Deirdre Mulcahy, Video Content Trainer
Deirdre Mulcahy is currently working as a freelance digital storytelling trainer on projects in Ukraine, Somalia, Nigeria and Nairobi, for the BBC and the EU. These projects are mainly focused on delegates producing quality short-form video for social media using mobiles or Craft Cameras. She is also working on projects with corporate clients, developing their storytelling skills with vlogging workshops. Deirdre currently owns a Sony FS5 (Super35) camera and has been using it to illustrate new ways of delivering digital content. Having recently taken the role of visiting lecturer at Met film School (UK) to develop and deliver their industry-focussed video content BA course, focussing on craft camera skills.
What is your favourite social media platform?
I like LinkedIn as I see it as a professional environment to share ideas. I have a clear demarkation for my work and private social media content. Sometimes it gets blurred, but I think it’s good to try and separate the two.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I have been working closely with a friend who encourages me to take on other roles and business opportunities. There is clearly a need for teaching/training around Zoom/Teams calls. The need for all business people - PR teams to know how to create great content with a few tips and tricks.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
I enjoy training younger people who are so enthusiastic, mostly self-taught and are stuck because they do not have the foundation skills and knowledge needed to grow. It is wonderful to get their feedback, but even more rewarding when I see their eyes light up when they get it. When they finally understand why they couldn't achieve a particular look or shot.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Never be late.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
Knowing I have so much more to share, that time is against me and that no matter how different the digital landscape, it's the fundamental skills that matter. My partner is amazing, works in a completely different field (Science) and inspires me with her breadth of knowledge and understanding and how she explains this in an engaging and informative way. This is something I have taken with me into my Teaching/Training.
What are you proud of in your life so far?
Forging a career in an industry that is very male-dominated. Learning every day.
BBC Training
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Face to face, the dynamic of human interaction is always way more subtle than we think, sometimes lost in text and webchats.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Charm ,-} Patience and Enthusiasm. The skill to break down complicated processes and explain them in a digestible way.
What do you wish you had known when you started?
That everything was possible. That one day, I could become a BBC Cameraman, a dream which I turned into reality.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Dr Anne Trewick - Inspirational leader. Bobbi Heath - F5 Networks - Inspirational coach
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
My home in France brings me back to earth, located in the middle of nowhere, a wonderful retreat during the recent lockdown. It takes up all of our time, and we love it.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you been managing it?
I lost all my work overnight. I was commissioned to work for the EU on a huge project, and whilst I was working on one of the projects in Somalia, I had to return immediately or face being locked down, as the airport was closing that night. From that day on, I have not worked for a year, apart from a couple of projects in August last year. Thankfully work is now coming in. The best part of lockdown was that I was isolated in France, and I got married!
Somalia EU Project
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I have not officially mentored anyone, but I feel I have that role when I am teaching at Met film school as I have great post-grad assistants to help me.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
You can now access cameras and make content, in a way I couldn't when I started. Make content, learn from your mistakes. Publish and share. Make content - find your audience.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
It's a very competitive industry, which can feel a bit like an exclusive club.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
Feel the fear and do it anyway.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
I think everyone is chasing the same digital audience, some are successful, and I am not sure even they know why. It's a complicated landscape, but Video is definitely at the heart of it. That’s why when it’s done badly, it really lets down the brand. Vlogging, in particular, can really look great or very unprofessional. No fancy kit or cameras are needed; in fact, I teach PR teams to work with a mobile phone and shoot it professionally.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I learn every day. I work hard when I am working. I have learnt to prioritise my loved ones. Charge what you are worth, and don't be frightened to ask for that.
