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PERSON FOCUS: DAVE SHAW
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Dave Shaw has been travelling around the world in the back of trailers and boats since 1996. As his company - Diving Services UK - became increasingly successful, Dave realised that there was a real need in the industry for a purpose-built, studio-based underwater filming facility, so he approached Pinewood Studios with the idea.
Six years later, Dave now manages the Underwater Stage at Pinewood Studios. The stage welcomes all projects - film, TV and commercials - and is a unique, user-friendly, state-of-the-art water-filming facility.
What was your first broadcast/film industry related job?
I started Diving Services UK in 1993 as an equipment-servicing company for the SCUBA industry, expanding as commercial diving contractors for the media industry in 1996. My first industry related job was making breathing apparatus for the film Event Horizon. Since then, I’ve worked as a diving contractor for media work on projects both in the UK and abroad.
What made you take that particular job?
Needed the money!
What career-defining positions have you held since?
Diving Co-ordinator on over 200 productions - notably the James Bond films, the Harry Potter films, The Da Vinci Code and many more, as well as TV and commercial projects.
What has been your proudest moment to date?
When sitting on a boat in a lake 2000 metres up in the Atlas mountains in 2005, my mobile rang and it was Steve Jaggs - MD of Pinewood Studios - who proceeded to tell me that the Underwater Stage project had got the thumbs up after four years of planning and design.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your working life?
Water gets everywhere!
What would you most like to achieve in your career?
Maybe a bit of sleep…
In your line of work, what is the most important personality trait to have, and how do you go about getting it?
Dry humour. From mixing with weird people.
Where will you have your lunch today?
On the hoof or in my secret gazebo.
How do you occupy your time when you’re not working?
Doing anything muddy or wet.
Who do you consider to be the most inspirational figure in your life?
There are two: my Mum and Dad.
Complete this sentence: “The best thing in life is…”
Waking up to fresh snow in the morning.
www.pinewoodgroup.com and www.divingservices.co.uk
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