My Video Editing Desk Setup: Why I Finally Started Taking Ergonomics Seriously
For a long time, I didn't really think my editing setup was a problem.It wasn't bad. It wasn't amazing. It was just okay. And for years, that felt good enough. The funny thing is, I've always been happy to invest in equipment that helps me when I'm out filming. Cameras, support rigs, backpacks, trainers, anything that makes long shoot days easier on my body. But when it came to the place where I spend hours editing videos, planning projects and replying to emails, I pretty much neglected it. The reality is I spend a huge amount of my working life sat at a desk. Some weeks I'll spend twelve hours on my feet filming, only to come back and spend the next day editing for eight hours straight. Eventually, I realised I should probably start paying as much attention to my editing setup as I do to my camera kit.
Discovering Ergonomics
That's when I reached out to Humanscale. One of the first things I did was take their ergoIQ assessment. It's a surprisingly detailed assessment that asks questions about your desk setup, screen position, desk height and how you work throughout the day. At the end, it gives you a score and highlights areas where improvements could be made. What I liked was that it wasn't trying to overwhelm me with technical information. It simply highlighted a few areas where my setup wasn't really supporting the way I worked. It quickly became obvious that there were some relatively simple changes I could make.
My New Video Editing Desk Setup
I've now been using my new setup for the last three months. The first thing that stood out was how different it felt. It didn't really feel like sitting at a desk. It felt more like sitting in a driving position. The desk moves up and down. The monitors move in and out. Everything can be adjusted. Nothing feels fixed. Instead of forcing myself to adapt to the setup, the setup adapts to me. That might sound like a small thing, but when you're sitting at a desk for hours every day, it makes a big difference.
Humanscale Setup
What I Learned About Desk Ergonomics
Before this, I honestly didn't know much about ergonomics. Once I started looking into it properly, I realised there are some really basic things that most people simply aren't told.
For example:
Your legs should be roughly ninety degrees with your feet supported.
Your elbows should stay close to your body.
Your wrists should remain straight rather than bent.
Your shoulders shouldn't be lifting while you work.
Your screen should be roughly an arm's length away.
Your eye line should naturally land around the middle of the screen.
None of these things are particularly complicated. The challenge is that most of us never stop to think about them. We just sit down and get on with our work.
Small Changes Add Up
Individually, these adjustments don't seem like much. But when you're spending hours at a desk every day, they add up surprisingly quickly. One of the biggest changes for me was simply being able to adjust the height of the desk properly. It sounds obvious now, but my previous desk didn't really give me that flexibility. Being able to change position throughout the day has made me far more aware of how I'm working.
Why This Matters
For me, this isn't really about having a fancy desk.It's about longevity. As filmmakers, photographers and creatives, we spend a lot of time thinking about our equipment, our editing software and our workflows. We don't always spend enough time thinking about the thing that supports us while we're doing all of it. If you're spending a large chunk of your life behind a desk, it's worth taking the time to make sure your setup is working with you and not against you.
You don't need to overcomplicate it. Just get the basics right. Sometimes the biggest improvements come from the things you never realised needed improving in the first place.
PORTAL Beach Trolley Cart: A Secret Weapon for a videographer on a budget!
If you’re looking for a durable, versatile, and reliable trolley to make transporting heavy or bulky items easier, the PORTAL Beach Trolley Cart is an absolute must-have. Designed with all-terrain big wheels and a heavy-duty frame that supports up to 102kg, this trolley has been a game-changer for my video production work. Even better, it doubles as the perfect family companion for beach outings. Here’s my experience putting it to the test.
Video Production: Handles the Heavy Lifting
As a filmmaker, I often have to carry a lot of equipment to various locations. Recently, I used this trolley to navigate London, and it didn’t disappoint. I managed to load it with:
1 x Aputure 300d & Dome
1 x Light Stand
5 x Astera Titans
1 x Miller Tripod
1 x Boom Arm
1 x C-Stand
1 x Large Extension Lead
1 x Overnight Bag
This was quite a load - probably more than I’d typically recommend - but the PORTAL trolley handled it like a pro. The wide all-terrain wheels made it easy to manoeuvre over pavements and curbs, and the adjustable handle was comfortable to pull, even when fully loaded. I wouldn’t make a habit of overloading it like this, but it’s good to know it can handle the occasional heavy-duty job.
Why I Recommend the PORTAL Trolley
Heavy-Duty Capacity: Its ability to carry up to 102kg makes it ideal for professional equipment and family outings.
