BBC Fast Train Event in Manchester
I recently took part in a networking workshop at the BBC, writes Amy Walker, chaired by Simon Smith from the BBC College of Production. Joining me on the panel were Michelle Matherson, BBC Factual Talent Exec, and Caroline Meaby who runs the MGEITF Ones to Watch scheme.
Networking: Simon Smith, BBC College of Production; Newsnight Producer Brendan Miller & Caroline Meaby from MGEITF, Media Parents Director Amy Walker and BBC Factual Talent Exec Michelle Matherson.
Michelle talked about how to move on up in your TV career and how to get your CV noticed (liberally sprinkle your covering letter with programme ideas), and Caroline talked about the great networking opportunities at Edinburgh TV Festival via the Ones to Watch scheme, so if you have between 3 and 5 years’ TV experience you can apply – this also includes people who have had time out to raise children.
Here come some tips for networking when you get to Edinburgh, or when you join us at one of the brilliant Media Parents networking events. Whenever I talk about networking people generally roll their eyes and tell me they are rubbish at it, but I think anyone who likes talking to and finding out about people can be a successful networker – and enjoy it - so please read on.
Nervous? Prepare in advance. Find out who’s going to the meeting, what they do or what programmes they’re making, and when you get there try to connect with people who are in your field.
Guest lists from Media Parents events are usually published on the watercooler at www.mediaparents.co.uk in advance of the meeting, so you can work out who you’d like to talk to. At larger meetings where you don’t know people use Google images to work out who to make a beeline for – yes, it’s professional stalking but it works. If you know the delegate list or guestlist you can probably earmark someone to talk to. Most people are delighted to be approached.
Why am I doing this? Think about your reasons for networking, it will help you focus and stick to your guns. Don’t expect to get a job immediately – you’re primarily making contacts at this stage. People network for different reasons - to gather and exchange information, and to make friends as well as get jobs. It’s unlikely that you will hear about work straightaway, but you might make a contact that eventually leads to work – so play the long game.
Media Parents drama TALENT Kathy Hughes talks to Angela Effanga at the Media Parents networking event in May.
Be yourself and put your best self forward. Think about how you’re presenting yourself – do you look like someone who can efficiently deliver a TV programme that looks good? Create the same impression of yourself that you’d want to put across at a relaxed job interview, so wearing similar clothing can help. Use social media, like the Media Parents website, to connect after the networking event. You can also take business cards to exchange.
Enjoy yourself. Don’t go overboard with the wine and get plastered, but do remember, networking is really just professional gossiping – it’s fun.
It’s a two-way conversation – LISTEN too. There is nothing worse than being talked at. Share what you know – about who’s hiring, or about where’s good to work – what goes around comes around.
Stage fright? Lyn Burgess from the Magic Key Partnership teaches this acronym to prompt conversation if you dry up:
Family
Occupation
Recreation
Motivation
There’s a link to Lyn’s networking session for Media Parents at the end of this blog.
Media Parents Talent, Editor Leo Carlyon whips out a business card complete with QR code to give to Phil Stein at Media Parents drinks.
Follow up. Take business cards with you. I recently saw an Editor hand over a business card with a QR code on the back, it made it very easy to reconnect. Use social networking to follow up afterwards – you can use the Media Parents network to reconnect too and as most people’s profiles have photos on them it’s easy to track people down if you’ve forgotten names.
Be more visible online. Think of social media as your professional megaphone – make sure your profiles are up to date, or direct people to one up-to-date source like your page on www.mediaparents.co.uk. Make sure you represent your professional self well - keep photos and public facing information on message!
Take your leave politely. If you’re stuck with someone, or get the feeling they’re stuck with you do say “It’s been lovely to talk to you. I think we should meet some other people too.” Everybody understands that.
And do thank the organisers of the event afterwards, it’s nice to be remembered for good manners.
Thanks to all of those who came along to the Media Parents networking event in May, book the babysitter for June 12th! More info soon at www.mediaparents.co.uk
More on the BBC College of Production here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/collegeofproduction/
Useful links on networking:
https://blog.mediaparents.co.uk/2011/01/media-parents-lifecoaching-session-how-to-network/
https://blog.mediaparents.co.uk/2010/12/how-to-network-effectively/
The next Media Parents event is on June 12th. See www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information.
