So... you want to get into tV?

if you are reading this after taking part in the network, then we are sure youre buzzing with ideas and keener than ever to take your first steps on the tV ladder. Read on, as weve put together some great practical advice on how you can do just that. these tips draw on the collective knowledge of the network Committee members and other top industry experts. the network is very proud to work in partnership with BBC academy, who are committed to providing great training for the benefit of the wider industry. on the next few pages, youll find links to some brilliant resources and short films they have produced to help you find your way into the wonderful world of broadcast media. Success in the media is all about talent, ideas and energy. But it is also about opportunites, which you must make for yourself. we cant give you all the answers here, but if you are serious and committed, youll find a lot here that will help you. good luck!

ContentS
3 top tV CaReeR tipS and How to take tHe FiRSt Step 4 wHat do tHey do? 5 getting youR Foot in tHe dooR 6 Making tHe MoSt oF youR woRk expeRienCe 7 CV tipS 8 FuRtHeR tRaining and oppoRtunitieS 10 Stay online

In partnership with

top tV CaReeR tipS

This infosheet will give you a snapshot of jobs within the TV industry, how to go about trying to get your first break and, when youve got that first break, how to make the most of it. Follow some of these simple hints and tips and you will be in a far better place than thousands of others who want that job in the media just like you do. Youre at the beginning of a career in broadcast media. Its going to be hard work and late nights. But youll do it, like everyone who works in TV, because youll love every single minute of it. Like any industry, TV attracts all kinds of people but they will share the following characteristics: paSSion entHuSiaSM deteRMination CReatiVity FlexiBility ideaS And most important of all is you SHould loVe tV! Watch lots of TV, on all the channels and think about what you like and why. Remember who makes what, think about who they are making it for. Which TV programmes dont work, and are there any gaps in the schedule you can fill with an idea? If you can tick all of the above then youre in the right place. If not, then have a serious think if this is for you. Its not going to be easy and theres nothing worse than doing something difficult that your hearts not in.

How to take tHe FiRSt Step

there are a number of things which will help you stand out and these are:

tHe netwoRk
Lots of people in the industry either started their own careers here or are aware of the scheme. It shows you have initiative, an enthusiasm for TV and that you have picked up some vital skills. If youve been one of the lucky 65 selected from over 2000 applicants then make sure you put The Network on your CV.

woRk expeRienCe
Get work experience with media organisations, production companies, or broadcasters just listing projects you worked on at school/college/uni isnt enough. Having work experience on your CV, whether it is a week or a month will show enthusiasm and determination.

knowledge
Nothing annoys someone in TV more than a person who doesnt know anything about the programmes theyre applying for. You need to watch a lot of TV, as much as you can, and on lots of different platforms. Your love of TV will come through if you can discuss it with depth and excitement. Dont forget that programmes need to get commissioned; developing an understanding of channels audiences and brands will always be beneficial.

youre passionate about the media industry, you need to prove it. what evidence sets you apart from the crowd? wheres your 10 min script, your short film, your youtube site?
tamara Howe, Controller, production operations, BBC Vision

its no longer enough to claim

ideaS
You need ideas: by the bucket load. Its ideas that make the TV world go around. Someone with good ideas will go a very long way. You might be asked to come up with ideas for existing programmes or even come up a with whole new programme.

FoCuS
You need to start to think what area you want to work in. If its in production, what do you want to do? Producer, production manager, camera operator or script editor? If youve been on The Network, youll have a good understanding of what these jobs involve.

work placements can help you focus by seeing what other jobs and roles are out there and to see if this is the direction you really want to go.

daniell Morrisey, talent executive, BBC Childrens

wHat do tHey do?

a job title often doesnt tell you exactly what someone does. the BBCs College of production website (bbc.co.uk/collegeofproduction) contains lots of useful films, articles and podcasts to help you understand more.

