My Journey To Sky Production Services – #12: Lisa Berry (Vision Mixer)

How It Started

What was your first ever job?

My first ever job was as a gymnastics coach.

What brought you to Sky?

To be honest, I was keen to work within the Vision Mixing department and I’m very interested in sport, so it seemed like a good opportunity to combine both interests.  Now, I’ve worked in SPS for 8 years.

How has your role evolved over the years?

Well, I initially joined Sky in 2005 within the sign language and audio description department. Then, I moved over to work in ingest in Sky News, taking in and recording feeds. This led to Sky News playout where I trained on EVS and moved to SPS.

What were your biggest professional challenges and how did you overcome them?

I think my biggest challenge and greatest achievement has been working with kids as a gymnastic coach and encouraging the kids to use the gymnastics apparatus they were terrified off. So far, nothing tops helping them overcome their fears and seeing how happy they were to achieve their goals.

How It’s Going

What does your day to day work life look like?

Everyday can be different and that’s exactly why I enjoy my role. Generally, it’s making sure what the director wants to see goes to air correctly to put it short.

What’s been your SPS career highlight and why?

My SPS career highlight was working on the ATP world tour finals at the O2. I am a big tennis fan and it was one of my first OBs, so it was exciting and challenging at the same time.

What can you see yourself doing next?

I love my current role, so I hope for more of this. But technology is always changing and I’m keen to follow this and learn new things.

How It Can Be Done

What are your top 3 tips for becoming a Vision Mixer?

• Be patient.
• Stay calm under pressure.
• Develop good people skills.

What would you tell your 16-year-old self?

Whatever you do, just make sure you keep up to date with technology.