Calling filmmakers and animators
Submit your shorts to Encounters by 6 June for a chance to showcase your work at the UK’s leading short film and animation festival!
Call for Entries 2012 – Deadline 6 June
As a dedicated short film festival, Encounters is one of the best-known showcases and networking events for emerging film talent, providing filmmakers and animators with an amazing platform for their work as well as the chance to rub shoulders with industry professionals in a dynamic, fun and informal setting. The festival’s international juries will discern a whole host of awards this year, including the UWE European New Talent Awards (animation and live action) only for graduating students or first time directors, with €1,000 prizes up for grabs. Not forgetting that we are also the leading UK gateway to the world’s most prestigious short film and animation awards, including the BAFTAs, Cartoon D’Or, European Film Awards, and Oscars®!
Short films completed from 1 Jan 2011 and under 30 mins in length from every genre are eligible for submission. The deadline for entries is 6 June, with an early cut-off this week for our Children’s Jury Award programme (25 May).
All submissions, whether or not they are selected for the Encounters programme, will be made available for festival delegates at the festival and online via our Digital Viewing Library.
Visit www.encounters-festival.org.uk to submit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Media Parents PD Evy Barry writes about her experience of pitching at the BBC’s FastTrain Event, a free training day for freelancers on May 16th. Plus top five pitching tips from the speakers at the event listed at the bottom of Evy’s post.
PD Evy Barry (right) is in the TALENT section of www.mediaparents.co.uk http://www.mediaparents.co.uk/freelancers/385/evy-barry
Having registered for various sessions at the BBC FastTrain freelancer training event, which I read about via Media Parents, I was interested to see a call for ideas for the pitching session.
The pitching session was expected to be one of the most popular sessions and a good opportunity to get some face time with some of the top commissioning editors from ITV, Channel 4, BBC and Channel 5.
I sent in an idea called ‘Can You Raise It?’ which was about tapping into the burgeoning philanthropical efforts of members of the public who would team up with an inspired celebrity for a unique challenge that would capture the public’s imagination with incredible feats of endurance and bravery and oh I could go on – but I only got 2 minutes to get the idea across. Any longer and I would be silenced by the klaxon.
Part of the brief was to choose who to pitch to. I picked Jo Clinton Davis at ITV as I felt this was where I could most see the idea as a programme. I got an email on Saturday morning saying I had made it through the short list. This gave me until Wednesday to work the idea up. I began to identify what I could say in two minutes – which is not as long as you would think.
I was intending to read/perform my pitch until I had a coaching session with Frank Ash at the BBC Academy about an hour before the big event. He was really inspirational and made me think carefully about what I was going to say. He asked me what the two most important things I wanted to get across were and to make sure I included those two things at all costs. Start with explaining the concept clearly and make sure you know why you want to make the programme. Frank told me to just have some bullet points on a piece of paper and to talk to the panel passionately instead of reading out loud. He also advised me that two minutes doesn’t give you long to explain your programme so don’t have too much to say. The commissioners can always ask you questions afterwards.
The prospect of performing instead of reading made me feel a bit underprepared but what was the worst that could happen? I pitched third of eight and reassuringly when I opened my mouth words started coming out! I managed to get the concept across, and the two most important points, and the why should this programme be made now – and then the klaxon went off.
The audience clapped and all of the commissioners congratulated me on a well delivered pitch. There was constructive criticism too especially with regard to getting celebrities to commit themselves to anything but short filming schedules, and that there should be more of a twist to the idea to make the idea more commissionable. Obviously it is a crowded marketplace to get a charity idea commissioned. I had deliberately targeted ITV as the BBC have Sport Relief, Comic Relief etc, C4 – Secret Millionaire and C5 Starlight and they did all point this out but and they also said this – if you come to something from a new angle it can be something they would be interested in.
Overall it was a very positive experience and I learned a lot. I hope the crowd, and I don’t think there was a spare seat in the house, enjoyed it as much. It was certainly an opportunity all around to get a masterclass in pitching…..And as Frank Ash said “You are doing well if you get one in ten ideas commissioned.”
