...Ok, so it’s more of a ‘list of 25 places to look if you want to find/learn about/apply for jobs in TV (and other stuff in media)’.
But that didn’t make a very
catchy title. And let’s be honest, it’s not a great subtitle either.
Basically what I’m trying to
say is that if you explore/follow/read/apply to the following websites/TV
experts/blogs/courses (that’s a LOT of forward slashes) you should come
somewhere close to finding your way into the TV industry. Unless of course you
are a scary/violent/metal weirdo. In which case, even if by some miracle you
make it to interview, you probably won’t actually be given a job. Unless you
hide your insanity/violent streak well.
Anyway, enough of the forward
slashes. Here’s the most useful list you’ll EVER find.
1. The Broadcasters- ITV, BBC, Channel 4, Sky,
MTV, UKTV
These are the companies you’ve always
dreamed of working for. They are the ‘big boys’ of the production/broadcasting
world. A good old Google search will take you where you want to go, but bear in
mind there’ll most likely be hundreds of candidates applying for the same job,
so try to stand out!
The Beeb offers unpaid 2-4 week placements
in almost every corner of the business. After filling out the usual forms and
answering a few questions (think through your answers and make them specific to
the position you’re applying for) you’re done.
This works slightly differently to the
BBC. If you succeed in the application and assessment centre stages, you’ll be
put into the ITV Talent Pool. Once in the pool, you’ll specify what your
interests are and wait for the emails to come flooding in. (usually unpaid 2-4
wk placements)
To be eligible
for Channel 4 Work Experience, you must first attend a 4Talent event or open
day (usually held in March/September). Applications open three times each year,
in early Spring, Summer and late Autumn. ( It's worth noting with all work experience that unpaid work placements are only legal if you are a full time student. And anything longer than a few weeks should be paid work. Just because you need the experience doesn't mean companies can exploit your services! Know your rights.)
5. THE UNITLIST
A website run by the wonderful Jude
Winstanley. For jobs in production, there’s no better place to be! From Runners
to Production Coordinators, it’s all here. Also all jobs posted pay at least
minimum wage.
6. TWITTER
No, it’s not just for following your
favourite celebrities (although the likes of Alan Carr and Chris Moyles are
friggin’ hilarious). Twitter is a valuable job hunting tool! Follow people in
the industry, comment on their tweets and use relevant hashtags e.g. #tvjobs
7. Facebook
Put your job hunting specifics on your
status every once in a while. You’ll be surprised how many people know someone
who knows someone...
8. Linked In
The Professional Network. Like Facebook
but with CV info and job posts instead of relationship info and drunken wall
posts. Connect with colleagues and interesting people in the industry. Linked
In is the new CV.
9. Indie Production Companies
‘Indie’ as in short for ‘independent’, not
that genre of music promoted by The
Killers. Contact independent production companies for details of
vacancies/placement information.
10. PACT website
Producers
Alliance for Cinema and Television. The big list of all UK production
companies. This is where you’ll find and research those indie companies you’re
going to contact.
11. BBC Fast Train
A free training day for TV freelancers.
Spring/Summer annually. Must have had either 2 years experience or three
professional credits in order to be eligible.
12. Media Nation
Covers jobs all over the media industry.
From Journalism and Publishing, to Games and Music, to Television and Radio.
13. TV Collective
Jobs and
opportunities in telly. Also posting useful links and info on Facebook and Twitter.
Broadcast jobs.
Sign up, upload and CV and apply, apply!
15. Combined Mind
The aim: “To provide a vast free global
and fully searchable database of creative talent and production crew accessible
to anyone free of charge.” Does just that. And posts jobs too. Brilliant.
The real stories behind the world of TV
production. A website/blog (and book) by the brilliant Shu Richmond answering the
questions you NEED answering when starting out in TV.
17. TV Watercooler
A forum for TV
freelancers to ask questions, post opportunities and discuss the world of
television to their hearts’ content.
Great list of
telly jobs. Browse for free.
19. Grapevine Jobs
Sign up and get
weekly emails about jobs specifically suited to you.
20. Milkround Jobs
Great for
graduates. Search for and receive emails about the jobs that matter to you.
21. Prospects.co.uk
Includes a ‘What job would suit me?’
feature. Just pop in your interests and qualifications and full list of
possible jobs will pop up! Easy as that!
Graduate jobs in all sectors, with a handy
email feature sending only jobs specific to your interests. Watch out for the
unpaid placements (e.g. 3 months
unpaid is not acceptable). Yes, TV is a competitive industry, but asking you to
work for free for 12 weeks is taking the piss.
23. Telegraph Jobs
24. Guardian Jobs
(Also check the
Media Guardian section of the paper on Mondays)
25. WEXO
A reliable paid
service (only £10 for the year, no extras) offering access to exclusive work
experience, internships and jobs in all sectors.
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