Where to start
Work out if you want to be pre-production (development, casting, locations, researcher, script-writing), in-production (director, producer, presenter) or post-production (editing, visual/sound effects), and then plan a strategy to get the experience and skills you need.
Think of a film or TV/Radio programme/series as a project. Once that project is completed you need to find the next one. The longer contracts tend to be roles in strategy, planning, and commissioning, and tend to be further from the hands-on creation of content.
In film, there are also roles in film festivals, venue management, and distribution.
There are also opportunities in the studios where programmes/films are created: film co-ordination, contract negotiation, and the administration of a complex schedule of filming. It is an excellent place to meet and network with the companies who film there and discover opportunities. See The British Film Commission for lists of studios.
Are you happy as a freelancer? Do you thrive on variety and flexibility? Are you excited by not knowing exactly what you’ll be working on in a few months’ time?
Broadcast production and film creation is largely freelance and project-based, with short-term contracts.
Many people look to the creative industries because they want to ‘be creative’. Most roles in these industries, however, are about organising the structure, logistics and delivery of the creative content. Creativity for most tends to be in problem solving and building working relationships.
- Start with media for student societies. Creating visual content is easy with your phone.
- Many people start as a runner on set or in a studio. Another common entry point is as a researcher.
- Be proactive and write speculative approaches. Find the names of producers and write directly to them about the projects you know they’re working on. Try not to be too formal: no ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘to whom it may concern’.
- Write your own blog, or create vlogs and social media content.
- Get experience across all media. The skills you develop in one media will be transferrable to others.
- Follow producers/directors/indie film companies on Twitter: they often post entry level jobs and work experiences.
- Network by keeping in touch with anyone you meet in the industry, and discussing opportunities with them. Remember, if you help other people (even by just giving useful feedback or being supportive), they will be more likely to want to help or work with you in the future.
It is possible to get into TV, Radio or Film without a postgraduate course, but having training on your CV, may help. There are many courses in various aspects of broadcast media. Some are very broad and theoretical (eg Film and TV studies), and others are much more vocational (eg MAs in Professional Practice in Visual Effects).
Follow organisations you’re interested in on social media as opportunities are often posted on Twitter. Examples include @creativeengland @filminengland @working_title and @thefilmoffice.
Broadcasting resources
- Screen Skills – an excellent resource for roles, industry links, funding, jobs, and courses
- BBC Online – for information on careers, work experience, and vacancies
- Mandy.com – international film & TV production directory
- Production Base – a site for posting CVs (eg for runner/researcher jobs)
- The Radio Academy – has a useful guide to getting into radio, as well as radio jobs and news
- Televisual – industry magazine website - news, jobs, blogs
- The Knowledge – TV, film and commercial production directory - use for speculative applications
- Grapevine jobs
- Want to work in Television - advice on TV careers
- Dial F for Freelancer
- The Talent Manager
Film Resources
- Film Distributors Association
- My First Job in Film - film recruiting website
- Film Network - portal for new film work
Recruitment is not based on degree class, but rather on your skill, industry experience, and contacts. On your CV, put your relevant skills and experience above your academic record.
You may find some of the recordings of our past sessions, such as CVs for TV/radio/film runner jobs, useful to listen to.
- A wealth of student media to cut your media teeth on.
- Vacation work feedback – see where others had media experience and how they got it
- Contact alumni now working in the media
- Podcasts of speakers at previous media careers events
There are some structured internships and graduate schemes, though there are typically very few places. Many of the broadcast media and film schemes are actively encouraging diversity. Eligibility criteria often focus BAME groups, people with disability, or those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
- BAFTA Scholarships Programme – awards financial support/mentoring for post-graduate course related to a career in film, television or games.
- Pact Indie Diversity Training Scheme – a six-month paid scheme.
- The BBC Extend Hub – a specialised recruitment portal for disabled people (trainee schemes, work experience placements, and BBC roles within divisions nationwide).
- Creative Access – paid internships in the creative industries for those from BAME or lower socio-economic backgrounds.
- Four Corners Film Training Programmes – opportunities for BAME people, women, disabled people, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- InterMedia UK – LGBT network group and mentoring.
- Maisie Hylton Fellowship – BAME journalism opportunity.
- Change 100 – opportunities for disabled applicants.
- Paras Production Training Scheme – Channel 4 production trainee scheme for disabled people
- Project Noir – job opportunities across UK Film/TV for BAME creatives.
- ThinkBIGGER! Writers Camp – a six-month programme sponsored by Creative Skillset for aspiring writers and script editors with disabilities.
See PACT Diversity Schemes for more.
Other useful resources
TV/Radio
- BECTU Trade Union
- PACT – independent TV companies)
- Hospital Radio – site dedicated to hospital radio
- Kays Online – search engine for European film & TV industry
- Student Radio Association – association representing student radio
- Women in Film & Television
- Broadcast Greenlight – news on new commissions in TV
- TVWatercooler
- MyfirstjobinTV
- Hospital Broadcasting Association
- StartinTV.com – includes an useful explanation of TV jargon
Film
- American Film Institute – links to Cinemedia, a large international film & media directory
- British Film Institute
- Documentary Filmmakers Group (DFG) – includes training, festivals, events
- National Film & TV School
- Shootingpeople.org – filmmakers network
Now you have looked at this page, think about your next steps. Everyone's journey is different. There are many ways to move forward. Here are some actions you could take now:
- Look for roles using the resources above.
- Talk to alumni working in this field via Alumni Careers Connect.
- Talk to a Careers Consultant - book a 1:1 appointment through Handshake.
- Attend events - watch for relevant events.
- Ready to apply? Use the CV and cover letter guide to draft a CV or an application. CareerSet is a tool you can use to review your CV and cover letter. Write a speculative application.