Huge thanks to Reuben Milne from Spark Creativity for running this informative and enjoyable session and to ENVY post production facility for hosting in their bar. Photos below, tips to follow shortly!
See www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information. To contact anyone on the Media Parents blog please go the the NETWORK part of the Media Parents site. To join us please go to www.mediaparents.co.uk
Nina Bhagwat and Glynn Ryland from Channel 4.Photos from Monday's CV Event in London, tips will be added soon! Thanks to Glynn Ryland from Channel 4, Nina Bhagwat from Think Bigger, Steve Wynne from Rival Media, Helen Matthews, Ali Wood, and to Sara Hill and Prime Focus for hosting - and thanks to everyone who took part.
Nina Bhagwat : Make it easy for the person reading your CV to give you a job. Cater for a short attention span – you have ten seconds to make an impression so get the top 1/3 of your CV right.
Steve Wynne : Pay attention to your covering letter – I still get letters that start “Dear Sir / Madam” and include spelling mistakes. Letter should say “I’ve seen one of your shows” and I’ll always be interested if you know someone I know.
Glynn Ryland : Do the "So What Test" – if it’s not relevant, take it out. We tend to want to write detail – save that for the interview.
Q: What should old people do? How do you make it look like you’re not over-qualified? A: People are always most interested in the most recent thing you have done, and in the most relevant credits for that job so tailor your CV. Create a box with “selected credits between X and Y years”.
See www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information. to contact any of the people in these photos please go the the NETWORK part of the Media Parenset site. to join us please go to www.mediaparents.co.uk
Thanks to all those taking part in this latest Media Parents event. See www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information. to join us please go to www.mediaparents.co.uk
The Media Parents CV Tear-Up is a great opportunity for freelancers to discuss with employers what’s working and what could work better on their production CVs. This time we’re also joined by Channel 4′s Glynn Ryland and Nina Bhagwat who can advise on CVs generally, and altering a CV to get work beyond production. Here are biogs for some of the employers attending the event, CV tips from these employers will be posted here after the event, and more can be found here : https://blog.mediaparents.co.uk/2011/11/media-parents-cv-tear-up-in-brighton/ Many thanks to all those who are giving their time for this event, and to Prime Focus for hosting.
Glynn is an award winning media professional with a broad film and television career of 17 years. Glynn has worked predominantly in international roles for Universal Studios Networks (Worldwide Creative Manager) and NBC (Creative Director) launching and branding TV channels globally as well as producing promotional campaigns for many UK broadcasters, including ITV, MTV and BBC.
Glynn created a media support scheme for disadvantaged young talent while working for the trade charity of the UK film and TV industry: The Cinema & Television Benevolent Fund. Glynn set up and ran the BBC’s volunteering scheme, placing BBC staff with charities on media-related projects, and now works as an Industry Talent Advisor for Channel 4, working with young people across the 4Talent portfolio.
Outside his media career Glynn is a property developer, film producer and a qualified NLP coach.
Naomi is Head of Production, Factual Entertainment and oversees projects from early budgeting stage through to delivery.
Naomi started her career as a production manager and worked extensively across the industry on a variety of genres including early reality series Survivor, before becoming a Head of Production for Planet 24 looking after The Big Breakfast.
Naomi was also a long serving Production Executive for Endemol UK where she was involved in the production of reality series such as The Salon, Celebrity Safari School and Big Brother before coming to work for Mentorn in 2009.
Steve Wynne is an award winning executive producer with over 15 years of production experience in television, radio and emerging technologies.
Steve’s career in the media started at the age of 15, when he became a presenter for his local ILR station in Wrexham, UK. His move from radio to television came in 1994 when he joined Orbit in Italy, where he produced over 200 hours of original music, kids and entertainment programming.
On return to the UK, Steve worked at Channel 5 and Buena Vista Television. In 1999 he became a producer of the phenomenally successful series SMTVand CD:UK, hosted by Ant & Dec and Cat Deeley. That year, the show won a RTS Award & two BAFTAs, setting a new standard for Saturday morning television.
