My experience

Although I do feel like I am at the very beginning of my journey into the creative industries I do believe I have gained many valuable skills from the two years of my Television course, my work experience and my part-time job.

Placement as Post-Production Runner

In June 2024, I spent a week working at ENVY post-production in London. This was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the practices at a post-production company and gain further insight into the field. I shadowed runners for the week which involved making drinks for clients, transporting things such as hard drives etc. I also got the incredible opportunity to train in several different areas such as colour grading, offline and online. The whole experience opened my eyes to everything that goes on in post-production… more than I ever could’ve imagined.

Work Experience at Pathway Studios

In January 2024, I spent 4 days on work experience at Pathway Studios working with the production company, Gothic Manor, shooting the short film ‘Kafka’s Appraisal’ (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28318222/). Here, I earned an IMDb credit as I undertook the role of Standby Props. This was an incredible opportunity where I developed so many skills and got my first-ever experience on a film set. Creating, organising and managing the props, as well as continuity, was an immense responsibility that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Placement as Digital Media Assistant

Alongside the first year of my degree, I had a placement at Wildwood Days, a forest school, as their digital media assistant. I managed their social media accounts to engage followers and increase company awareness. I created posts for Instagram and Facebook, as well as editing videos and creating quizzes. This placement has massively developed my organisational skills, as well as my social media content creation and management.

My job

I have worked at my current job for 3 years now. I am a barista (with supervisor experience) at Costa Coffee. Although the skills I have developed in this role may not directly link to my future career in the creative industries, many of the skills are transferrable. For example, leading a team, working with others, my attention to detail and remaining calm under pressure.

Television course

I am currently in my second year of university studying Television. This course has enabled me to develop and learn new skills, while also discovering which part of television production I want to go into. During our studio practice I have trained as different roles including: VT operator, art director, script supervisor, script writer, director and editor.

My skills

Able to use own initiative

I am extremely proactive and able to use my own initiative. During my television course I have had to learn new skills quickly and efficiently. I have taken steps to enhance my skills using my own initiative.

Ability to work well with others

With customer service experience, I am able to work well in a team and have a friendly and positive attitude. I am successful when working with others as I have strong communication skills. I can listen well to others, incorporate their ideas, as well as sharing my own in a concise way. I am also flexible and open to change.

Strong ability to cut and edit

I am able to be creative and imaginative with storytelling, and have a strong understanding of narrative. I have strong knowledge of computer editing software, I have used Abode Premiere Pro throughout my degree and can use it confidently

Attention to detail

I have very strong attention to detail and organisational skills. This comes into play in my work at university. When working on productions, in all my roles, I make sure that everything has been carefully thought through. I have a lot of patience and will take time to organise my work so that I can produce things of a high quality.

Ability to work well under pressure

I am able to work well under pressure. At work I have to remain calm during busy and stressful periods. Through my degree I have strengthened my ability to be creative under pressure and to accept criticism too.

Knowledge of media production

During the first year of my degree I have become very familiar with the process of media production. I have been trained in many roles in the studio and gallery, as well as roles in pre-production and post-production.

Developing my skills

I took an online video course through the company Udemy. The course was ‘Adobe Premiere Pro 2022 Video Editing Course Beginner to Pro’. See certificate.

I took this course to enhance my editing skills and knowledge of this editing software as it is so commonly used in the industry, as well as being the main software used on my television course. It was incredibly insightful and has significantly enhanced my editing skills. I feel I am much faster now as the course taught me many shortcuts and tools to use.