Apply for Aim High in Northern Ireland
AIM HIGH, the new entrant training scheme for aspiring TV producers, is back. Northern Ireland Screen and BBC Northern Ireland are looking for motivated, passionate storytellers to take part in this prestigious training scheme. No specific academic qualifications are needed but we do want creative people who can bring fresh ideas to programme-making. Applications open today, Monday 29 June, and details of how to apply can be found on the Northern Ireland Screen website.
Published: 29 June 2015
Aim High is more than just a foot in the door - it's an invaluable and full-on initiation into the television industry.
There are six places available and we expect a high level of competition. If you gain a place on AIM HIGH you will be given an 18 month contract (minimum wage) and have the opportunity to work on local, national and international television projects. We will train and develop you for a career in the media and you will be assigned a senior industry mentor. You will be expected to work unconventional hours and to tight deadlines and you must be able to work flexibly.
Applicants will initially be invited to complete an online assessment. From there, those shortlisted will be invited to attend an assessment centre where they will be evaluated in both team and individual tasks.
The final six successful applicants will then go on to complete an intensive two week 'boot camp’ where they will be introduced to the craft of storytelling for local, national and international television production. After this they will undertake a series of placements in a variety of independent production companies and BBC Northern Ireland for the duration of the scheme.
Deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 24 July 2015.
Dominic Coyle, an Aim High recruit in 2011, says: “Aim High is more than just a foot in the door - it's an invaluable and full-on initiation into the television industry, offering programme-making experience across several genres alongside in-depth training and mentorship from some of the best people in the business.”
As part of his training Dominic was placed with Wild Rover Productions, working on The David Meade Project and Secret Fortune. He also worked with Green In on Monumental before moving to Tern TV to work on Town and Maiden City Voyage. Dominic is currently working in BBC Northern Ireland’s Factual Department and recently produced and directed The Cattle Mart, part of the True North series.
Gillian Callan, another former Aim High participant says: “Aim High is a great training scheme. It’s the perfect way to get experience in the industry, learn new skills and make lots of invaluable contacts. At the end of the 18 months I got a job with a great company in Belfast and haven’t stopped working since.”
As part of her training Gillian was placed with DoubleBand Films working on The Ulster Covenant and with Below the Radar working on An Independent People –both documentaries were for BBC Northern Ireland. Gillian is currently a freelance Assistant Producer working with Erica Starling Productions.
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