Here are some tips on how to start a career in TV created by some of the team. This is for anyone unsure as to where to start and hopefully these tip will give you some inspiration in to how to start a career in TV.
Josh
Depends what you want to do. I feel it’s important to find people that are doing what you want to do in TV and pick their brains and ask them. The amount of strong executive producers I called to ask advice on the process, running an indie etc was so important. Everything they said I wrote down, listened to and took in and as a result it naturally made me better at what I wanted to do and helped me formulate my path. I have always felt the easiest way to get into something job-wise is just to learn from the best. The next question I get asked is how you do that and I tell people, you would be surprised how many people will give you 5 minutes of their time if you’re humble and passionate. You’d be very surprised. Those same people can also help you get opportunities, interns
hips, apprenticeships etc in production and development. It all starts from having no fear, and no ego.
Holly
My tips on getting a career in TV would be to take note of the production companies that produce the shows you like, find out who the decision makers are there and contact them directly. Not only does it show passion and initiative, but you’ll stand out from the rest of the job hunters applying through the standard route of responding to jobs ads. Be active, contact as many different companies that you feel you fit in with. Also, spend your spare time practising whatever craft you want to work in, whether that be camera, editing, sound, development etc. You can never have too much practice.
In this industry you need to make yourself stand out, so cater your emails to each individual company and show them why there’s no one else like you. You’ll make it eventually!
Chloe
Tip 1: Talk to a friend who studies or work in this industry
Tip 2: Go to some short courses to have some knowledges.
Tip 3: Go to more events and talks of the industry.
Tip 4: Start working as a runner.
Tip 5: Watch some online courses or youtube videos.
Tip 6: Be nice to everybody, have empathy, respect everyone. Stand for what you believe, but you don’t have to be strong to others, but please be strong inside.
Tip 7: Take let yourself be taken for granted.
Katie
The best piece of advice I can give to someone who is looking to start a career in any industry is to just be themselves. This will make you more confident in an interview scenario and your personality will shine through. I believe that knowledge can be learnt but who you are can not be changed, do not let anything make you change who you are as an individual. In terms of getting a career in TV production, I found my way by talking to someone already in the industry, I got advice and learnt as much as I could about how the industry works. Research is your best friend! Research what type of company you want to work for and research what they work on, as I think you when you approach them you will stand out a lot more giving knowledge on their work rather then sending a generic cover letter. It will show that you are passionate and have actually got an interest in them.
Susan
Duncan
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