Media Parents

Come say hi and workshop your CV with Media Parents at the BECTU fair on June 29th. See www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information.

Join Media Parents at BECTU Freelancers fair on Friday 29th June.  Get free CV advice from us and take part in the seminars on offer below.  Entry costs 10 pounds for non BECTU members.

Seminars:

Starting with one that I’ve taken part in on the BBC/TRC Media Series Producer Programme, so I know it’s good!  Media Parents Editor Leo Carlyon also went to this session at the FastTrain event this week and thought it was great:

14.30 – 15.30 Combining Words and Pictures … Scripting for Factual TV presented by Frank Ash, courtesy of the BBC Academy

This session is for anyone who wants to improve the quality of their commentary writing.  Principally aimed at those in factual, but relevant to all. Writing effective commentary is one of the most challenging aspects of programme-making. This session will offer participants an insight into the essential ingredients of writing to complement and enhance pictures and sync, including the type of language to use, and the importance of rhythm and finding the appropriate style for your film. As well as practical tools and tips, the session will look at a number of case studies from different factual TV genres.

10.00 – 11.15 Back to the Future: What lies ahead for British Film? We debate film policy and key recommendations from the Film Policy Review and the BFI’s Forward Plan. Our panel will include Maggie Ellis (head of production & talent development at Film London), Roy Button OBE (senior VP and managing director of Warner Bros Productions), celebrated film director, Ken Loach and Martin Spence (assistant general secretary, BECTU).

11.45 – 13.00 Budget Blues: Making shows on a shoestring Investment, or lack of it, governs the range and quality of what we see on our screens and impacts on the way we work. Join John McVay from PACT and Kate Townsend from Storyville.

14.00 – 15.15 Data Wrangling: How to master this key technical challenge Managing your digital workflow and backing up what you’ve filmed securely is one of the most fraught – and potentially fiddly – aspects of shooting tapelessly. This taster session will help answer your questions, and show you how to handle your digital footage simply, safely and reliably.

15.45– 17.00 Get Your Career on the Right Track with top tips from the expertsEveryone knows that competition for jobs in film and tv is fierce and never more so than in the current recession. How do you get that all-important first break? Join this session for top tips on how to make your talent shine through, from our panel of industry experts: Caroline Carter, BBC talent executive; Colin Campbell-Austin, people development manager, Channel 4; Alison Small, director of the Skillset Film Industry Craft and Skills Academy; Carys Morgan, Broadcast Hotshot and head of development at Minnow Films.  The session will be chaired by documentary film-maker, Marc Sigsworth.

60 Minute Talks

11.30 – 12.30 Accountancy Question Time, chaired by Steve Sykes, Blue Skies Partnership

Steve Sykes will provide a briefing on key accountancy issues for freelances and then the floor will be yours! PAYE, Schedule D, VAT registered or not, Limited Co or sole trader? Submit your questions for our guest panel in advance to selliott@bectu.org.uk or bring them along to the discussion.

13.00 –14.00 New entrants: is it possible to avoid exploitation?

New entrants are caught in a double bind: they need experience but there is a severe shortage of paid entry opportunities. The national minimum wage exists to protect the vulnerable from exploitation but sadly some employers in our industry are willing to break the law. Join us to find out about your rights, how you can enforce them and what you can do to get paid. Our speakers will include, Martin Spence, BECTU assistant general secretary, Michelle Wyer, assistant director, National Minimum Wage Compliance Unit and a representative from Intern Aware.

16.00 – 17.00 Cast, Direct, Produce: The Importance of Collaboration in the Making of Quality TV Drama

The success of Downton Abbey, Titanic, The Tudors and others suggests that a new era has dawned for British drama. Lyn Burgess, top personal and business coach to the entertainment industry, will chair a conversation on the ins and outs of television drama casting, directing and producing.  Join Lyn, producer Madonna Baptiste (Margaret Thatcher:The Long Walk To Finchley), director, Diarmuid Lawrence (The Mystery of Edwin Drood) and Jill Trevellick (Merlin) to discuss the importance of team collaboration, creativity, and imaginative casting to ensure success in quality TV drama. The session will be followed by an opportunity to network. PLEASE NOTE: This particular session is aimed solely at casting directors, TV directors and producers.

Advance booking for all sessions is strongly advised. Please avoid booking sessions where the times conflict.

Freelance Toolkit Workshop

Two sessions of the Freelance Toolkit will be delivered by the much-lauded David Thomas of David Thomas Media. 16 places per session. Advance booking essential.

CV/Showreel Clinic

Courtesy of the Crewing Company (which is also exhibiting along with its sister company Alias Hire) visitors can book in advance for a 15 minute One to One to review their promo material. Advance booking essential; places are limited. Prepare to subject your promo material in advance to make the most of the opportunity.

Accountancy Corner

Visitors will also be able to meet with a team of tax experts for advice and information. Arrive early to book a one-to-one.

BECTU members free, non members use this address to book your place:

http://www.bectu.org.uk/events/2012/06/29/713

Come say hi and workshop your CV with Media Parents at the BECTU fair on June 29th. See www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information.