Georgie: Twenty-Something in TV

I have always wanted to be involved in the industry in some way, but I initially pursued an acting dream until I was 18. On my gap year I started working for a TV studio and quickly discovered that I got just a great a buzz working behind the camera without having to worry about what my hair looked like. It was an easy decision for me to make to follow production instead, and I’ve never looked back... and rarely brush my hair since.

No two jobs are the same. This is really important for me because I like to be kept on my toes! In the last year I’ve filmed on top of a mountain, in the crux of a warehouse rave and in a room full of glitter. The diversity of each job challenges you creatively, intellectually and sometimes mentally - it's pretty impossible to get bored!

When I was at school Drama, English Literature and History were my favourite subjects. Drama was an hour of games and a respite from Maths and Science. English Literature allowed to me to write creatively and History I just found fascinating. Still a big fan of the Tudors!

Uni was quite a last minute decision for me, but one that I shall never regret! Initially I had planned to go to Drama school but I decided to spend the three years (and the money) on learning practical skills – how to use cameras, edit, lighting design etc. Admittedly a degree is not essential to get into the industry; however I will always recommend people go, if anything just for the life experience! It may not help directly with your job skillset but personally it set me up well to work with a variety of people and environments.

My first taste of the TV industry was working for Teddington Studios as a studio runner. Probably rather annoyingly I was one of those who 'got her foot in the door through knowing someone', although I think that is pretty common these days. As a studio runner I got to meet production companies and producers who were utilizing the space and I was always proactive in asking about jobs and handing out my CV. From doing this I got a string of runner jobs and started to build up a network.

Chill! Worrying gets you nowhere. You don’t need to be sure of your exact path then... or ever for that matter! In career terms, in this industry I honestly think no decision is a bad decision. If anything, the bigger variety of jobs you do the more you can hone into exactly what it is you enjoy.

Also, confidence is key - as long as you've got the skills to back it up. Have confidence that you can do it; don’t be put off by myths such as 'it’s impossible to get into' as hard work always pays off. Have confidence in yourself, approach companies and producers – assertiveness always bodes well. And have confidence in your ideas - this is an ever-changing and evolving industry so the sky is the limit when it comes to ideas.

Doing something you're passionate about as a job is crucial to succeed! The industry can be tough and competitive, and there are always people waiting in the wings for your job. So on long shoot days, at 3am when you haven't finished your script and when you haven't seen sunlight for 24 hours after being in an edit suite – just remember that you're incredibly lucky to be able to combine your hobby with your job. Something that I have had to repeat to myself on many occasions!

A good work ethic – no job is too small, no job is beneath you, no job is 'not your job'!

Be proactive – network, network, network! If there's an opportunity: jump at it.

Most importantly you must be fun loving - it's a fun industry made up of fun people!

Facebook is actually a great resource for TV jobs. Companies such as The Unit List post their jobs on there and there are multiple pages for industry professionals to advertise roles.

It sounds obvious, but newspapers and magazines are good to keep on top of what is hot and what is not. What’s the next big craze going to be? What is everyone talking about? What do people want to watch?