BLOG: My First Interview... And It Was A Royal!

Forces Media Academy Opening Ceremony - 11 Oct 17

Sophie Maynard

On being asked to interview the Duke of York, I felt honoured, excited, and a little apprehensive.

I had never conducted an interview before, and I suppose I had always hoped I would be able to refine my interviewing skills before having the privilege of having a member of the Royal family as my interviewee.

Nonetheless, it provided me with an invaluable insight into the coordination required when planning and conducting an interview, from the positioning of the camera to considering the height difference between interviewer and interviewee (solved simply, in my case, with a sturdy box!)

I always considered myself relatively camera-shy prior to beginning my tuition at the Forces Media Academy, primarily due to lack of exposure and experience within a filming environment. 

However, since arriving at the Academy just three weeks ago, we have already had multiple opportunities to experiment both in front of and behind the camera, and I have surprised myself at how quickly my hesitancy to be in front of the lens is disappearing, and how a future career in front of the camera is now becoming a growing interest. 

My past Royal Navy self would never have imagined that on leaving the Services I would find myself in a position where opportunities, such as today, would be possible.