A youthful diet of Hammer films and American splatter movies cut deep into his imagination and after leaving university he found employment as a make-up artist. Within a few years, Reece was working for the BBC's Future Media and Technology Department.
Not surprisingly, getting his hands on a BBC camera wasn't difficult and Reece soon earned a reputation as an internal filmmaker. He added creative flair to what could otherwise have been dull, corporate videos, bringing depth through new angles and stories.
As with so many who've turned to self-employment, the process began with redundancy. When the BBC unit closed, Reece took the opportunity to leave with a pot of cash to invest in his own business.
Establishing an independent filmmaking business isn't cheap. HD cameras, computers, editing software and simply paying the bills ate quickly into the capital Reece had managed to acquire.
Fortunately, he discovered that social media could be a highly effective, and relatively inexpensive, marketing tool. Combined with the adrenalin-fuelled enthusiasm which accompanies a new venture and a sharp eye for the creative, Reece began to win business.
Profitable in his first trading year, Reece is seeing steady growth both in his income and his client base. Happy customers include the BBC, Bournemouth University and the Arts Council, and singer-songwriter Thea Gilmore. He currently works alone, providing both the filming and editing services that his customers require.
Cash flow is a common challenge for start-ups. Reece also ran into the challenge of maintaining confidence after the first few months. "After the first six months, you may find a month here or there where work isn't as forthcoming." His advice is to remember "that you are still good at your job" and to "think of the great work you've done - focus on the positives".
Reece gives credit for some of his success to the support and inspiration of his wife, Zoe, and his baby son, Harrison.
He has two more words of wisdom for others starting out on the road to self-employment. The first is to make full use of social networks for marketing, such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+. "Use these to share work and ideas with like-minded businesses."
The second is simply this: "You've set up your own business - enjoy it, ride out the hard times and always remember: you're brilliant."
To discover more about Reece's business, visit his filmmaking website.
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