On this episode of the Coolbox Podcast, we sat down with Ed Lister, a filmmaker, director of photography, and camera operator who has carved out a unique career path from the UK to Dubai. His journey is full of lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and taking risks in the ever-changing film and media industry.
Early Career: Breaking Into the Industry
Like many filmmakers, Ed didn’t walk straight into dream jobs after university. Instead, he hustled:
- Started as an assistant, second camera, and runner.
- Worked bar jobs while saving up for kit.
- Helped out in studios and built connections through freelance gigs.
- Gradually moved up to camera operating, taking nearly a decade before finding real momentum.
Out of a course of nearly 80 people, Ed says only a handful continued working in the industry, proof of how tough it can be to stick it out.
Building Connections
One of the most important parts of Ed’s journey has been his network. Early on, he got linked into freelance crews, which led to lasting collaborations, including with Coolbox.
Networking wasn’t about being pushy; it was about being helpful, consistent, and ready to take opportunities. As Ed puts it, those small freelance jobs stacked up, and over time, he built trust that kept the phone ringing.
The Leap to Dubai
Two years ago, Ed made the bold move to relocate to Dubai. At first, it was daunting. Would he be able to find steady work, or would the cultural shift limit him?
Thankfully, a partnership with an agency helped him hit the ground running. That gave him access to corporate clients, including global banks and international businesses, while his UK connections continued to call on him for shoots in the region.
Today, Ed balances:
- Corporate & agency work (interviews, commercials, events)
- Freelance projects with UK media companies shooting in Dubai
- Specialised assignments like horse racing coverage and entertainment shows
Challenges of the Dubai Market
Dubai is unique and competitive. Many entry-level jobs get undercut by creators charging extremely low rates. The result? Event videography and low-level sports coverage often go to the cheapest bidder.
But Ed has found his niche: higher-end, specialist work where experience, technical skills, and storytelling matter. He’s also learned to adapt: some clients don’t want a “DP with cinema glass”; they want a content creator with an iPhone. Rather than trying to force every job to fit, Ed picks the ones that align with his skills and values.
From Switch to Surgery
Ed has worked on a wide range of projects, from quirky sports documentaries to groundbreaking medical films.
- Switch – A documentary about a Saudi athlete switching disciplines to qualify for the Olympics. While the shoot was chaotic (and at times bizarre, as it involved filming someone eating chicken burgers in slow motion), it gave Ed a taste of long-form storytelling.
- Conjoined Twins Surgery (Abu Dhabi) – A six-month documentary following twins joined at the head, culminating in a world-first surgical separation. Filming inside operating theatres, Ed documented history being made, footage now sought after by Netflix, the BBC, and Amazon.
“That’s the kind of stuff you want to be doing,” Ed said. “At the end of it, two little girls came out on two beds, seeing each other for the first time. That was incredible.”
What’s Next?
For now, Ed is splitting time between Dubai and Manchester. He still returns to the UK for annual gigs (like filming university graduations) and keeps his UK network alive.
As for the future? His family is settled in Dubai for at least another two years while his son starts school and his wife continues her teaching contract. Beyond that, he’s keeping options open.
“It’s been an adventure so far,” he says. “Another year will probably tell.”
Takeaways from Ed’s Story
- Start small and build steadily – From assisting to camera operating, Ed’s 15-year career shows the importance of patience.
- Leverage your network – Many of Ed’s Dubai gigs came through UK contacts who remembered his work.
- Adapt to the market – Not every job is glamorous, but staying flexible keeps the work coming.
- Take risks – Moving countries is a gamble, but it can open doors to projects you’d never imagine.
- Stay enthusiastic – Whether it’s corporate interviews or groundbreaking documentaries, Ed approaches every project with energy.
🎧 Want to hear the full conversation? Listen on Spotify