Niall Stopford

niallstopford@hotmail.com
Phone: +56 942 925 081 (Chile)

Profile
I am a hardworking and organised zoology graduate, capable of solving problems in challenging field
conditions as well as managing data and equipment. I also have working knowledge of CatDv after
logging rushes for three sequences of The Hunt at Silverback Films. As a research assistant in the
Australian outback, I wrote, filmed and edited a short documentary outlining research on the
breeding behaviour of chestnut crowned babblers (http://www.vimeo.com/149856451).

Relevant Experience
Returns Co-ordinator Breville Australia (May July, 2015)
After positive feedback of my organisational skills from a previous contract, I was recruited to
organise bulk returns for warehouses nationwide.
Effective communication and problem solving were required during correspondence with
multiple warehouses simultaneously.

Field research assistant University of Exeter (June October, 2014)

Tracked and identified breeding groups of chestnut crowned babblers, managed data-collecting
equipment, built and repaired decoder coils, kept accurate field notes for data entry.
Corresponded with decoder manufacturer to trouble-shoot and fix a technical circuit board issue.
Developed effective verbal communication skills, using radios, when catching birds in mist-nets.
Exercised a high level of organisation by integrating personal filming with my assistant duties.

Researcher work experience - Silverback Films The Hunt (April, 2014)

Researched species and sent briefs to producers, praised for the depth of content.
Contacted scientific experts for information in a professional manner.
Logged rushes for three sequences, gained a deeper understanding of editors needs.

Researcher work experience - True North Productions (March, 2014)

Logged rushes for Closing Time (Channel 5), noting conversation that fitted the episode brief.
Researched recent programme themes, reported findings to development team.

Runner work experience - Films@59 (August, 2013)

Given responsibility over a floor after competence was quickly recognised.
Shadowed an offline edit for Castaways (Discovery).

Leeds Student Television (2012 - 2014)

Filmed a range of university events during varsity week and leadership race (Panasonic AVG-90).
Worked to a brief and was praised for the quality of my shots.

Education
The University of Leeds. 2011-2014
BSc Zoology, first class honours.
Received the Level 3 Zoology prize for the highest grade in the final year.
Specialised knowledge in social insects, sexual selection and parasites.
Tapton Secondary School and Sixth Form, Sheffield. 2004 -2011
A levels: Biology (A), Geography (B), Psychology (B).

Relevant Skills and Interests

Filmmaking and Photography

I have an understanding of technical considerations needed for a shoot, as well as

experience with cameras (Panasonic AVG-90, DSLRs).
Knowledge of post-production (Adobe Premier Pro).
I can shoot high quality wildlife stills, work featured in Biosphere magazine.

Natural world and Travel

Avid birdwatcher and reader of natural history content.

I take notes on interesting biology and behaviour and how it could be adapted to a natural
history narrative.
Travelled extensively in Australia, Asia and South America, building knowledge of wildlife
and local customs.

Other skills

Conversational Spanish.
Full, clean UK driving license.
PADI open water diver.
Microsoft office, Adobe Lightroom, excellent online academic research skills.

Other work experience

Line Chef, Wagamama (Oct/15 Jan/16) multitasking, problem solving under time stress.
Data Entry Clerk, Thiess (May/15) requested after a previous role at the company.
Stock Replenisment, SYD tax and duty free (Dec/14 Feb/15) organised alcohol shipments.
Asset Inventory Clerk, Thiess (Oct-Dec/14) organising hospital assets into Excel system.

Referees
Mandi Stark
Assistant Producer
Silverback Films
mandi.stark@silverbackfilms.tv
Tel: +44 (0) 117 992 7233

Dr Andrea Liebl
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
University of Exeter
a.l.liebl@exeter.ac.uk
Tel: +44 784 228 1771

Dr Sophie Evison
Teaching and Research Fellow
University of Sheffield
s.evison@sheffield.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0) 114 222 4372