Flashlight TV is a versatile production company and as such we regularly work on a broad range of projects, as well as an even more broad range of creatives. From work experience all the way through to executives, TV and video production is a hugely collaborative process and as such every single person on a production is important when it comes to making the brief become a reality.
For people starting out in the industry it is important to remember your worth, no matter how trivial or menial your job may seem – and may well be! We are often asked by graduates and people new to the industry just what qualities people look for in new starters. Obviously we can only speak for ourselves, but with over a decade of industry experience we think we have got a good set of ideas in terms of dos and don’ts for people looking for their way in. We present our six top tips for getting into the TV industry.
Tip number 6. GET YOUR CV RIGHT
The image of employers taking a look at a CV before throwing it in a shredder if it fails to engage with a split second is a bit of a myth. However, set your first TV CV out wrong, or say the wrong things and you will probably be beaten to the job. If you have directed a student film, you are not a director. If you have produced your mate’s music video, you are not a producer. If you have written your own shorts you are not a writer. Of COURSE you are, just not in the eyes of employers. TV production is an industry you generally have to start at the bottom in. Simply put, before you get a credit saying so, it is not a good idea to give yourself a title.
Include runner specific skills. Like going to the cinema with friends? No one cares. Swap it for ‘can drive car’. ‘First Aid Trained’, similarly, is more useful than including your kite flying skills. Besides the fact you may find yourself changing what you want to end up doing, your passion alone for your dream role will become apparent through your work ethic. Which leads us to no. 2
Tip number 5. ASK QUESTIONS
We don’t mean hassle and harry the director all day… but remember we all have egos, and there is nothing nicer than a bright runner quizzing you about your work, why you are doing something in a certain way, or just asking for advice. People are more friendly than you might imagine so just set your own tone and engage with others around you when you can.
Tip number 4. SCAN SOCIAL MEDIA
More and more jobs are being posted and filled via social media. Join as many job groups as you can. ‘People Looking For TV Work: Runners’ is a great one run by industry professionals.
Now, we’re not saying you should make your Facebook boring, but bear in mind that, rightly or wrongly, some employers might have a little FB search for you, especially if you apply via the site. There is no way in the world we are about to get into recommending what you should and should not post on Facebook, just be aware.
Tip number 3. START EARLY
This should really go without saying. Although not a hard and fast rule – some shoots obviously involve a producer/director having a MUCH earlier call time for whatever reasons – it is something you should aim for whenever possible.
Being greeted by an enthusiastic production assistant first thing in the morning offering their help is something that people definitely remember.
Tip number 2. DO YOUR RESEARCH
Have an interview? Read up on who you are seeing. Try and watch a few of their shows on YouTube too. Mention one of their productions when you meet them too. Not only will this break the ice nicely, it will get you chatting before the formality of the interview starts!
Oh, and if you have an email confirming an interview but does not include an address, find out where the offices are instead of emailing back asking!
Tip number 1. DON’T MOAN
This is the most important one. Shoots can be horrendous. Production can be a real slog, and producers/directors/researchers can be under some almost unbearable pressure. Of course you will be working very hard too. The last thing anyone wants to hear is someone complaining that they don’t want to do something, on top of everything else. Within reason, obviously, just get your head down and get through the more arduous parts. Remember that, despite what it may look like, everyone else will be working just as hard as you too.
The other reason this is the most important point on the list is this. People ALWAYS remember and, believe us, RAVE about runners who can never do enough for them. You may not feel like it because everyone else is so preoccupied, but it really is noticed. Also, trust us again when we say this, an attitude like this will get you your next job.