How long have you worked for The Trafford Centre?

I joined The Trafford Cente in September 2007 and am employed in Trafford Centre Television as a Video Production Technician.

What does your job involve?

There is only myself and my colleague Maxine in the department on a permanent basis, and we are jointly responsible for all aspects of the function.  Our main responsibilities are the operation of the big screen in The Orient area of the Centre (both maintenance and feature scheduling) and the creation of original programmes in connection with events and promotions, etc.

What skills do you need to do your job?

Blimey you need quite a few different skills I think.  The main two are probably the ability to multi-task and having a flexible attitude.  I mention multi-tasking because you really do have to be a 'Jack of all trades'.  When we are creating original programmes we do everything - script-writing, directing, filming and editing - all alongside our daily responsibilities for the big screen.  As with many of the roles here at The Trafford Centre, you also need to be a bit flexible.  The Centre is a 24/7 operation, and many of the events we cover run in the evening or at weekends.  The flexibility does work both ways though, and when I work at a weekend I can usually choose when I want to take the time back - which is really handy when I need to book an appointment or when I'm offered freelance filming work.

What is your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement to date is when I upgraded the TCTV studio from analogue to digital when the big screen was replaced in 2008 - which was something that the department had not had to face before and there was no precedent to follow.  I am also very proud of the big screen content that I created in connection with the Centre's 10th Birthday celebrations in 2008 - which showcased the Centre's evolution and successes over the years.

What do you find most challenging?

Just like The Trafford Centre itself, I aspire to the goal of being 'always ahead' when it comes to the programmes I create.  I want my features to be eye-catching and memorable, and I find it a challenge to keep finding new and creative ways to present footage/cover an event.  I think this is a good thing though - the challenge keeps me motivated, and I am really proud of what I create.

What is the busiest time of year for TCTV?

  As with most of the departments here at The Trafford Centre, our busiest period

  is the lead up to Christmas.  Many of the retail and catering outlets request special

  promotional adverts for the big screen at this time, and of course the events

  calendar gets very busy.  I find it a really exciting time though, with the celebrity-

  filled Christmas light switch-on in October, followed by the firework display in early

  November, then of course Santa's arrival.  It is great to be part of something so 

  special.