Paul Gibson
Basingstoke
Summary
Experienced media professional and Head of Studio Operations with a proven track record in leading large teams and delivering high-quality technical management in live production environments. Expert in people management, stakeholder collaboration, and health and safety compliance. Skilled in managing complex logistics across multiple production departments to meet tight deadlines while maintaining top-tier operational output. Dedicated to team development and delivering results through a collaborative, detail-oriented approach.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Studio Operations
Volant Media
London
03.2025 - Current
- Directed operations for several departments across all broadcast facilities.
- Managed stakeholder communication to optimise studio space for various programming needs.
- Production management for special live events, and all programming.
- Close collaboration with editorial teams to deliver and support requirements.
- Identified and implemented enhancements for operational practices.
- Oversaw departmental staffing rosters and recruitment to maintain operational readiness.
- Ensure that technical requirements are set up for all areas to meet production specifications.
- Developed comprehensive risk assessments for all broadcast areas.
- Coordinated logistics for productions held on-site and at external locations.
- Managed production processes from initial concept to final recording and post-production.
- Consulted on technical specifications, including audio, visual, lighting, power, and connectivity.
- Technical project management from conception to implementation, including new studio implementation, automation integration, and live music events.
- Advising on capex purchases and technical specifications.
- Oversaw budget allocations to ensure financial efficiency and resource management.
- Facilitated growth of team leads via targeted training.
- Directed a team of department managers overseeing more than 70 staff and freelance workers.
- Cut staff operational costs by 25% with increased efficiency.
- Designed instructional content and supportive documentation to facilitate seamless departmental processes.
Technical Manager
Volant Media
London
08.2022 - 03.2025
- Leading projects for implementation of new studio facilities and special live events.
- Advising on technology and equipment requirements across broadcast production areas.
- Creating and documenting workflows, training records and health and safety requirements.
- Ensuring all studio staff are trained and workplace H&S regulations are adhered to.
- Creation of Safe Systems of Work & Risk Assessments for the studios.
- Creating & implementing Lighting Designs for studios.
- Set up, programming & operation of various Avolites lighting desks.
- Collaboration with key stakeholders to launch new studios/programming.
- Managing the Technical Supervisors department, including training & development, rostering and ensuring consistent high quality output.
- Front line technical support for Studio & Gallery issues.
- Proactively identifying improvements in Studio & Gallery workflows.
- Collaboration with various departments for a range of projects.
Freelance Work
Various
09.2022 - 11.2024
- ABC News - Queen's Funeral - Lighting Board Operator & Spark.
- ABC News - King's Coronation - Lighting Board Operator & Spark.
- Amazon Studios Premier League Coverage - Lighting Operator.
- Bloomberg Studio Rig - Gaffer.
- ITV Women's Rugby World Cup Coverage - Spark.
- TCS London Marathon 2022 & 2026 - Gaffer & Lighting Board Operator.
- La Liga ITV Coverage - Spark.
Lighting Director
Volant Media
07.2020 - 08.2022
- Use of Vectorworks CAD to create lighting plans & studio set ups.
- Operating the lighting desk console for a variety of programming including live music.
- Configuring & programming new fixtures and building lighting states and show files within lighting consoles.
- Configuring & Operating robotic camera system during broadcasts.
- Racking & colour matching cameras using RCP's.
- Patching cameras, feeds, autocue and monitors within studios.
- Resolving technical issues arising in the lighting, camera, sound and vision mixing departments.
- Designing lighting requirements for new productions in liaison with other stakeholders.
- Rigging/refocusing lighting fixtures for new and existing programming.
- Ensuring all health and safety guidelines are adhered to in line with law.
- Delivering training on safe systems of work for studio staff.
- Ensuring all issues are resolved in a timely manner by working with other departments including technical support.
Lead Technical Supervisor
Volant Media
London
05.2018 - 07.2020
- Began my employment as a Technical Assistant; learning the trade of broadcast media.
- Gained an understanding of basics across all production departments including sound, vision mixing, camera operation and lighting.
- Promoted to Technical Supervisor, then Lead Technical Supervisor, overseeing a team of 14 staff & freelance colleagues.
Education
BA(Hons) - Media Production
University of Surrey
06-2014
A-Levels -
Collingwood College
07-2011
Skills
- Avolites Level 2 Training
- ETC Level 1 Training
- Robotic Camera Systems
- Panasonic, Canon & Sony Cameras
- Grass Valley & Panasonic OCP's
- Lawo Sound Desk
- Vectworks Spotlight
- NDI, SDI & Fibre Connectivity
- Mosart Automation
- Project Manager, Miro, Confluence & Trello
Timeline
Head of Studio Operations
Volant Media
03.2025 - Current
Freelance Work
Various
09.2022 - 11.2024
Technical Manager
Volant Media
08.2022 - 03.2025
Lighting Director
Volant Media
07.2020 - 08.2022
Lead Technical Supervisor
Volant Media
05.2018 - 07.2020
A-Levels -
Collingwood College
BA(Hons) - Media Production
University of Surrey