RunneR
A runner is the entry level position in TV. Responsibilities vary widely and can involve conveying messages, organising props, looking after cast and crew, delivering technical equipment to keeping everyone fed and watered. Click here to see what a runner does

ReSeaRCHeR
Being a researcher is mainly about looking for stories, building up relationships with contributors and then ensuring everything runs smoothly on the shoot and in the edit Click here to see what a researcher does

pRoduCtion CooRdinatoR
Responsible for the logistics and ensuring that everything runs as smoothly. From booking hotels and travel to organising contracts and writing risk assessments. Click here to see what a production coordinator does

pRoduCtion ManageR
Organises the business, finance and employment issues. They oversee all aspects of the day-to-day running of shoots, working closely with producers and series producers Click here to see what a production manager does

Multi-CaMeRa diReCtoR
Click here to see what a multi-camera director does

SeRieS pRoduCeR
Click here to see what a series producer does

1St aSSiStant diReCtoR

Click here to see what a 1st assistant director does

line pRoduCeR
Click here to see what a line producer does

pRoduCeR diReCtoR
Click here to see what a producer director does

exeCutiVe pRoduCeR
Click here to see what a executive producer does

3Rd aSSiStant diReCtoR

Click here to see what a 3rd assistant director does

diReCtoR oF pHotogRapHy
Click here to see what a director of photography does.

diReCtoR
Responsible for the way films or TV programmes are made. They use their creative vision to manage the production process alongside the producer.

CaMeRa opeRatoR
Trained to operate many types of camera, they can work in the studio or on location.

CoMMiSSioning editoR
Responsible for selecting programme ideas for a channel. Has key creative input and will oversee the production of each programme or series until its ready for transmission.

BRoadCaSt JouRnaliSt
Researches and presents news stories and factual programmes for television, radio and the internet.

editoR
Responsible for working with the director to cut all the footage together on a computer and add effects to make the final programme.

pRoduCeR
Coordinates all the resources needed to make film, TV and video productions, and manages the production process from start to finish.

Sound teCHniCian
Uses technical equipment to record, amplify, mix and monitor sound; responsible for setting up sound equipment on location.

agent Represents on screen talent, negotiating dates, fees and requirements.

deVelopMent CReatiVe Develops

new programme ideas, which are then pitched to commissioning editors.

SCHeduleR Oversees and plans the content of channels, decides when programmes should air.

getting youR Foot in tHe dooR

you need to get work experience, but you cant because you havent got experience? How do you solve this problem? whats important when applying is you that you stand out from the crowd and persevere. applying to BRoadCaSteRS and pRoduCtion CoMpanieS
In the early stages of your career what matters is that you develop your skills and spend as much time as possible working in a TV environment. Many broadcasters and production companies offer work experience opportunities but they receive hundreds of applications each month - what can you do to maximise your chances of securing a placement? Cast your net wide when searching for a placement, you are just as likely to gain valuable experience working on the BBCs Religion and Ethics output as you are working on EastEnders. By applying for something less popular you are significantly raising your chances of securing some work experience.

Quite possibly the most important skills to have in tV are good personal and social skills. So much of working in television is dealing with other people and employers are looking for people who can communicate effectively, who are likeable, enthusiastic and hard-working.
Siubhan Richmond, Md & editor, So you want to work in television?

ContaCting pRoduCeRS
Make watching TV work for you. Get to know as much as you can about the programmes you love and use this information to help you find work experience. Watch the credits and familiarise yourself with different production companies and the various roles in telly. Think about the things you like and dislike about a programme, what could you have done to make it better? Its relatively easy to find production companies and broadcasters contact details on the internet so once youve got an idea of who youd like to approach, why not write to them directly? Show them how passionate you are about TV and how much you know about their output. Tell them why you would be an asset to their company and show off your creativity and imagination by outlining some of your ideas. What have you got to lose?

