TV JOBS GUIDE HOWHOW TOTO TELETELE VVGETGET INTO INTO II SS II ON ON HOW TO SURVIVE AS A FREELANCER LOUIS THEROUX’S INTERVIEW TIPS WRITE THE NEXT LINE OF DUTY HOW TO GET THE PERFECT SHOT 5 Smart moves 6 A running start A foot in the door is the It’s the ultimate entry- first step, says Holly Close. level job and a hard Now you need to graft, but it can open keep it up all kinds of futures there 8 Cast your net wide Without you, the show would have no exclusives, no guests and no archive footage 12 Headline snapper Covering the news is all about hitting deadlines in the Story first face of unforseen 10 events Good storytelling is central to editing – and editing is central to all TV shows 14 Hear this! It’s all about knowing what’s possible, says Strictly’s Tony Revell It’s all in the light 13 The pros shed light on shooting Centre of big-budget 16 attention dramas Keep it raw, rather than falsely polished – you can be yourself and still stand out, says Chris Stark 2 20 Write now Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio Making headlines took time out of filming 18 series 5 to share his advice for writers Follow your curiosity, says who want to see their work on screen Louis Theroux – but don’t forget your audience 22 Freelance survival guide Job hunting How to make a success 24 What employers of self-employment – are looking for in and who to turn to for your CV, letter advice and support and interview 26 Get in training 28 Love TV? So do we Find out about a wide variety The RTS is committed to of training schemes from helping young people make broadcasters, producers and their way in television professional organisations Television is not an industry for the faint hearted, but the results can be hugely rewarding. In this magazine you’ll find tips and inspiration on how to get your foot in the door of this Code of conduct challenging and exhilarating business. 30 Royal Television Society Editor: Ed Gove Don’t just be good at 3 Dorset Rise, London EC4Y 8EN Contributors: T: 020 7822 2810 Holly Barrett, E: [email protected] your job – be good to W: www.rts.org.uk Matthew Bell, Registered Charity 313 728 your colleagues, says Holly Close, ISSN 0308-454X Kate Holman, Printer: FE Burman Adrian Lester Pippa Shawley, 20 Crimscott Street London SE1 5TP Ashley Whitt © Royal Television Society 2018 RTS Careers Guide 2018 www.rts.org.uk 3 How far could you run? StartRunner as a runner and your ambition could take you a lot further Post- Library/ Lighting Camera Sound Production Script production dispatch Researcher electrician assistant technician co-ordinator reader co-ordinator assistant Post- Grams/ Camera Data Production Assistant Script Casting Best boy production boom operator assistant manager producer assistant assistant producer operator Editing Editing and Sound Casting Gaffer support media Producer Script editor recordist director manager support Lighting Editing Location Production Colourist director assistant manager director Camera Track layer supervisor Dubbing Sound Executive Editor Director mixer supervisor producer NOTE This chart excludes the specialist technical and Director of Senior broadcast engineering roles, as well as on-screen talent, Series photography editor to concentrate on the jobs that are open to people who producer enter the television industry as a runner. 4 On location with BBC One’s Hard Sun Smart moves ongratulations! You’ve honed round is more than just a way to keep the your CV, done some net- A foot in the door is team’s caffeine levels up. “Kitchens are a working and your hard work great place to meet people – eventually has turned into your first TV the first step, says you’ll be asked, ‘What are you working on’ job. But now you’ve got your – which is a perfect moment to do your spiel foot in the door, how do you and say, ‘Let me know if you need a hand on turn it into a lifelong career? Holly Close. Now you anything’,” says AP Simon Lee. CStarting out on a week-long position here It’s also helpful to figure out your own or a few days of running there can feel need to keep it there unique selling point, and make sure other pretty daunting, but no matter how junior people know about it, too. Knowledge you the role or short the contract, every job is a already have, such as speaking a second chance to build a name for yourself, not just language, knowing how to drive or having at the company you’re working for, but in disaster, and get you a reputation as some- a specialist academic background, can help the wider industry too. one to rely on in a crisis. you make the leap from runner to People move around a lot between roles Small things can make a big difference on researcher – but be proactive about learn- and productions, so word travels fast about a hectic production. Whether it’s staying ing new skills on the job, too. dependable new talent. Stand out in one later to help with photocopying or remem- Finding a quiet moment to ask about job, and you could soon be being recom- bering how the crew take their coffee, being camerawork or learn about editing demon- mended for plenty more. kind and using your initiative will help you strates that you’re keen and engaged, and For Emily Fielden, talent executive at make a great impression. And doing a drinks can help prepare you for your next role. Studio Lambert, the opportunities to And lastly, even when the job is over, impress come before you’ve even set foot keep chatting to the contacts you’ve made. on set: “Do your research. You’re so much Logger Suna Yokes says: “It helps to keep in more charming when you’re well prepared.” touch with friends you make along the way As well as checking out the route to the and to let each other know when companies studio or researching the programme you’re you’re already in are looking for people. Close Holly working on, make sure you’re ready for “People really value recommendations anything the day can throw at you. Having a from people they already know.” pen ready to take notes, or a phone charger You never know when an old acquaint- you can lend to the director can easily avert ance could be your new colleague. RTS Careers Guide 2018 www.rts.org.uk 5 RunnerRunner A running 6 start On the set of ITV’s Victoria Christmas episode Runner’s diary Ellie Robins, junior researcher remembering to update the other runners, giving tips for working with It’s the ultimate I already had several runner credits high-profile contributors. That before starting on Comic Relief, so I meant that I could pre-empt prob- entry-level job and knew the importance of adaptabil- lems before they arose, or make a ity and a calm head when new coffee before it was asked for, a hard graft, but challenges arise. Good communica- which can make you a favourite on tion was particularly important; the spot! it can open up all kinds of futures runner has one of the most varied job roles in television; one day you could in an office setting up a meeting, and the next you Top tips could be on a busy production shoot. Although you won’t be able to escape making teas and coffees, the job Arole can differ significantly for each sector of the industry. It’s an incredibly demanding industry and [not for] anyone who wants to clock off at six.… Being a grafter, Office Runner This role is the most nine-to-five job you can making cups of tea, carrying people’s find in TV and is based in an office, either during kit and learning the job as you go pre-production or the edit of a production. Daily Nicola Brown, producer/director, The Secret Life jobs involve transcribing footage, collecting and of Four Year Olds and Educating Cardiff distributing post, topping up refreshments, tidying the office, hiring kit, answering the phone and administration. It might not be glamourous, but The people who stick around are fun, showing enthusiasm could land you a job on the next project. hard-working, resourceful and innovative.… Being rude is the worst thing you can do in telly Pictures: ITV/iStockPhoto.com/Shutterstock Production Runner Mike Matthews, director, Jamie’s 15-Minute Meals Working in production is often seen as the most exciting runner job, but the hours can be long and you will be on your feet for most of the shift – so A degree is not essential… as long as wear comfortable shoes! Duties include looking after contributors, setting up kit, collecting they show initiative, have intelligence lunches and buying props. It’s beneficial to own a and are quick learners.… These are the drivers licence as many jobs involve driving attributes we’re looking for, regardless contributors and kit to different locations. of qualifications.… Be a great team player and don’t get above yourself Post Production Runner Claire Walls, series producer, The Apprentice A runner at a post house will be on hand to keep edit suites tidy, provide food and drinks, deliver and collect rushes, set up meetings and general People want to help people who want reception duties. If you have no experience in TV, to learn.