When it is time to bring on the dancing horses (in this case dressage performance prospects that are set to start their careers), and shoot them with the right camera angle, speed, frame and light, a call for camera operators and the related crew goes out from the TV/film production team.
When the production involves working around horses, there is a need for talented operators with not just a keen eye working the camera (s), or the audio and related equipment, but who are also experienced horse people used to being around equines that understands their biomechanics, need for flight and idiosyncrasies. Someone that has some idea of the nature of the riding discipline is a bonus.
The question is, “Is that person you or someone you know?”
As many AHP members already know from past press releases, Nikki Alvin-Smith of Horse in a Kilt Media Inc. is currently working in on several collaborative projects between her company and multimedia production hub The Horse Studio Inc. including a new TV series focusing on fun and educational content for the aspiring dressage rider.
“The Horse Studio has issued a crew call that offers a great opportunity for both interns and paid production staff to be involved in the niche equestrian TV/Film industry. If you are a freelance videographer/photographer that can deliver great content and has a passion for working with horses and riders, please reach out to them at their website. Episodes 1 and 2 of the production, “Road Map to Making a Grand Prix Dressage Horse,” will be filmed back-to-back at a NY Qualified Film Production Facility in Upstate New York during Summer/Fall 2022,” explains Nikki.
A book of the same title, authored by Nikki Alvin-Smith, will be launched with the release of the production.
“Communication and video art career choices often begin in a general liberal arts education. When the final semester of college approaches and graduation is just around the corner, it’s not surprising that securing a job in the workforce can be a stressful experience for up-and-coming talent.
One solution potential college graduates can execute to resolve this dilemma is to showcase their talents as interns throughout college years. Many permanent positions in the media industry begin this way.
You have only to look at shows such as The Late Late Show with my fellow Brit James Corden who regularly hire their interns as permanent staff. This goes for film/TV producers too. Film and TV production spend is increasing exponentially each year in my neighborhood, with such productions as HBO’s ‘Pretty Little Liars’ and Hulu’s ‘Life and Beth’, being just a few among many projects offering jobs for everyone from actors and extras to runners and fledging camera/grips and other crew. In fact, there is even a shortage of crew in the area according to a chat I had with the NYS Film Commission.
When it comes to streaming, live and on demand broadcasts for general genres the ability of a camera operator or still photographer on set to capture the important moments of equine sport and frame the story through an educated equestrian’s eye, the resources for talent can be thin on the ground. As a prospective hire for a media company, students can gain advantage in their careers by broadcasting their specialty knowledge. I would love to be part of a team that nurtures this kind of talent and helps them network their future careers in the horse world and beyond. There is a lot going on up here in the Catskills! We have two LA production teams interested in working with us, and projects will extend well into the Fall. It’s definitely an opportunity to get in on the ground floor and learn the business.
The Horse Studio is also currently negotiating post-production marketing and distribution with their colleagues at several media channels/distribution outlets of equestrian/equine related content. But it’s not wrapped up yet. You are invited to contact The Horse Studio directly if you have interest in broadcasting the program,” says Nikki.
This production is one of several ongoing projects between Horse in a Kilt Media and The Horse Studio, that include the forthcoming series, “Horse Farm Life,” and “Green as a Dollar.” More information on these works is available at The Horse Studio website “Through the Lens,” page.
About Nikki:
Please visit www.NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com or https://www.horseinakiltmedia.com/ or email Nikki directly at Nikki@NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com or call/text 607 434 4470.
Internationally published writer, content creator, PR/Marketing specialist, photographer and equestrian Nikki Alvin-Smith offers “Engaging Content that Engages Riders to Read,” with unique and fresh material for your horse or pet related business, magazine, website, newsletter, blog and email blast sales machine. Her portfolio of works is extensive and includes equestrian and pet features that have been published worldwide in over 230 different magazine titles. Her clients include equestrian and “B” list movie celebrities for whom she regularly ghostwrites and provides PR services; manufacturers of equine and pet related medical devices, feedstuffs, supplements, grooming supplies, fencing and barn equipment, horse transport, horse structures and professional equine service providers; profit and non-profit initiatives and organizations; and non-equestrian related businesses/publications in the pet industry, investment, real estate and international travel and rural lifestyle. Please note all services (plus many others) are provided through Nikki’s corporate entity HorseinaKiltMedia.com
Nikki Alvin-Smith is a British international level Grand Prix dressage competitor/trainer/coach/clinician. Together with her husband Paul, who is also a Grand Prix dressage rider, Nikki operates Willowview Hill Farm in the Catskill Mountains of New York; a full service horse training facility. The duo provide ‘team’ clinician services to clients worldwide to riders of all levels and many riding disciplines.
Contact: Nikki Alvin-Smith: Content Writer; PR/Marketing Specialist
Email: Nikki@NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com
Website: NikkiAlvinSmithStudio.com
HorseinaKiltMedia.com
Cell: 607 434 4470