Sound engineer to broadcast and production management roles with Stephen Furness

Another contact through LinkedIn, it was hard to first to get
something scheduled but after a quick call we got the show in the
diary - Steve had just come off a 7 day 12 hour shift run so very
happy he was up for it, he has accomplished much over his
broadcast career which we talk through.


Before we spoke I did wonder where he was from and its the north
east, his story of starting his career in an indoor market in
Sunderland was a good opener, the sheer diversity of work he has
been involved with is facinating to hear as his advice for new
comers.


Sneak preview Audiogram:
https://share.descript.com/view/zDEXMIGMrug


During the episode we go through some talking points:
Where did you start off, what did you do to get in?
- When did you realise you were destined for broadcast media?
- Was there any flags or paths you followed that stand out
- Who gave you your first break or role in the industry?
Moving through the industry, how has your skillset changed?
- Have you been through freelance, full time or academic
circles?
- What's the work ethic like elsewhere in the world - very
different?
- Are the professional certifications off your own
back? ‘From sound and studios to
broadcast production and management’
- how did you find getting those early freelance gigs, by luck,
perseverance, connections?
- with your many hats on when it comes to broadcast roles, was it a
natural progression from sound to broadcast engineering and
operations?
- over the years you must have had moments of huge elation - what
sticks out for you?
Hindsight is a wonderful thing, what is yours?
- Looking back, what is a measure of success in your career?
- If you could tell your 20 year old self now - what would it
be?

If you found this episode useful and want to hear other stories
check out the series and subscribe, there are even plans for
series 2 now to keep tuned in!


For more information about the host and additional offerings head
over to ancast.co.uk


Thanks for listening!


Ben


More info on our guest Stephen:


Highly capable Broadcast and Production manager with worldwide
experience in 42 languages. Extensive knowledge of signals
transmission including video over IP. Worked as one of the
pioneers in the video over IP field (remote production)for a US
client, involving events in Asia, Europe and the US in multiple
languages with several million viewing on a wide variety of
platforms.


Recent career highlights include broadcast management of all
aspects of the BBC 2016 referendum coverage and also include
engineering work on the G8 and G 20 government summits also in
London.


Fibre engineer and technical manager for League of legends Europe
and Asia events stadium and studio events between 2014-2016


On the PUBG 2018 Berlin Final I worked as the production manager,
encompassing 60 million concurrent viewers in 4K in multiple
languages and streams.All delivered on time and in budget.


Prince 2 qualified( + PMI trained) and also qualified fibre
engineer and system designer with extensive Europe and Asia
knowledge. DBS cleared.


Specialties: Broadcast,Corporate,Projects,Consultancy, fibre
management , live events, Live broadcast,Live events, management
of broadcast facilities and staff, E-Sports specialist, Multi
lingual and Host/Event Broadcast.