Angharad Penrhyn Jones
What type of films/projects/programmes do you work on?
I directed and produced the documentary series Ar Y Stryd (Street Life) for S4C and produced and directed the documentary Psychic Surgeon for BBC 2 (she won a BAFTA Cymru Best Newcomer prize and Best Current Affairs documentary awards for Street Life and a nomination for Psychic Surgeon)
What's the best part of your job?
I'm quite nosey and the documentary programmes allow me amazing insights into people's lives - the kind of insights you would otherwise never gain. I love the creative aspect and like to work closely with the editor -I don't just hand over rushes to the editor. I find helping to develop the material stimulating. It's satisfying to have an idea and follow it through to the end.
Are there aspects of your job you don't like?
It's hard to get ideas commissioned and then it's a great responsibility, quite stressful, trying to make films work. Knowing other crew people are dependent on you and the project. I also don't like working away from home. I've just had a baby and that's so important to me now. Documentaries tend to take over your life. I find it hard to switch off - the work eats into your life.
How did you enter the industry?
I graduated in English from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth. I worked on an S4C digital magazine programme for a company called Zenana, which no longer exists. I researched items, presented and filmed but I wanted to make more in-depth programmes and left after six months. Then Wil Aaron, at Ffilmiau'r Nant in Caernarfon, gave me an opportunity to work with him. It was a great experience and I was given the opportunity to develop my two programmes about the homeless in north Wales (Ar Y Stryd) (Street Life). Thanks to Wil's reputation and support S4C took a leap of faith in me and I directed, produced and researched . It took two years to make the two 50-minute programmes - I was thrown in at the deep end and it was a really harrowing subject. My sister Sara Penrhyn Jones was cameraman and assistant director.
What skills or attributes do you need in your job?
Genuine curiosity about people. You need to be observant and able to talk to anyone. When I have a story I'm like a dog with a bone but you need diplomacy and to be persuasive.
Have you done any training since entering the industry?
Yes, I've been on a radio course at the BBC in London, part of the £1,000 prize from Skillset for taking the BAFTA Best Newcomer award.