tHink outSide tHe Box

Explore all the options when trying to add to your skills and experience. Does your local hospital or university have a radio station or TV channel where you can volunteer? Perhaps you can spend some time at a regional TV channel or local newspaper? Companies that specialise in corporate videos can be great places to learn camera and production skills and volunteering at key media events such as the Edinburgh International Television Festival will help you to understand what it takes to ensure a live event runs smoothly. Think about how regional opportunities can help you, many of the skills you learn will be relevant to a career in telly.

tHe Follow up
It can be difficult to strike the right balance when following up with contacts. Try too hard and it could become annoying; too little contact could mean that an opportunity passes you by. Remember that the people you are writing to are pretty busy, it may take them a week or two to come back to you. If more than a couple of weeks goes by then why not follow up with a short, polite email or phone call? They may just need a reminder to respond to you. Still no response? Dont take it personally, focus on finding the next opportunity and remember that the majority of the people in the industry have had a similar experience at one time or another. Gaining experience may not happen overnight, you may face rejection, or worse, no response at all. Dont give up. Most people working in the industry will tell you that it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get a foot in the door. Always keep up to date with whats going on in the industry, keep networking and continue to work towards your goal with hard work and determination you can reach it.

netwoRking and ContaCtS

The Network, as the name suggests, is an ideal place to start networking. Our delegates get to meet some of the most important people working in the industry. Anyone can network. If you meet anyone working in TV, have the confidence to ask for their contact details most people have been where you are themselves and are willing to offer help and advice but you need to make the first move. You could ask someone in TV to mentor you; you can bounce your ideas off your mentor and perhaps gain new contacts and opportunities through them. Contacts are vital! Many Networkers have kept in touch with TV execs they have met in Edinburgh. In some cases this has led to work experience and at the very least, an opportunity to discuss their options and gain clarity and direction.

tV is an oversubscribed industry and a range of skills is really helpful in getting a job. always show enthusiasm and willing, and think about how you strike the right balance between showing confidence and admitting what you dont know.
alex Fraser, Joint Chief executive, Maverick television

always have programme ideas in mind when you go for an interview. and interrogate those ideas thoroughly with friends before pitching them. theres nothing worse than drying up when someone points out a fatal flaw early in the conversation.
alan Clements, director of Content, StV

Making tHe MoSt oF youR woRk expeRienCe

So, you get offered some work experience. dont put your feet up you need to start working even harder now. Here are a few things to confirm with the company once youre offered work experience, then get researching:
> Double check the time and date of when the company is expecting you in. > Check what the dress code is so you can dress appropriately. > Check their address and then work out how you will get there. Not just one route but two or three. > Ask what youll be working on so you can start doing some research around the topic or programme: this could be either watching lots more of the programme or reading up on it. > Get yourself up to speed with whats going on around the world. Read the papers: both broadsheets and tabloids. Challenge your assumptions and read something that you wouldnt ordinarily look at. > Do some research into the language of TV so youll be able to understand what people are talking about when they refer to things like shot sizes. The BBC Academy have lots of resources online that can help, for example, this how to film and record guide.

FiRSt iMpReSSionS laSt

You must treat your work experience with any company as if it is your job you want to make a good impression on the people youre working with just in case a paid post does become available. If youve worked hard and been helpful theyll remember you and may offer you something else, if not straight away then in the future. People will instantly forget someone who makes no effort at all. Here are some suggestions: > In an entry level role, there may be things youre asked to do that you think are beneath you. There should be no job beneath you, be polite and good humoured about it. > Always ask for help if you dont understand. Dont sit there and worry and stress about a task youve been given if you dont understand. > Be proactive and ask if there is anything you can do. > Show them how creative and imaginative you can be, keep coming up with more ideas. > Try to tune into the team dynamic and find your role within it its a difficult balance to know when to offer ideas and when to keep your head down. > Find out if you can get a brief meeting with a senior person before you leave to get careers advice. > Thank people when you leave, and send a follow-up thank you email to everyone you worked with.

people like it when you ask them for advice (within reason). get yourself an unofficial mentor - someone senior you can talk to, then do the same for someone when you move up the ranks.

