My name is Patrick 'PK' Ahern, and I am seeking entry into the Camera Department with the immediate goal of working as a Loader, and the long-term aspiration of becoming a 1st AC. I grew up working within the digital visual arts, so the fundamentals of color, exposure, and framerate are second nature to me. My adult background is rooted in live photography, where I worked almost exclusively with high-speed prime lenses and manual focus in chaotic concert environments. While that experience gave me the technical composure I rely on now, photography was often a vacuum. While photographing an event, even though I may be surrounded by hundreds of people, I am not participating with them, per se; I am locked-in individually. Stepping onto a film set and experiencing the "brigade system," and being part of a creative collaborative effort changed everything; I realized I had finally found my tribe. I excell in that type of scenario where teamwork and communication are so important and we are working together toward a single, shared goal.

I have found that my definition of creativity is synonymous with problem-solving. My true "aha" moment came on the shoot where our planned setups began failing, and instead of losing momentum; which others seemed to get stuck by, I found that I naturally pivoted to hunt for the next best technical solution. Where overthinking might cause stress in other areas of life, the high-pressure environment of a set acts as a funnel for my thoughts. It naturally builds an exact order of operations in my mind—specifically the rigorous data management, battery cycling, inventory tracking, etc. required of a Loader. I actually thrive in these high-stakes environments because finding creative solutions, and problem-solving in general; is how I learn the fastest. My mantra is: "Don't let the tech work you, you work the tech." I don’t just accept that a specific result can’t be achieved; I find the workaround or the different approach needed to execute the shot. I am focused on finding solutions, not just identifying problems. 

Transitioning from the solo world of photography, I immediately embraced the fast-paced, synchronized etiquette of a camera crew. My mentor, AFI Cinematographer Nyssa Gluck, taught me exactly how to execute within that system. She made it clear: if a 1st AC has to ask me for a battery, I am already slowing down the production. I orchestrate my physical workflow by constantly observing the current sequence of the shoot, and anticipating future needs: staging gear so the exact tools are in my hands before a request is ever made, and so our team will never be caught off guard. Nyssa also taught me how a crew feeds off your energy, making projected calmness a functional requirement of the job when times get high-pressure. That calmness dictates how I handle feedback. Because I grew up in the art world, seeking critiques from those more skilled than me; I automatically separate business from personal on set. I appreciate brevity and directness; I know that receiving "no notes" usually implies they just don’t care. When someone corrects me, I truly appreciate the gesture, thank them, and adjust immediately. I realize that once humility is gone: you stop learning — and my thirst for knowledge in this field is unquenchable. 

I build trust by showing up prepared and ready to humbly execute, knowing that I am above no role or project. For me, being proactively reliable is what I strive for, which means execution starts long before call time. I show up having already done the research on the specific systems and gear I know we will be using. If we are flying a camera I haven't had the chance to work with yet, I am intently studying the manuals, menus, and known bugs beforehand so there are no surprises. I check out the previous work of my crewmates to understand their workflow, and I walk onto set with pre-prepared checklists and the exact tools specified for the needs of that individual project. My work ethic speaks for itself: I have stacked up over 500 verified hours across various sets since I started logging them in mid-November 2025. Through that dense timeline, I've realized there is something to learn from everyone and every project. If and when I may make a mistake, I immediately own it and seek out my immediate supervisor to catch them up so we can address or mediate it. There is no time for shame or feelings of inadequacy when we have a day to make; the priority for me in all aspects is truly protecting the production. I understand that Camera Department gear involves massive financial and safety risks, and hiding an error can derail the schedule, budget, and other people's work.

I am naturally outgoing and genuinely love meeting people who share these common interests. I try to bring a bit of levity, when appropriate, to brighten the day; which truly makes my day in return. Recently, seeing fellow students instinctively look to me for guidance and assistance on concepts or gear has been quite validating. Hearing their surprise at my timeline of experience proves that my composure translates into immediate reliability and teamwork.

My immediate target is to work as a Loader on larger, union sets, a role which demands the technical background I've grown up with, and the exact logistical mindset I've developed — while 1st AC is the natural evolution of my composure, camera system understanding, and manual focus background. I understand the administrative reality of this pathway: getting on the Industry Experience Roster (IER) managed by Contract Services is a part of becoming eligible to work in the system, but it is not the same as automatically joining an IATSE Local. I also recognize that Hollywood CPR is not a guarantee, nor is it a regular school-to-job process with expected graduation dates and boxes to check off. This is not a degree seeking program, just as our industry is not a degree dependent business.  It is an opportunity to step up to the plate with guidance, but it ultimately requires me to take full responsibility and do my own legwork. I thrive in situations like that because where I end up is a direct result of my own actions and abilities. Backed by my technical composure, creative problem-solving, and a deep respect for the rigorous protocols of the camera department, I am ready to succeed on this path.