Daniel Fleming is the founder of Aperture Media, a Cork-based production company specialising in creative video production.
My first job as a teenager was as a part-time pool attendant and lifeguard in a nearby hotel leisure centre. After this, and while still in school, I got a part-time job with a local TV production company. A few years later I became a freelance TV cameraman. As a child my parents always encouraged me to play with cameras and filmmaking became a keen hobby. When I was in my second year in school I met a TV crew from ShinAwil that came to my school and I realised that my hobby could become a career. I remember saying to my parents that night that I definitely wanted to become a cameraman. Having worked in the TV industry as a cameraman for over 10 years and then setting up my own production company, I think my greatest achievement to date is having produced our own six-part TV series for RTE One, ‘Paul Flynn’s Food Truck Favourites’, which started airing in July 2022 and was sponsored by Kerrygold. This was a goal and dream of mine for a long time. I’m delighted with my career journey so far, I love what I do now and I love what I have done over the past 15 years. Looking back, I do wish I had gone to college after school and enjoyed that part of life when it was the right time to do it instead of going straight into the world of work so young. For me, success is achieving a goal, whether it’s big or small, and enjoying the journey on the way there. When I was starting out as a freelance cameraman and wanted to work in television, a director told me not to do wedding videos… That’s probably the best advice I ever got. I try to lead by example, I’m not afraid of hard work and I try to set a good example and high standard. I’m trying to build a team of creative people who have a love for what they do in this industry and want to be part of the journey in building and growing Aperture Media as a Cork-based production company. I think you need to love what you do to work in the TV industry. Not brilliantly, but I’m getting used to it and now I try to focus on the bigger picture and not let individual situations stress me out too much. But I’m happier when things are going to plan for sure. A combination of spending time at home with my family and nearly two-year-old daughter Lucia, going to or watching Munster and Ireland Rugby matches, barbecuing and making homemade pizzas. To continue on the path we are on by producing more of our own content for television broadcasters and streaming platforms and to grow the team with more creative and like-minded people.What was your first job?
What pushed you to pursue a career in this field?
What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Career-wise, would you do anything differently?
In one sentence, how would you define success?
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
How do you motivate yourself and your staff?
How do you handle adversity?
How do you relax?
What are your aspirations for the future of the business?