TV jobs

Freelancers and indies connect in Glasgow

The logos for The Big Connection, the RTS and ScreenSkills

The joint RTS Scotland/ScreenSkills event, held at BBC Scotland’s Pacific Quay base, started with a panel discussion led by RTS Scotland Vice-Chair Gavin Smith and ended with a “speed networking” session.

“There have been well-publicised financial headwinds [facing the industry],” admitted BBC Scotland Commissioning Executive Steve Allen, “but it’s not all bad news”.

Highlighting the opportunities for Scottish production companies, he said: “We do have money that we’re spend­ing, hoping to stimulate the industry in Scotland.”

Presenting Yourself For Success | RTS Futures

We know that the Film/TV industry is highly competitive, so how do you separate yourself from the rest? An expert panel explains how to nail an interview, how to present yourself on social media and lots more.

Panel:

Lyndsay Duthie - CEO, The Production Guild of Great Britain

Samuel Ampah - Senior Media Accountant, Aliots

Jo Bret-Day - Head Recruiter, FLB

Hosted by Tracy Forsyth - Leadership Coach

Useful resources:

Top Tips For Getting a TV Job Through Social Media

However, one of the most common questions asked is: where exactly do I start to look for these type of job opportunities? 

There are many social media groups and pages created by industry professionals which aim to help individuals starting out in the industry gain access to entry level positions.

Some of the sites which I highly recommend joining to get you started on your job search are the following:

Facebook

RTS launches 2017 bursary scheme

The 2014 RTS Bursary Students (Credit: Paul Hampartsoumian)

The RTS is offering 20 bursaries to students studying accredited Television Production and Broadcast Journalism degree courses. A further five technology bursaries, aimed at encouraging some of the most talented students to consider a career in television, are available to students studying Computing and Engineering on some of the top courses at British universities.

RTS Futures Careers Fair: Meet the exhibitors

BBC Academy

The BBC Academy is committed to promoting equality and diversity on our schemes and in developing a positive culture where everyone can develop to their full potentialacross the BBC. Successful applicants will be given a contract with the BBC and during this time we’ll train and develop you for a career in the media and by the end of thescheme you will have a range of skills and a sound understanding of the beginning-to-end process of programme-making.
 

Event Report: Bristol Futures Festival

RTS Bristol Futures Festival (Credit: Ellie Kynaston)

The festival – held at the Watershed, Bristol on 1 November – gave students the opportunity to meet local indies such as RDF West, Silverback Films and Tigress Productions, as well as BBC Bristol Popular Factual, ITV News West Country and post-production houses.

In a buzzing atmosphere and to the backdrop of a DJ, students were encouraged to chat to the experts – from shooting researchers and production journalists to managing directors – and ask for advice on how to break into the industry.

Tips in 60 seconds... What is production accounting?

Production accountants perform a crucial role in the broadcast industry, working closely with producers to manage the funding of projects. They observe a lot of the filmmaking process, with junior-level cashiers visiting sets quite often. However, production accounting is not a job that often comes to mind when people are watching their favourite films and TV shows.

Lara Sargent is the Director of production accounting company Sargent Disc. She explains how you can get involved in the numbers side of the industry.

Creative Skillset calls for fairer access to TV industry

Creative Skillset has said more needs to be done to provide a visible range of paid career paths and opportunities for new talent to enter the television industry.

The announcement comes after Creative Skillset's Workforce Survey found that over half of the TV workforce found their current position through informal networks and unpaid work periods are still common in TV.