Meet Harriet Spark

Harriet is a Producer and Photographer committed to authentic storytelling.

Harriet is a Producer primarily working on natural history, science, and factual broadcast programs. She excels at executing complicated underwater and international shoots and has a talent for storytelling. After creating numerous viral social videos for 1 Million Women in 2016, Harriet studied at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School to gain a more technical understanding of filmmaking. With a background in communications, she loves researching and interviewing talent and developing storyboards that produce thought-provoking films.

Harriet has experience shooting on various cameras, including Canon and RED systems. She has the practical knowledge to efficiently and safely produce in the field. Being a professional diver for over a decade, she is experienced with open-circuit (scuba) and closed-circuit (CCR) dive equipment. She has dived in temperate and tropical environments and has experience using speciality equipment like dry suits. Harriet has led multiple international shoots for clients such as National Geographic, ensuring all footage is captured in a safe and enjoyable working environment. Harriet started in the industry as a dive instructor on the Great Barrier Reef. Working in the tourism industry from a young age helped her learn to read a room and build rapport quickly with crew and talent. Harriet is not afraid to get her hands dirty. She knows that switching between diving, cooking for a hungry crew of 12, helping solve inevitable problems that can arise on location, interviewing talent, and shooting footage can all be in a day’s work.

Harriet is an Emerging League Member of the International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP), a global organisation of media professionals dedicated to ethical storytelling. She strives to create impact and produces compelling short films to help businesses and organisations bring their vision for a better world to life. She has worked on exciting projects with science and advocacy organizations, including WWF, The Australian Conservation Foundation, and The Nature Conservancy. Her work has been published in the Guardian, Australian Geographic, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, Oceanographic Magazine, and the Sydney Morning Herald.

KEY SKILLS

PRE-PRODUCTION

Harriet has set up multiple complex international multi-crew shoots in remote locations, often focusing on the underwater world and navigating the additional complexities accompanying filming in this environment.

STILLS PHOTOGRAPHY

Harriet has delivered suites of topside and underwater photographs for clients including Getty Images, Marriott Bonvoy, James Cook University, Australian Conservation Foundation and Mission Blue. Most recently, Harriet has photographed behind-the-scenes across multiple shoots for a blue-chip National Geographic natural history series. You can view more of Harriet’s photography here.

FIELD PRODUCTION

Harriet has executed multiple high-profile shoots in remote locations. She confidently manages day-to-day shoot logistics, including briefings and dive plans and ensures the team stays on track. Harriet quickly builds rapport and relationships with people from all walks of life and values collaboration and compassion on set.

RISK MANAGEMENT

Harriet has written many risk assessments for shoots that involve CCR diving, night diving, and working in remote, sensitive locations. She collaborates with all members of the safety team, including Skippers and Dive Supervisors, to establish the safest working environment possible and communicates this information to all crew members through on-location briefings.

DIVE EXPERIENCE

Harriet has been working in the diving industry for over a decade. Harriet is an SSI Dive Instructor, a TDI Dive Instructor and a PADI DiveMaster. Harriet has dived in a variety of tropical and temperate locations around the world. Harriet is also certified on a JJ-CCR and has logged over 120 hours on her unit in the last 12 months. She has experience using speciality dive equipment, such as dry suits, and is trained in first aid and oxygen administration.

CAN-DO ATTITUDE

From cooking for a hangry team of 15 people to safety diving and moonlighting as a soundie, Harriet is versatile, adaptable and willing to jump in and get her hands dirty to achieve the best possible result on location. Harriet aims never to stop learning and wears many hats in the field (literally and metaphorically - sun safety is essential).

QUALIFICATIONS
AND TRAINING

  • SSI Open Water Scuba Instructor

    TDI/SDI Open Water Scuba Instructor

    PADI DiveMaster

    JJ-CCR 40m rebreather diver

    First Aid, Oxygen Therapy and AED

    Current AS2299.1 Occupational Dive Medical

    Harriet has over 1500 SCUBA dives and 120 hours on JJ CCR in the last 12 months

  • CASA Remote Pilots License

    AFTRS | 2018

    Diploma of Camera

  • Martin College | 2015

    Diploma of Graphic Design

    Richmond TAFE | 2015

    Captive Animals CERT III

    Awarded with the ‘Rotary of Richmond Scholarship for outstanding students’ during 2014

“I believe in the power of storytelling to shape our world for the better, and love to work with people who feel the same.”