Face2Face in Bristol

My Name is Miraca and I have been working full time for almost three years in the hospitality industry, a job that pays the bills. I completed my A levels in drama, media, psychology, English and Dance but because of financial circumstances I have not been able to go to University to study media as I would like. Feeling that I wouldn’t be considered for a role in media without a degree, I was absolutely thrilled to realise that the BBC offered a placement interview for a 3 month contract after completing the Face2Face Scheme. A chance to work in the BBC, in any role, would finally mean I could leave being a waitress and get a chance to work in the media industry. Unfortunately I didn’t get a placement, but I have enjoyed working with some talented people and I have made some special and great contacts that I will follow and not give up!

In my spare time, I have been doing media work experience and writing, directing and producing short films, while also building contacts with people already within the industry through a local community media Productions Company. This is how I found out about BBC Outreach in Bristol and applied for the Face2Face Scheme.

In the first three days of the scheme we had a ‘Boot camp’ where we were spilt into groups to create a short film themed ‘Is the BBC for me?’ The first day was developing and story boarding the short film. The second day was filming and the third was editing. Each group was mentored by a professional filmmaker and we were all given the opportunity to learn each aspect of filmmaking such as directing, shooting and editing. From then on we had a 2hour workshop once a week. Workshops included a tour of the BBC, learning about editorial guidelines, camera skills with the Natural History Unit (NHU), CV and interview skills, new media platforms with the BBC. We were all given individual mentors who are professionals working within the BBC. My mentor was Katie, a production coordinator with the NHU who I gained so much from. Katie organised for me to meet with many other professionals such as Producers, Researchers, Editors, Production Managers, and Camera Operators so I could gain contacts as well as learning about different roles and routes to go down and deciding the potential route for myself. The BBC is for me!

*Face2Face is training scheme for young production talent in Bristol. Following an initial three day challenge, participants join a two hour workshop once a week for two months. Currently in its fifth year, the scheme is managed by BBC Outreach. Around 70 people have completed it so far, with three people each year continuing to a paid full time placement for three months.