Joe Mahoney Managing Director June 2013
Dec 16, 2015
Established in 1996, ProductionBase is the UK’s leading network for people working in film, TV and commercial production
Over 7,000 production companies registered
Over 5,500 freelancers subscribe each month
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Regular news and advice from industry professionals
Discussion forum: The Watercooler
Regular networking events and career advice workshops
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Broadcasters BBC ITV Channel 4 Five Sky
Key Company Employers
Key Partnerships:
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Partnerships
Freelancers
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Typical Job Profiles
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The Complete Multimedia Package
• Create and share customised play lists• External webpage for you to promote yourself and work• Tag your media and make it available in company searches• Access your profile and apply for jobs on the move
Networking Events
•Regular networking parties held in London and Manchester
•Mingle with other industry professionals
•Career advice workshops
•CV surgery with senior production company executives
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Social Networking
“I love the fact that you can get inside people’s lives in a way that you could never do in any other job”
Liz Mills, Former Head of Reality, Endemol
“Nothing, nothing beats seeing the final product and knowing all the blood, sweat and tears was worth it”
Harjeet Chhokar, Development Producer, Channel 4
“You get privileged access. You get a unique view of the world that not many other jobs do”
Moray Coulter, Production Executive, ITV
The Good
The Bad
“You have to put your personal and social life on the back burner.”
Richard Drew, Executive Producer, Big Brother
“People drop out as it’s so unforgiving. You have to give your all.”
Moray Coulter, Production Executive, ITV
“…expect that things are going to go a little wrong…not be someone who’s going to lose their head or
get annoyed.” Richard Hopkins, Executive Producer, Fever Media
The Ugly
“There are many more candidates trying to get into the TV industry than there are jobs. You need to be
realistic.” Julia Waring, Head of Creative, RDF Television
“It’s a very selfish industry and its very ruthless. It doesn’t suffer fools gladly or tolerate weakness.”
Jo Taylor, Talent Manager, Channel 4
“…instability, insecurity and the knowledge that however right or wrong you are, it might not be
enough. It’s a labour of love.” Moray Coulter, Production Executive, ITV
What Qualities Do You Need?
“You’ve got to be hard working, energetic, optimistic and reliable.”
“If you’re not charming then you need to be incredibly talented.”
Daisy Goodwin, MD, Silver River
What Qualities Do You Need?
Stamina and capacity for hard work
Managing well under pressure
Working well in a team and being a team player
A self-starter able to work on your own and use your initiative
Being easy going, friendly and pleasant to work with
Being confident and tenacious
Having the ability to charm, flatter and blag!
What Skills Do You Need?
Good creative skills - coming up with ideas for shows
Good communication skills , both written and verbal
Ability to sell yourself and your ideas to employers
Being able to handle rejection
TV Training Schemes
Graduate schemes offered by broadcasters:BBC, ITV and Channel 4
Big independent companies such as:Endemol, Shine, Princess Productions and RDF
Industry bodies such as: Skillset, Producers Alliance and PACT
Work Experience
“Get as much work experience as you can to get that first foot in the door”
Lucy Reese, Series Producer
“Work experience is where you get noticed” Jo Taylor, Talent Manager, C4
How Do I Get Work Experience?
Draw up a list and write to all of them!
Pester, haggle and offer to work unpaid
Target key executives and series producers
Persist and keep on writing to people
Target production managers – they usually hire the runners and interns
Work Experience: Talent Manager
Undertakes most of the hiring
Nurture and retain production talent
Maintain a database of CVs
Very approachable and open to being contacted
Networking
“Your personal network is absolutely vital. You should never assume that people will know that you are
looking for work” Moray Coulter, Production Executive, ITV
Networking
Speak to and get to know as many people as possible
Make friends with people you work with
Offer your help and enthusiasm where needed
Ask questions when its feels natural and appropriate
Get to know how the company ticks
Absorb information like a sponge
Offer your services again when the work has finished
That First Job: The Runner
“I answered the phones, made tea and generally did any crap necessary for almost a year.”
Conrad Green, former runner at BBC
“I did horrible jobs, like going to the chemist to collect a presenter’s Viagra and pick sultanas out of their
muesli” Kate Phillips, former runner at Talkback Thames
That First Job: The Runner
The first rung on the TV ladder
The first paid position in TV
A good way to get a creative job in TV
Most successful producers, directors, commissioners started as runners
The Role of a Runner
Run errands, get lunches, makes tea
Deal with general queries/admin
Help on shoots
Help find contributors and locations
Even shoot a camera!
Great position to see what’s going on
Observe how the industry works
Key Points to Remember
Network, network, network!
Get as much work experience as you can
Be prepared to do work unpaid
Do your research on the company you’re writing to
Get the names of key personnel within company
Never doorstep people – very unpopular approach
Join networking forums and sites
Be prepared to work hard and expect the hours to be long
The Best Job in the World
“I honestly think it’s a privilege to do what we do. I love working in TV and the thrill of seeing your show on the
screen or hearing people talk about it is great”
Harjeet Chhokar, Channel 4
CV Structure: Key Points
One Page Only!
Short Intro – keep it concise – 5/6 lines maximum
Skills – technical skills such as editing, cameras
Work experience – non media included
Education
References – work experience, personal tutor
CV Structure: The Not To Dos
Bad spelling and grammar
You’re not a director yet!
Showreels are not necessary
Don’t boast – keep it real
No photos
Have sensible hobbies/interests
The Prefect Graduate CVGeoff Example
07559999999
20 Clifton Court
E2 9NW
Full clean driving license
Profile:
Dedicated, hard working and creative individual with a passion for television production.
Currently working as a freelance production runner with ambition to become a researcher in food television.
Employment History/Work Experience:
Whats Cooking Live: Production Runner 29/4/2013 to 2/6/2013
Currently working as a production runner on the new C4 cookery chat show, Whats Cooking Live.
Live studio format, working very closely with talent, food producer and junior/senior producers.
Undertaking usual runner duties along with assisting with props, food prep and clear up.
Jackpot Joy Advert: Floor Runner 3/4/2013 to 5/4/2013
Assisting the AFMs and Floor Manager on a busy 3 day shoot.
Advert was in a game show format, filmed at Teddington Studios.
As well as floor runner duties, was also tasked with looking after talent, release forms and contestants.
Live At The Electric: Production Runner 20/1/2013 to 27/1/2013
Meeting and greeting executives, talent and BBC commissioners on a busy week of studio recordings.
Assisted in general runner duties along with managing a float, organising cars and assisting the production secretary and coordinator with a smooth running of travel arrangements.
Key Skills:
High level of fluency in Spanish, Irish and a command of French.
2.1 B.A. Hons in Communications at Dublin City University, class of 2010, and specialised in video production.
References:
Sarah Lloyd, Production Manager, What’s Cooking Live.
Suzanne Knight, Production Executive at Avalon Television Ltd.