production houses and agencies before I ended up where I am today at Oracle. I did dabble in wedding filmmaking and photography once too. Never again — it’s far too stressful!

What do you most enjoy about your role?

I love that every day is different. I did the whole 9-5 thing in an office a number of times and it really did drive me crazy! I also count myself so lucky that my job not only allows me to travel the world and go to unusual locations, but I also get to meet and learn about the most amazing people, in all kinds of cultures and industries.

I’ve interviewed and filmed scientists at CERN in Geneva, deep underground in the Large Hadron Collider. I’ve filmed top surgeons performing hip operations in a live operating theatre (not for the faint-hearted). I’ve worked with celebrity chefs cooking up culinary delights (tip: always bring a fork!). I’ve filmed with the drivers and team at Oracle Red Bull Racing, both at their factory and at Silverstone, and I’ve worked with incredible local charities and organisations.

My next project is for a local swan rescue and treatment charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas. I’m always excited about where my next project will take me, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

What qualities or personality traits do you have that you think make you successful in your role?

In my role, I do a bit of everything from producing, directing, editing and cinematography, which requires a combination of creative, technical, organisational, and interpersonal skills. As a producer, you need to be able to problem-solve, as you are often tasked with resolving unexpected issues, from budget constraints to logistical nightmares. You also need to be pretty resilient and adaptable. The ability to stay calm under pressure, pivot quickly, and adapt to last-minute changes is crucial.

In regard to the cinematography, other than mastering your tools (cameras, lighting, sound), you need a certain amount of stamina and dexterity, as video shoots often mean long hours, demanding shooting conditions and can be physically challenging. Coffee is definitely a cinematographer’s best friend!

Do you have any tips for people who might like to do something similar?

Absolutely! If you’re new to filmmaking, simply start with the basics: learn the fundamental principles of camera operation, composition, lighting, audio and video editing. There are tonnes of free online courses out there, not to mention YouTube, which I regularly refer to when brushing up on my skills. Other than that, get out there and create stuff! You don’t need the most expensive equipment to get started. You can shoot amazing things with a basic camera, kit lens, a single light and a stable tripod. And even then, if you can’t afford to buy some kit, you can still shoot incredible footage with just your phone. Last of all, just have fun with it! Make bad films like I did when I first started out — you’ll be surprised how much you will learn doing so.

If given the chance to do musical theatre for a living instead, would you take it?

Well, 9 to 5 is my return to musical theatre after 20-something years, so I won’t quit my day job just yet! The thought of being on stage again after so long is quite scary to me, but I’m honestly having a blast with the whole process, and everyone at The Sainsbury Singers is so welcoming and encouraging. Who knows, maybe one day I will decide to pack away the cameras and make my debut on stage in the West End…or maybe I’ll stick to just filming them.