If the Oscars left you awe-inspired, and wanting to be more creative in your career, you might be tempted by the film, TV and screenwriting sector.
As BAFTA-winning screenwriter, Jeremy Brock, puts it: "Screenwriting isn't romantic, most of the time it's just work." But if it's something you're passionate about and have a talent for, then don't let the hard work put you off.
There's no doubting the fierce competition to get into this industry, and you'll need bags of enthusiasm and determination. More so than many industries, networking is a vital part to getting in, and staying in, the industry.
So how do you break the impenetrable walls of these media organisations to get some work experience, a paid internship, or a full-time role? Whether you want to know how to get your foot in the door, move up the ladder or change careers, put your questions to our expert panel on Wednesday 2 April from 2pm to 4pm. We'll be discussing:
• Starting out and ways of getting work experience
• Routes into the industry
• How to make your application stand out
The Q&A takes place in the comments section below this article. Taking part is easier than ever: you can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles to comment. Alternatively, you can tweet us @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Hannah Friend who can post them for you.
Our panel
Vanessa Jackson is a former BBC series producer, and now course director of the BA (Hons) media and communication, and degree leader of television at Birmingham City University, teaching practical television production skills to undergraduates. Her research interests include the history of television, as well as the uses of social media in community history projects. She has also published on the use of social media in enhancing student employability, and student engagement.
Will Davies is director of programming at IdeasTap, a national charity which supports creatives of all disciplines including film makers and screen writers through funding, career advice and professional development events. He graduated from Royal Holloway University of London in 1997 with a first in media arts. Since then he has led a dual life of working in TV/film development/production/casting by day and writing screenplays by night. Screenplay commissions include 'Son of Dog', a UK Film Council funded second draft and revisions of an original comedy script, 'The Uninvited Guest', an English language rewrite of a Spanish thriller for See-Saw Films (Control) and Rodar y Rodar (The Orphanage) and 'Venom', a third draft rewrite of a horror film with Guillem Morales (Julia's Eyes) attached to direct.
After a 20 year career as an independent producer, Peter Hort is now course director of the BA in film and television production at the University of Westminster. His students won the 2012 Student Academy Award, and were top five finalists in 2011; graduates of the course include screenwriter Neal Purvis ('Skyfall'), director Asif Kapadia ('Senna'), and cinematographer Seamus McGarvey ('Anna Karenina').
Gayle Woodruffe is a production service manager at Northern Film & Media. Her role involves attracting film and TV production companies to film in the north east of England. The company promotes the region as a base and have databases of locations, crew and facilities and regularly advise productions who film here. It also aims to ensure that filming goes smoothly and uses as many local resources as possible.
Geoff Lowe is a BAFTA-winning filmmaker who works in drama and documentary. He has been involved in many initiatives to encourage and foster new talent. He teaches at Newcastle University where he authors and leads 'The Art and Practice of Digital Film,' a three semester master's program in film practice.
Clare Whitmell is a Guardian contributor and a qualified business communication trainer. Clare specialises in writing and presentation skills coaching. She also blogs about CV writing and job-hunting tips on JobMarketSuccess.com. Please note, Clare can only do the first hour of this chat.
Charlotte Owttrim co-ordinates the film strand of Creative Skillset's Trainee Finder, a scheme which helps new entrants find training positions in technical and production roles within film. Having previously worked in production, Charlotte is aware of the challenges facing new entrants trying to break into the film and TV industry.
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