Current and previous bursary scholars attended, together with Fremantle representatives, RTS mentors and other leading industry figures.
RTS bursaries consultant Anne Dawson said that these opportunities were “so important”, because “they give our students a connection to the industry they wouldn’t otherwise have”.
The RTS runs three pioneering schemes – the TV Production and Journalism Bursary, the Digital Innovation Bursary and the Steve Hewlett Scholarship.
The RTS’ bursary schemes support young people from lower income backgrounds who are interested in working in the television industry, from production or related subjects through to technology roles.
The bursaries support young people from lower-income backgrounds who want to work in television. A total of 39 bursaries have been awarded across TV production and journalism, technology, and the Steve Hewlett scholarship programme.
“Receiving a bursary from the RTS isn’t just representative of the financial backing, but of the opportunity to be a part of an industry-recognised community of like-minded people,” said Evan Taylor, who studies film at the University of Westminster.
The prestigious scheme aims to widen participation in, and access to, the media industry by supporting talented students from lower income backgrounds who are pursuing careers in television. STV, All3 Media and the Steve Hewlett Memorial Fund also provide funds and support for the TV Production/Journalism bursaries.
The RTS offers two bursary schemes (the Technology bursary and the TV Production and Journalism bursary) to talented students from low-income backgrounds, intending to pursue a career in television.
The number of bursaries offered in 2020 will reach 40 across both schemes, with STV matching its commitment from last year and generously funding 10 further bursaries for the 2020 intake.
This year the RTS will be offering an unprecedented 40 bursaries across its two schemes: The Technology Bursary and The TV Production and Journalism Bursary.
In his role as ambassador, Ashley will champion the scheme and motivate students looking at a career in the Television sector, provide his support and share his experiences with current and future bursary students, as well as joining the Education Committee.
Bursary alumni Suzanne Pearson and Florence Watson – part of the inaugural 2014 cohort of the scheme, who both graduated in 2017 – offered tips on how to get a foot in the door of the industry at the end of May. From producing soap script bibles to advice on maintaining a work-life-balance on 18-hour shooting days, they left no stone unturned.
“It’s all a bit of a mess, really,” says Charlotte Humphreys. “I was living in south London, which had the most cases of Covid-19 in the UK, so I packed some of my most important stuff into Ikea bags and left.
“I’m paying £700 a month for a room I’m not living in, my stuff is at four different addresses and I’m staying with my Dad, who has a terminal lung condition. I bought a car, an absolute banger, for £275, because I need to get shopping for my Dad.”
