Filmmaker

I’m passionate about inspiring the deaf community with my films.

I studied Film and Animation at university and my first job was at a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting agency. Being profoundly deaf with BSL as my first language helped me engage with the deaf clients and the interpreters.

I revamped the agency’s website and digital content, then went freelance, moving into TV and filmmaking. Mainstream media agencies often asked how I could edit videos if I couldn’t hear, so it was easier to work with other deaf filmmakers.

One deaf filmmaker became a mentor to me. He taught me how to work with people who aren’t deaf aware which was so helpful. I worked as a photographer on a project called Hear Art, founded by actress, screenwriter and activist Rachel Shenton, which showcased deaf filmmakers and actors. Now I work as a multimedia officer for a deaf charity.

At work, I sometimes have an interpreter to transcribe spoken English in videos into written English for me to use in subtitles.

Never think you can’t do something. I just tried snowboarding and overcame my fear of heights! Remember, learning something new is hard for everyone at first.

Phoebe Capewell