Television is a demanding industry to work in, and an even tougher one to break into. Just knowing who does what, how the business is structured, where the jobs are and what skills each department needs might feel like a full-time occupation in itself. This no-nonsense evening seminar is designed to take the guesswork out of getting started. Leading TV training experts Grand Scheme Media present this capsule guide to how television networks and digital channels operate, how shows get commissioned and the variety of job opportunities available in the field.
Tutors Graham Smith and Mark Robson have decades of experience in all branches of TV production and commissioning, and now provide training to heavyweight clients including the BBC Academy and major indie production company Shine TV. The duo’s experience of polishing projects for production mean they can provide unique insider insights into the commissioning process, as well as a realistic synopsis of the best routes into the industry – and what you can do to maximise your chances of getting a foot in the door.
This course is for you if...
- You’re interested in exploring a career in TV, and want a better idea of how to access opportunities for work and the skills you’ll need to do so
- You’re a film and television or media studies student looking for expert insight into how the television industry really works
- You’ve previously made an unsuccessful application for a position in TV and want to know what you’re doing wrong, and how to get an advantage next time round
Course description
This large-scale seminar provides a comprehensive introduction to the working practices of the television industry, and the channels, production companies, positions and opportunities within it. Topics covered on the evening include:
- How TV works: explaining the commissioning process
- The multichannel landscape: from BBC1 right through to the most specialist niche channels
- Who makes the shows, and the different working methods of broadcasters and independent production companies
- Who does what: from runner to executive producer
- How to target the right companies and people to find employment breaks
- How specialist training in TV can open doors
Tutor profiles
Graham Smith is co-founder of Grand Scheme Media, a company specialising in training for television professionals and preparing projects for commission. Prior to founding the company, Graham ran his own indie, TV21, before heading up comedy commissioning for Channel 4 and C5/Paramount. He also worked as an executive producer for the BBC.
Mark Robson is co-founder of Grand Scheme Media. Previously, Mark spent ten years with ITV, commissioning and producing comedy and entertainment, before freelancing as a series and executive producer.
Details
Date: Monday 11 May 2015
Times: 6.30pm-9.30pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £49 (includes VAT, booking fee and drinks)
Event capacity: 100
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
