Meet Lorna Lewis, Senior Content Producer, Technical Operations Team, Dolby Europe Ltd.
Lorna Lewis is Senior Content Producer in the Technical operations team at Dolby Europe Ltd London. We talk to her about her career in cinema, her biggest achievement and what she loves about working for a tech company.
Tell us a bit about yourself, background and your current role
I have a BSc degree in Audio and Film Technology from Southampton Solent University after completing A-levels in Maths, Physics and Drama. My current role is to manage and highlight the use of Dolby technologies in Dolby’s London Screening room. This can involve supporting anything from demonstrations of new technologies to both partners and clients, colour grading and post-production reviews, Director Sign off’s, cast and crew screenings to Launch parties and Premiers. I have worked in the Cinema team at Dolby for 15 years now working up from a graduate hire.
Did you ever sit down and plan your career?
At school I knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry and there are so many roles that are ‘behind the scenes’ that help to support great performances. I first started by helping backstage on school productions running the PA system and lighting rigs.
What do you like most about working for a tech company? Why audio-visual specifically?
My best line when it comes to explaining my job is to say ‘I watch pre-release movies for a living’ which sounds super cool. Really working for a tech company in the entertainment sector was the best combination of the skills I have with the hobbies that make me happy.
What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
With supporting so many productions and technologies over a wide demographic of entertainment, the achievements can seem small and more often belong to the content owner. However, things like hearing a music track that your team have worked on released on the radio, reading a great review of the use of Dolby Tech in a non-industry publication or watching content we have spent many hours working closely with the production teams, win awards are all ways to measure achievements and feel proud of the work we have done.
What one thing do you believe has been a major factor in you achieving success?
Never be afraid to ask a question or get clarification. Having a great team around you that you can talk problems through with, get training from and work alongside to provide the client with a seamless show or effortless work environment helps our clients to produce their best work and helps our team and facilities stand out.
What top tips would you give to an individual who is trying to excel in their career in technology?
Never stop learning. Our industry most so quickly and the prolific advances in technology help that along, keeping up is important and there are so many ways to learn and get support.
Do you believe there are still barriers for success for women working in tech, if so, how can these barriers be overcome?
I think some of the biggest barriers for women in tech can be ourselves. Fear of being judged and having the confidence to speak out or ask for help when needed can sometimes hold us back.
What do you think companies can do to support and progress the careers of women working in technology?
Training is paramount. Allowing time for any team member for personal development, giving constructive feedback that includes a plan for support or training in that area is essential to get the best out of your team regardless of gender but encouraging women to select training or managed helping to recommend training they have done, helps to provide a clear progress path for the future.
There are currently only 21 per cent of women working in tech, if you could wave a magic wand, what is the one thing you would do to accelerate the pace of change for women in the industry?
For me giving kids visibility of the things that are possible early on and helping to get a diverse group into each subject when it comes to course selection at secondary school would really help. Being able to highlight the benefits of learning something will help with aspects of future careers, such as data transfer and networking alongside basic electronic skills are a must for any technology role but were extremely male dominated when I was studying.
What resources do you recommend for women working in tech?
There are a great number of resources that you can find on being a woman in tech and those are all great, informative and encouraging but nothing beats having a great team around you. It is really the people that elevate the place you work from a job to a career.
