Our 2018 Breakthrough Awards winner Harvey Fitzpatrick shares with us what he’s been doing over lockdown and what advice he would give to anyone starting out in production? 

How did your passion for the production industry begin?
I first started getting involved in production bits at secondary school, I would work on the school shows, first just coiling cables and handing lights around. Then by the end of school I had to chance to get involved more and operate on the desk. This lead me to help a friend of mine at the local drama group where there would be a couple shows a year. I always remember them as being great fun to be a part of.

How did you get into the production industry?
My route was through school, then doing theatre production at college and then uni. That gave me the time to get to know people and make friends already in the industry.

Did you know back then how to start your career?
Not really, I just enjoyed what I was doing and therefore pursued people and opportunities which meant I could do more of it!

Did you study or do a course? If so, where?
I did Theatre Production at Northbrook college. And then went onto to do Lighting Design at Rose Bruford College.

“keep your head down and keep turning up to work and doing your bit, even if it’s not the big jobs”

Was there anyone who influenced you along the way to get to where you are by today?
I’ve always had people around me supporting me in the path I wanted to take. My friend Ryan from school got me into it at the very beginning. I’ve been very fortunate to learn from the best since working full time at PRG, the people both full time and freelance have taught me everything I know.

How old were you when you won your Breakthrough Award back in 2018?
21

What has been the highlight of your career so far?
It’s got to be the Super Bowl!

How have you spent the last 18 months?
I was fortunate enough to have been kept on full time at PRG during the last couple years, working on TV shows and odd bits and bobs.

What was your highlight of 2021?
Getting married!

What would your advice be to yourself 5 years ago?
My advice to myself would be just to keep your head down and keep turning up to work and doing your bit, even if it’s not the big jobs. Also to keep in touch with people you meet!

Any advice to anyone who wants to work in this industry?
I think you just have to work hard and over time you’ll get to where you want to be. Maybe for some people it happens overnight but I think there’s a long game, I’m not where I want to be ultimately but I’ve come from knowing nothing. Every day is a school day. Always ask a question if you don’t know what you are doing or why you are doing it.

What are you most looking forward to in 2022?