All-Terrain Wheels: Designed to handle sand, gravel, and uneven surfaces with ease.
Compact Design: Folds down quickly for convenient storage.
Durable Build: The steel frame and tough polyester fabric are built to last.
Adjustable Handle: Comfortable for users of all heights, whether pulling or pushing.
While I wholeheartedly recommend this trolley, here are a few tips to get the best use out of it:
Don’t Overload It (Too Much): Although it handled my ambitious load during a shoot, I wouldn’t advise pushing it to its limits.
Secure Your Gear: Use bungee cords or straps to keep your equipment or beach supplies in place.
Clean It After Outdoor Use: A quick wipe-down keeps it looking and functioning like new.
This trolley is perfect for:
Filmmakers and Photographers: Transport lights, tripods, and stands with ease.
Parents: Make family outings to the beach or park hassle-free.
Event Planners: Move decorations and supplies effortlessly.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Carry everything you need for camping, picnics, or festivals.
Final Thoughts
The PORTAL Beach Trolley Cart is far more than a garden or beach tool - it’s a versatile, robust solution for work and play. Whether I’m hauling gear for a video shoot or packing up for a family day at the beach, it’s made my life so much easier.
If you’re in need of a heavy-duty, all-terrain trolley that’s as reliable as it is practical, I can’t recommend this one enough!
Full Disclaimer: By clicking the links above, I may earn a commission. I only share and recommend tools and resources that I personally use and trust.
Celebrating a Milestone: My First Award at the Royal Television Society East Awards
Friday night marked a significant milestone in my career as I received my very first award! The event was nothing short of spectacular, filled with incredible talent, creativity, and inspiring personalities. The Royal Television Society East Awards, held annually, celebrate the exceptional work in television and digital media across the region. This year, I was honoured to accept an award for Owen Pick's 'Moving Forward' in the Short Form Digital category.
The Event: A Night to Remember
The Royal Television Society East Awards ceremony was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere was electric, with a gathering of some of the most talented individuals in the industry. The event highlighted the high standards of work being produced in our region, and it was an incredible honour to be part of such a prestigious gathering.
Our Achievement: Recognition for 'Moving Forward'
'Moving Forward,' the project I directed, was recognised for its brave directorial decisions and compelling, cinematic storytelling. The judges commended our entry, and receiving such high praise was both humbling and exhilarating. It’s moments like these that remind us why we pour our hearts and souls into our work.
Acknowledging the Team: Gratitude and Thanks
Achieving this award was not a solo effort. I am deeply grateful to Owen Pick, whose inspiring story was the foundation of our film. Without your narrative, 'Moving Forward' would not exist. Additionally, I extend my thanks to Jeff Moberg for the outstanding sound design and Cam Sander for the vibrant colour work—you both brought the film to life in ways I could only imagine.
A special mention also goes to Jo Bird for the unwavering support and encouragement throughout this journey. Your belief in me and the project was instrumental in bringing it to fruition.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
Winning this award is a significant milestone, but it is also a stepping stone for future projects. The recognition from the Royal Television Society East Awards has fuelled my passion and determination to continue creating compelling stories. I am excited for what the future holds and look forward to sharing more of our work with the world.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way. Here’s to many more stories and successes!
#RoyalTelevisionSocietyEastAwards
#AwardWinningFilmmaker
#ShortFormDigitalCategory
#OwenPicksMovingForward
#CinematicStorytelling
#DirectorialDecisions
#TelevisionAndDigitalMedia
#FilmmakingAchievements
Owen Pick Film nominated for the RTS East Awards!
I'm thrilled to share that my short film 🎬 , "Moving Forward - Owen Pick" has been nominated for the Royal Television East Awards! 🏆
Thanks to everyone who was involved in making it happen!
The competition is tough, but it’s an incredible honour just to be nominated. Best of luck to all the nominees - I'm looking forward to the awards evening 🍾 🥂
The RTS East awards ceremony is being hosted at the historic Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge, on 21st June, 2024. My fingers are crossed!
If you haven’t seen the film, watch it here -
Highly Commended in the Freelancer of the Year category - Bury Free Press Business Awards
I’m delighted to say I was given the highly Commended award in the ‘Freelancer of the Year’ category at the Bury Free Press Business Awards.
It celebrates business success across the district from individuals who have made a remarkable difference, to start-ups on their way to the top, and lifetime achievers who have overseen decades of success.