JoB oR expeRienCe?
Until you get a job, continue getting as much experience as possible. Of course, it will test your finances, but you can work around a part-time job, or some people find temping the best option. If you do a bit of research, you can find temping agencies who supply people to work at media organisations (see page 10). This will allow you to get inside the organisation, understand it and make contacts. Work placements are a really valuable opportunity to get to know the industry but make sure you familiarise yourself with your rights. Creative Toolkits website offers useful guidelines on unpaid work experience and advise that you do not work unpaid for longer than 2 weeks. www.creativetoolkit.org.uk

Catherine lynch, Head of development, initial

CHanCe, luCk and tiMing

You may have a lot of experience and have a contact list which would embarrass any channel controller but sometimes getting work experience is just based on luck and timing. Everyone at The Network wishes you the best of luck, hopefully you are in the right place at the right time. Be determined to succeed - and let us know how you get on.

CV tipS
> One standard CV is not enough. You should have a different CV for each type of role you plan on applying for (e.g. researcher, runner) and tailor it to the company and the type of employer you plan to approach (e.g. broadcaster, production company). > Continue to tweak your CV for every application you make emphasising the relevant experience and skills you have to match that role. > Your CV is your opportunity to sell yourself so use active words i.e. managed, organised, developed to describe your skills and experience concisely. > Try to keep your CV to two sides of A4 at the max, and dont cram too much text on to the page. Employers should be able to locate the information they require quickly and can be put off by paragraphs of text. Try to keep as much white space as possible and consider the style and size of the font. Use bold to highlight your key achievements and job roles.

you May wiSH to inClude tHe Following

> personal details as well as your name, address, contact details and job title, it is useful to include whether or not you have a valid passport and driving licence. > personal statement a short, positive statement to show what type of person you are and what role you are looking for. > key skills highlight what equipment and software you can use along with other skills you have that set you apart from other applicants. > experience and achievements include all relevant experience, describing the particular achievements you have made in each role. > training list any schemes or training courses you have undertaken such as The Network. > Qualifications this section should come after the experience section. Only list your most relevant qualifications starting with the highest type of qualification or most recently awarded. > Always include a covering letter with your CV, but keep it brief. Make sure you address the right person, if you are unsure then call the company you are applying to and find out. Show that you have some knowledge of the person/company you are applying to and flag up why you are right for the role. You might want to include a prompt for further action e.g. a telephone conversation or a meeting in person, but remember to strike a balance between being enthusiastic and being irritating. > Remember to check everything for spelling, punctuation and grammar. > If you are unsure about grammar and how to address your cover letter brush up your skills at the BBC academy website

avoid a thatll do attitude. its important to try and do the very best in every situation you face otherwise youll just become an average person working in tV instead of an exceptional one. diligence, tenacity, attention to detail and above all enthusiasm can set you apart from the crowd.

Richard allen-turner, Joint Managing director, avalon entertainment

tHe netwoRk at woRk

The Network at Work is the annual work placement scheme for former delegates of The Network. If youve attended The Network in the last 5 years then youre eligible to apply for a series of three to six month paid work placements with a variety of the countrys top broadcasters and independent production companies across the UK. Successful applicants also receive training in areas such as research skills. Applications for 2012 are now closed and will reopen again at the end of August 2013. This is your next step from The Network so make sure you find out more. To the right are some companies that were working with this year. To find out more about the roles and read about the experiences of past trainees please click here

i am looking for a bright, focused individual, with quiet ambition, who is emotionally intelligent and has a genuine interest in people.

Julia waring, Head of production talent, RdF television

FuRtHeR tRaining and oppoRtunitieS

BBC aCadeMy
The BBC Academy is the BBCs centre for training. They aim to share as much of their training as possible with the wider UK broadcasting industry for free. They also offer some of our courses on a commercial basis, both within the UK and abroad. l the College of Journalism, provides a single, integrated home for all journalism training and development. The College of Journalisms website is a unique resource which has over 2,000 pages of text and around 1,500 films, audio and interactive exercises, making it one of the largest online resources of its type in the world. Its free throughout the UK. www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofjournalism l the College of production, focuses on core editorial, creativity and production skills, together with production management, health and safety and multiplatform training and development. The College of Production website, the first of its kind for the production community in the UK, provides practical advice on all aspects of TV, Radio and Online production and is available to the production community and general public for free. www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofproduction/

dV talent
DV Talent is the UKs leading independent training provider and career agency for creative media professionals. They offer an extensive range of courses covering a broad range of production and craft skills such as directing, editing and storytelling, to business, management and leadership. Courses are taught by leading industry professionals and are aimed at those trying to get into television right through to those at the senior echelons. The Talent Manger is DV Talents online talent search and tracking tool. It is the central place for freelancers to post their latest CVs and availability for free, enabling broadcasters and indies to find your latest availability and keep a record of the best freelancers they want to work with. www.thetalentmanager.co.uk www.dvtalent.co.uk

edinBuRgH inteRnational tV FeStiVal

The Network doesnt end in Edinburgh. Applications for Network at Work work open at the end of August and if you want to get involved in the TV Festival again email us to find out how to apply to work as a production runner at The Network or Edinburgh Television Festival. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to keep in touch with our news and special offers as well as job opportunities. Dont forget to keep your contact details up to date so you can keep in touch. www.mgeitf.co.uk/thenetwork thenetwork@mgeitf.co.uk twitter: @thenetwork_tV Join us on Facebook/thenetworkMgeitF

BeCtu
The UKs media and entertainment trade union, runs a free contact scheme, the Student Register, for students looking to work in the media and arts. The union also offers recent graduates, or those entering the industry after training, new entrant membership at half the standard joining fee. Check the website for information on both, as well as news on current industry issues, networking events, the annual Freelancers Fair and quality training opportunities at subsidised rates. BECTU has also developed an online resource, Creative Toolkit, which provides a range of advice, centred on employment rights, for new entrants to the creative sector. Follow BeCtu @bectu www.creativetoolkit.org.uk www.bectu.org.uk www.bectu.org.uk/student-register www.bectu.org.uk/new-entrants

enVy aCadeMy
As part of Envys commitment to train the next generation of creatives theyve forged links with Universities across the country to offer education and support to young talent. The Envy team tour the country to meet media students and offer an invaluable insight into the workings of a top London Post Production facility. Students are encouraged to complete work experience placements at ENVY as well as attending many of the free, in depth Master classes. Last year 30 of the Envy Academys student followers were employed by Envy after completing placements over the year. The Academy also works closely with The Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, 4 Corners Films and Skillset as well as The Princes Trust. For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/ postproductionlondon

FuRtHeR tRaining and oppoRtunitieS

indie tRaining Fund
The ITF (Indie Training Fund) delivers training to TV and digital media production companies and freelancers. It is a non-profit organization led by member companies, both large & small, from all over the UK, and funded solely by their donations. The ITF offers training to member companies and heavily subsidized workshop places to freelancers. The courses are led by expert practitioners in key training areas including creative development, digital cross-platform, production, people skills and business & legal skills. www.indietrainingfund.com

RtS FutuReS
This is the place for young people interested in television. With a dedicated and interactive website featuring exclusive content, discussion and debate, you can build your profile, upload videos and chat with other members of the online RTS Futures community. With many exciting and affordable events held throughout the year, RTS Futures truly gives you the inside track on all aspects of television. It is now free to become an RTS Futures member go to the website to register. www.rtsfutures.org.uk

So you want to woRk in teleViSion?

Wanttoworkintelevision.com provides free quality information, education, industry profiles, and reviews to people interested in television production and presentation. From media students, graduates and college-leavers looking for entry-level advice, training and jobs to experienced TV production staff. They cover all roles in the media from design and music to digital production, from runners to directors, TV presenters and experts. www.wanttoworkintelevision.com twitter: @ShuRichmond Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wanttoworkintV

CReatiVe SkillSet
Creative Skillset influences, leads and develops skills, training and education policy across the UKs Creative Industries. In doing this, Creative Skillset supports talented people looking to either get in, or get on in their careers by offering: l Free online careers information from how to write the perfect CV to advice on becoming a freelancer; l In depth job profiles highlighting the breadth of job opportunities available and the best career path to get the perfect job; l A courses database with thousands of courses, ranging from short courses to postgraduate qualifications. This includes signposting the most industry relevant HE courses and institutions; l Support for new entrant courses such as The Network via the TV Skills Fund. www.creativeskillset.org twitter: @skillsetssc

woMen in FilM and teleViSion

Women in Film & TV is the leading membership organisation for women working in creative media in the UK, and part of an international network of over 10,000 women worldwide. Members of the organisation come from a broad range of professions spanning the entire creative media industry. They host a variety of networking events throughout the year and run a mentoring programme for women in the industry as well as collaborate with industry bodies on research projects and lobbying for womens interests. www.wftv.org.uk

Stay online
Click on the links below for more information

Media induStRy inFoRMation

www.mgeitf.co.uk www.guardian.co.uk/media www.broadcastnow.co.uk www.mediauk.com www.nma.co.uk www.screendaily.com www.shootingpeople.org www.pact.co.uk www.digitalspy.co.uk www.c21media.net www.startintv.com www.britdoc.org www.equity.org.uk www.spotlightcd.com www.thestage.co.uk www.independent.co.uk/media www.bafta.org www.rts.org.uk www.televisual.com

uk SCReen agenCieS
Check which one is most relevant for your area: www.screensouth.org www.em-media.org.uk www.northernmedia.org www.screenyorkshire.co.uk www.filmlondon.org.uk www.walesscreencommission.com www.screentrainingireland.ie www.creativescotland.com www.screenhi.co.uk www.creativeengland.co.uk

tHank you to all ouR SponSoRS

tRaining inFoRMation
www.bbc.co.uk/collegeofproduction www.channel4.com/4talent www.creativeloop.org www.creativeskillset.org www.bbcacademy.com www.bbc.co.uk/designvision www.bfi.org.uk www.dochouse.org www.propellertv.co.uk www.channel4.com/4docs www.presentersinc.co.uk www.toptvacademy.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk/writersroom www.mediabridge.org.uk

JoBS
www.bbc.co.uk/jobs www.channel4.com/4careers www.grapevinejobs.com www.mandy.com www.itv.com/jobs www.talentcircle.co.uk www.mavericktv.co.uk/jobs www.about.five.tv/careers www.careers.guardian.co.uk www.mtvcareers.co.uk www.ideastap.com www.wanttoworkintelevision.com www.thetalentmanager.co.uk www.jobs.stv.tv www.theunitlist.com www.productionbase.co.uk

FRiendS oF tHe netwoRk

www.envypost.co.uk/54.envyacademy www.metfilmschool.co.uk www.indietrainingfund.com www.media-box.co.uk www.bectu.org.uk www.dvtalent.co.uk www.cyfle.co.uk www.thetvcollective.org www.mediaparents.co.uk www.imaginox.co.uk www.creativetoolkit.co.uk www.mediatrust.org www.mediamuppet.com http://www.step2collabo.tv www.communitychannel.org

Media ReCRuitMent agenCieS

www.careermovesgroup.co.uk www.pfj.co.uk www.christopherkeats.co.uk www.pcrweb.co.uk www.handle.co.uk www.yellowcatrecruitment.co.uk www.searchlight.com/daleevans

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