the spotlight in My Kind of Job this week is Kelda Crawford McCann, managing directorof Crawford McCann Productions
What's your job?
I run an independent TV company called Crawford McCann Productions. Mostly I'm on location producing and directing but I'm also developing documentary ideas and pitching for new business. Recently we made our third series of Rare Breed: A Farming Year for UTV.
How did you get there?
I graduated in law at the University of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne but I realised it wasn't the career for me. I've always had an interest in current affairs so I did an NVQ in journalism at Belfast Tech while working at the Antrim Guardian and volunteering at Belfast Community Radio.
Both jobs were invaluable experience - working with so many great journalists taught me a lot. From there I got a trainee journalist job at BBC, working in Belfast and Westminster before joining ITV's Granada in Manchester.
It was a terrific place to be, working with a lot of amazing programme makers and I got to really develop my skills as a producer/director.
I returned to Northern Ireland when my husband accepted a job in Belfast. I worked for another production company but after being made redundant during the recession I decided to go out on my own. I've been fortunate to have the support and encouragement from
Northern Ireland broadcasters in growing my business.
Do you have a typical working day?
My days tend to split into four types: Location days - that's when I'm out and about filming. Edit days - when I'm office bound working on what I've filmed. Admin days - paperwork. Business days - planning and thinking ahead about my company and developing new programme ideas. Often though my days will end up a mix of all of these but filming and editing nearly always take priority.
What other skills do you need in your role?
Planning and patience. You need to be well organised and very disciplined about how you use your time. You need to be able to work to a deadline.
What's the best thing about your job?
Getting to meet people from all over the world and hear who they are and how they live their lives. Making television is all about teamwork.
I've always been lucky in being able to work with great people - my editor Laurian Duff, fellow producer and my head of development Veronica Cunningham, cameraman Michael Quinn and Greg Darby's team at Yellowmoon Post -Production.
What do you think are the greatest challenges/pressures of the job?
To keep people watching your programme. Also making sure that you maintain a good work/life balance and that you have fun doing your job.
What did you want to be when you
were at school?
A vet - and after what I've filmed on Rare Breed I'm very glad it didn't work out.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in your profession?
That's a tricky question. The industry I'm in has really changed and continues to change so much. A good solid degree is useful and I think journalism training is invaluable as documentaries are essentially all about good story-telling.
I also think living and working in other countries gives invaluable experience and provides different perspectives.
How do you like to relax outside work?
Good food, good wine and weightlifting.