Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Breaking into the Industry...

acearchie

acearchie

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jan 15, 2006
3,264
104
Any help would be great.

I am currently studying Broadcast Media at Brunel University in London and I have sort of come to the realisation that I will not be making the contacts that I would perhaps have the potential to make at some of the London Film Schools (which are also much more expensive).

I was wondering if some of you could share some experiances of how you got into the industry as ideally I would love to be working in TV within the next 5 years.

I feel at the moment that my course is slightly underwhelming and I am therefore looking for some work experiance to get my teeth into during the summer holidays. What would be the best way to go about this? My main forte is probably editing but I have a keen interest in cinematography and shooting in general. Should I email production companies etc... and ask for work?

Any help would be most appreciated!

Thanks
 
puckhead193

puckhead193

macrumors G3
May 25, 2004
9,570
852
NY
internships, internships and internships. It helps built up contacts and may lead you to other contacts and jobs. (not to mention work experience to add to your resume) Also submit your resume online for "future consideration" even if there isn't a job. I applied for another job within' my company and a few months later I got a call for another channel owned by the same company....
 
iDisk

iDisk

macrumors 6502a
Jan 2, 2010
825
0
Menlo Park, CA
Think Different

Start your own "amateur" TV broadcast. You and a few dedicated friends apply what your interest and learning from the classroom into a more "action" oriented study.

If you feel class is subpar then by all means, try to get creative, and like the poster above said, internships help, but more importantly seek a mentor, someone who's where you want to be in 5yrs.

Keep us updated, and the best to you for your upcoming and fruitful career.



Bruce
 
acearchie

acearchie

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jan 15, 2006
3,264
104
iDisk said:
Start your own "amateur" TV broadcast. You and a few dedicated friends apply what your interest and learning from the classroom into a more "action" oriented study.

If you feel class is subpar then by all means, try to get creative, and like the poster above said, internships help, but more importantly seek a mentor, someone who's where you want to be in 5yrs.

Keep us updated, and the best to you for your upcoming and fruitful career.
Click to expand...

This is the problem that I face. I feel that no one is as interested in the subject as me. I have joined a film making society and we are planning on making some films for festivals but I just don't feel inspired from the group.

I was expecting more from my higher education. I was at least expecting people with more knowledge than me who would correct me or offer alternative opinions but I am sort of stuck getting my way as everyone seems to nod...

As puckhead193 says it looks like I'll be looking for some summer internships. Perhaps as a runner for an editing or post production house.

Thanks for the tips guys.

On a side note I noticed that all our avatars are very similar. Good sense of style with the retro apple!
 
iDisk

iDisk

macrumors 6502a
Jan 2, 2010
825
0
Menlo Park, CA
Keep Thinking Thinking Thinking

acearchie said:
This is the problem that I face. I feel that no one is as interested in the subject as me. I have joined a film making society and we are planning on making some films for festivals but I just don't feel inspired from the group.

I was expecting more from my higher education. I was at least expecting people with more knowledge than me who would correct me or offer alternative opinions but I am sort of stuck getting my way as everyone seems to nod...

As puckhead193 says it looks like I'll be looking for some summer internships. Perhaps as a runner for an editing or post production house.

Thanks for the tips guys.

On a side note I noticed that all our avatars are very similar. Good sense of style with the retro apple!
Click to expand...

I know this may be a long shot, but Linkedin.com may be of help. I know their a many professionals,aspiring artist, techies from all over the world who network on there. They also have groups you can join, pertaining to your intrest. For example I'm apart of few start up groups in silicon valley, these creatives from all ages looking to get a business launch, ask questions and bounce ideas around and look for someone to join their startup.

I'm pretty sure Linkedin has many digital video or cinematography groups :) , where you can join. Once you join a group you may discover someone who lives near by who has the same passion for Video Art as you do... Linkedin also has an alumni page, I say that to say you may be able to join the alumni section if your school has one on there and reach put to former students who've taken your courses and future courses, from their you could develop a new relationship or be pointed in the direction that may help you.

I understand your dilemma, but keep thinking different to keep your creativity and your vision alive, don't allow thoses uninterested to ruin your love for the field (Misrey loves company) but on the flip side of that Creative minds love creative minds.

Pursue it, and more importantly don't settle. A rolling stone does not collect moss.

"Where there is no vision the people parish:" Proverbs 29:18 :) Keep your vision alive.

Lol yea, Love the retro Apple Logos. Also too, try hanging around other interested artist say photographers or theatre students to get inspired to do some film solo, maybe borrow some equipment and film the passionate in action.

Bruce
 
S

smokescreen76

macrumors member
Sep 10, 2010
64
0
The normal way to break into the industry in London is you start by being a runner.

It's demeaning - you make tea, you get lunch for clients, you run tapes around Soho, you take clients dogs for walks. But you are given access to equipment and knowledge and after 6 months you move up and you are "in the industry".

Do an internet search for production and post production companies. Watch a few TV shows and take a note of what company made them and find their address. Then go around Soho and give your CV and a cover letter to anyone and anywhere you think appropriate.
 
acearchie

acearchie

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Jan 15, 2006
3,264
104
smokescreen76 said:
The normal way to break into the industry in London is you start by being a runner.

It's demeaning - you make tea, you get lunch for clients, you run tapes around Soho, you take clients dogs for walks. But you are given access to equipment and knowledge and after 6 months you move up and you are "in the industry".

Do an internet search for production and post production companies. Watch a few TV shows and take a note of what company made them and find their address. Then go around Soho and give your CV and a cover letter to anyone and anywhere you think appropriate.
Click to expand...

Funnily enough I have been doing this already! I have been even sneakier and have watched programs that I don't normally watch and at odd times (therefore not being as popular) to find the production companies and sending them emails.

I have also done some work experiance as a runner at Rushes Post Production and whilst the work is demeaning to start, once you get to know everyone it becomes more fun!

I have decided that I am going to probably try and move university to one that offers better links and placements with companies and also has some great state of the art equipment. It is also a specialist university making it much harder to get into meaning that everyone should be more motivate to succedd!

KeithPratt said:
As you're in the UK, have you signed up to the Shooting People e-mails?
Click to expand...

I have put it on my christmas list! Thanks for the tips!

I have also been searching gumtree for some editing jobs just for something to do and whilst nothing promising has come up yet I am keeping my options open!

Thanks for the tips guys. Any other good methods or personal stories would be great!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom