By Eshan Puri, Development Researcher (BA Film, TV and Digital Production 2019)
Working in TV is fun, exciting and no working day is often the same. But it’s really important to understand that it can be a difficult industry to break into. When I graduated in 2019, it took me a while to get my first role and it certainly wasn’t helped by the pandemic (remember that!). Based on my struggles and the lessons I’ve learned, I thought it might be valuable to give some advice to students looking to enter the industry. So, here’s what I wish I knew.
What you can do now
My first tip is to make the most use of equipment, facilities and people available. The old catchphrase "you don’t know what you’ve got, until it’s gone” has never been more relevant. Perhaps you’re an aspiring director, editor or writer, well my advice is that you will never be in a better position to use industry standard facilities that are freely available. Collaborate with other students and make things because the amazing reality is, you might just work on set with them one day, just as I have with many of my cohort. Make short films, adverts or trailers - whatever it is, because there is no better chance to do so. This will allow you to build your cv and showreel.
If there’s one thing I do miss from student life, is the incredibly long holidays you get. Now, instead of doing what I did, I would recommend you start looking for work experience or short-term runner opportunities during these long breaks. During the Easter period, the industry is naturally busy and there is no better time to try and kickstart your career by getting some experience before you leave university, helping to boost your CV. I’ve put my recommended websites for job hunting down below.
Another piece of advice is to try new things at University. You will never have more free time than you do now and although this might not seem like job advice, it is completely relevant. Take this opportunity to start a new hobby, start volunteering and put yourself out there to meet new people. TV is a bustling industry full of personalities and people from different backgrounds. Take the time whilst you have it to challenge yourself, as the skills you will gain will only benefit you in your professional career. Remember all experience is good experience when it comes to building yourself.
One of the most important pieces of advice I can give, is to understand the different job paths for the industry. For instance, my first role was in Scripted TV working on a comedy show. However, I am now working in unscripted TV and the two are extremely different. Understand that whatever role you dream of becoming, you will most likely start as a runner. Check out Screenskills’s Job profiles, which breakdown different paths for different roles. For instance, if you want to be a producer in TV Drama, the website breaks down the different roles that will lead you to that path. Don’t just apply for any role, be specific and aim for the part of the industry you want to work in.
Understand what companies are looking in their entry level positions and try to gain relevant experience. Remember transferable skills are key and experience working in a bar for instance, is still relevant and beneficial when starting out as a runner.
Where to look for jobs
The best place to look for work when starting out is the Facebook - People in TV: Runners page. This is a community run by admins with years in the industry. My advice is to join the page, check out their cv advice and upload your CV. Job roles are posted by the dozen daily and especially in the busy months which tend to be from March and throughout the summer. Prepare and aim to get work in your holidays!
There are great schemes available to graduates, here are some of the best places to look:
Screenskills and Creative Access in particular are great for students who come from underrepresented communities.
Hope that helps! Maybe see some of you on set one day….