Creative Futures Day Three

Day three of Creative Futures included a very interesting and helpful talk from Sue Jeffries who has worked in the TV and Film industry for more than twenty years. Sue has worked in a number of roles during her time in the industry e.g. Production Manager, Continuity Supervisor, Line Producer and Director so has a wealth of knowledge and experience.


Sue began the lecture by asking the students to consider the following questions:

Why do you want to be in industry?
What do you want to do?
What are you good at?

She then asked various Students what their answers were to these questions and gave some helpful advice on how to get into the industry. Sue said that work experience is invaluable, shadowing, gaining contacts and learning to market yourself are all vital in a competitive industry. A good way into the industry can be through small businesses that produce for the BBC, Channel 4, 5 etc rather than with these large broadcasters. It would also be a good idea to get hold of the BECTU (Media & Entertainment Union) Crew Finder directory which contains details of industry professionals and potential job opportunities. Sue said that if looking for work experience always ask how long the work is for, the number of hours per day and are you going to pay me?

A question was asked how to become a Director. Sue explained that Post Production is a good route to Director. You can't direct if you can't edit! Shadowing Editors and working in a Post Production house as a runner can also be a good way in. Good runners usual work for 6-12 months before obtaining a more specific role.

Another person asked about becoming a Photographer in the industry. Sue said Photographers are needed but they need to find a niche. Broadcasters only seem to have the money for them. If you someone has recently won a commission, then it's good to ask if you can go and take photos for them, you're likely to have to do this for free but it will be good experience that you can add to your portfolio.

For camera roles Sue said that a good show reel demonstrating film making skills is required. I asked Sue if it's possible to get a commission from one of the broadcasters if you have a small business. Sue said a one man band can produce films cheaper for small production companies.
Sue asked how many sub-sectors are there within the industry? She said there are around 12

Tv
Film
Radio
Animation
Computer Games
Multimedia
Adverts/Commercials
Corporate
Post Production
Fashion & Textiles
Photo imaging

Well that's it for the Creative Futures week. CLM are off to Paris this week to do some street photography so I'm looking forward to seeing the results!