In Conversation With... Chris Coote
For World Photography Day, we turned our focus to our cinematographer-extraordinaire, Chris Coote, speaking to him about his background, interests, and career to date.
Written by Chris Coote
Introduce yourself!
Hello! I’m Chris, 29 years old, born and bred in East Leeds. I’m a creative video director and photographer, running my own company, Olympix Media, where I get to bring stories to life through film and photography.
How did you get into photography/videography?
My interest in cameras stretches back to when I was six, when my older brother got a camcorder for his 18th birthday. His funny home videos made a massive impression on me, which led me to steal his camera whenever I could so I could make my own films!
After years of roping in my friends to help create silly short films through my teens, I eventually got an apprenticeship at Made in Leeds TV to be a camera operator in 2017 when I was 21. Fast forward a few years to 2020, I naturally gravitated towards photography and quickly became obsessed. I then started an Instagram photography account on 1 January 2021 and immersed myself with the massively creative community online.
Chris Coote
What does a day in the life for you look like at work?
Every day is different for me – one day I might be on location shooting a video project, and the next day I’m sat at my desk with my coffee editing photos, organising footage, and planning the next shoot. No two days are the same… but that’s what makes my job exciting!
What advice would you give to anyone thinking about getting into photography/videography?
For anyone interested in getting started with photography or videography, don’t get bogged down with what gear to use. Whether you use an iPhone or a budget DSLR, what really matters is getting out there and shooting. Focus on what inspires you, practice as much as you can, and aim to improve every time you shoot!
We’ve come to you to take fab photos of a few of our projects, like Youth Theatre and Leeds Actors in Training – do any moments stand out?
It’s hard to choose a favourite moment, but the Youth Theatre dress rehearsals at The Varieties are always a huge treat to capture. Watching the actors progress from workshop sessions to performing on the big stage is incredible – their talent blows me away every time. Most recently, I photographed their performance of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the mise-en-scène was on point!
Chris’ highlights
Do you have any personal favourite shoots/projects you’ve worked on – outside of things with us?
One of my favourite projects was a film I shot the B-roll for called Project Yorkshire. This involved me taking a camera to every town and city in Yorkshire and capturing cinematic-style shots of all the landmarks I could find. This was incredibly fun to do by myself and I learned tonnes during this time. The best part is that Sean Bean narrated the film, and we got to work with him (remotely) from our studio!
Favourite thing to do on your day off?
On my days off I love to go for long drives and long canal walks. Yorkshire delivers with this every time! I also love playing guitar and I’ve recently started oil painting.
Besides photography, is there anything else you aspire to still? Any dream jobs?
If I had it my way I would love to create a comedy sketch show – like a modern Monty Python programme.
Chris at work
Leeds Grand Theatre. Credit: Chris Coote