In 2000 Steve was appointed Executive Producer at The Disney Channel. During his time at Disney, Steve produced the BAFTA Award winning show,The Disney Channel Kids Awards 2000 and the BAFTA Award winning seriesStar Ticket Active in 2003. In 2004 he was executive producer of another BAFTA nominated show, Madabout. He also notched up three further New York Festival Finalist Awards and was named a Broadcast ‘Hot Shot’.
In 2005, Steve joined Warner Brothers International Television as Director of Production. Whilst at Warner Brothers, he was responsible for the development, production and supervision of all Warner television formats created outside the US. He rolled out ABC’s The Bachelor internationally and was at the forefront of WB’s move into scripted formats such as Perfect Stranger’s, Suddenly Susan and Full House. He is now joint MD of Rival Media.
Nina is an experienced Talent and Training Manager, with over ten
years’ experience in TV production. She is currently Training Manager
for thinkBIGGER!, working across Channel 4’s Production Trainee Scheme
and other career development initiatives.
With a background in
factual, she has experience of working across a broad range of
programmes and genres, from serious social documentary to
factual-entertainment. Since leaving production, Nina has worked as a Training / Talent Manager.
Helen Matthews is an accredited coach in career and management coaching, working independently as an HR Consultant and Trainer.
Helen was HR Director at Tiger Aspect from 2007 – 11, with overall responsibility for Tiger Aspect HR. She had previously worked at the BBC in various HR roles, leading the HR recruitment and freelance contracting teams across London programme making departments, including Drama, Entertainment, Children’s, Radio & Music, Television and Sport.
Prior to the BBC, Helen had worked at various independent companies and broadcasters, including Planet 24, ITN and deckchair.com in early 2000.
Based at the Broadcast facility in London, Sara is responsible for bringing business into the company. Sara is an expert in the area of post production for longform television programmes and has a loyal and ever expanding network of clients built up over 18 years in the industry. As part of the senior management team, she works with her colleagues to ensure that the Prime Focus Broadcast division’s finishing solutions remain of the highest creative and technical quality. She also advises on sales and commercial strategy for the UK businesses and globally with the Prime Focus international facilities.
Amy Walker is an award-winning factual producer / director, series producer and development exec who runs Media Parents and continues to work in production.
Amy has developed, written and produced programmes for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and the major non-terrestrial channels for nearly 15 years. Her production career began at Channel 4 on Right to Reply, and since then Amy has worked across a variety of TV genres in five continents.
In 2010 Amy set up www.mediaparents.co.uk and believes that flexible working is the future of television.
Media Parents would like to thank Prime Focus for generously hosting the Media Parents CV Tear-Up.
Execs and Talent Managers from the Endemol group met talent from www.mediaparents.co.uk in October. Here are some photos from the event, thank you to everyone who took part, all those from Endemol who gave their time and helped to organise the event, and to Hannah Smiles for taking these photographs.
Tim Hincks, Chief Executive Officer of Endemol UK addressed the floor at the Endemol meets Media Parents event. Bella Lambourne, Global Head of HR for Endemol (left) and Media Parents Director Amy Walker (right) look on.
Sue King, Head of Production for Remarkable Television is in the NETWORK section of www.mediaparents.co.uk
Nick Metcalfe, Executive Producer at Darlow Smithson Productions holds a speednetworking appointment at Endemol Meets Media Parents
Chloe Samwell-Smith, Endemol's Production Talent Manager is in the NETWORK section of www.mediaparents.co.uk
more photos to follow.
Hannah Smiles is a London-based freelance photographer who recently shot the Endemol Meets Media Parents event. Hannah is an events photographer covering conferences and parties in and around London, and specialises in men’s fashion and portraiture. Hannah can be found in the NETWORK section of www.mediaparents.co.uk
Hannah Smiles photography for Vivienne Westwood. To contact Hannah please use the NETWORK section of www.mediaparents.co.uk
Self-taught, Hannah has been taking photographs for five years and has worked for a variety of clients, including, Jaguar Magazine, Redwood Publishing, Royal Mail, InLondon magazine, Pepsico and De Beers.
Endemol Director of HR Bella Lambourne at the Endemol Meets Media Parents event. Photographed by Hannah Smiles.
www.mediaparents.co.uk for great networking, talent, jobs and information. to join us please go to www.mediaparents.co.uk