Joe MahoneyManaging Director

June 2013

ProductionBase

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

Exclusive job postings

Regular news and advice from industry professionals

Discussion forum: The Watercooler

Regular networking events and career advice workshops

Who Are We?

Production Companies Endemol Tiger Aspect Aardman Animation Optomen Talkback Thames Shine

Broadcasters BBC ITV Channel 4 Five Sky

Key Company Employers

Key Partnerships:

BECTU BAFTA New Producers Alliance British Film Institute Directors UK PMA DFG Skillset

Partnerships

Freelancers

Runners Researchers APs Editors Studio Technicians Camerapersons Production Managers Producers Directors

Typical Job Profiles

New Mobile Site

- Edit your profile

- Apply for jobs on the go

- Never miss that opportunity again

- m.productionbase.co.uk

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: The Watercooler

• Connect with other industry professionals

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

• Over 2,300 members on Facebook and 10,000 Twitter followers

• Job teasers and industry news posted on a daily basis.

Social Networking

Getting In and Getting On in TV

Getting In and Getting On in TV

(The Good, the Bad and the Ugly)

“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

The Career Path

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

The Industry’s Online Network for TV, Film & Commercial Production

CV Surgery

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

geoffexample@gmail.com

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.

The Industry’s Online Network for TV, Film & Commercial Production