Sachelle: Twenty-Something in TV

Ever since I was a child, I have wanted to work in TV! I used to always think that it was almost impossible to get into so never thought I’d actually be able to work in TV. I used to mention it to my friends who would laugh and not take it seriously but I have known from a young age that I didn’t want to do anything else!

As a researcher I love the fact that I am surrounded by creative and exciting people, all of whom have a different journey to share! The skills that I have picked up in order to do my job such as researching, filming and editing are so much fun – I love that I have found a job I enjoy doing. Also, the fact that I get to have an input in turning an idea into a piece of television is amazing – seeing my work on television makes me proud.

Having always wanted to work in TV, I studied Media Studies at A-Level. This gave me my first insight to production – I had to brainstorm, research, set up, film, direct and edit a horror trailer which was so fun. I also loved Design Technology – anything creative.

I went to Roehampton University and studied a BA in Criminology & Media – my Media degree was very different to my A-Level course – it was mostly theory. I gained all of my skills from work experience, although if it wasn’t for a Work Placement module I wouldn’t have known about the Step Up Scheme, which turned out to be my entry into TV.

My first job was as a runner at Blue Peter. I secured a place on the Step Up Scheme while at uni, which was the chance to spend three months at BBC London News learning how to be a journalist and make news reports. My mentor was a producer on Blue Peter, and after I graduated she arranged for me to do a work experience placement with her. I pulled my weight and on the third of my four weeks there, I was offered a job! Work experience I’ve found is the best way into production. Get as much experience as possible in different departments to find out what you really want to do. Even if there’s no work available straight away, people will remember you if you’ve made the right impression.

Anything is possible when you put your mind to it! It just requires hard work, dedication and a goal. If you know where you want to be, then be prepared to take detours and knockbacks to get there. Oh, and always make sure you leave a good impression of yourself because TV is a small world!

It is very important to build positive, solid relationships with contacts – get to know as many people as possible and always keep in touch. The social aspect of working in TV is very important – going for drinks and socialising is where you get to build your relationships with people of all levels. Also, no matter what part of TV you are in, always have ideas that you can pitch – that will get you noticed.

Creativity – Making TV tends to consist of generating original and exciting ideas or finding different angles on existing stories. This requires a good imagination, ideas and creativity.

Enthusiasm / Passion – You need to be able to be approachable, enthusiastic and helpful as you work your way up. TV can be very demanding so be prepared to work long hours.

Proactivity – Being able to assess any situation and offer to help out goes a long way.

The Unit List - really invaluable jobs portal, with lots of entry level jobs

LinkedIn – essential for networking

Facebook / Twitter Groups

The Talent Manager - TV talent and jobs database

Mandy.com – a production and casting opportunities website

The career sections of production companies’ websites