Networking, Kevin Spacey & DIY Business Cards: An insider's guide to being on The Network

Ryan Pasi is a Network delegate from 2013. He is currently working at Raise the Roof in Glasgow as a Production Secretary, a placement he secured part of our Network at Work scheme 

I studied Economics at Uni, but when I graduated I really didn't want to pursue a career that field. I decided I wanted to follow my original aspirations and get involved in the screen industries.I spent a long time doing small freelance jobs and not getting very far with it. When I heard about The Network I thought it sounded like a good idea to help me get my foot in the door.

Taking control at The Network Live

I first got an idea of what The Network was really about when I attended an introductory event at the BBC that aimed to help people apply and give an insight into the whole programme. I was really blown away by it all: the opportunities and the people you got to meet, plus all the parties!

I spent a long time on my application, making sure it really got across what I wanted to say in a concise manner. My main advice is to be honest and to talk about something that you actually know about and really love (rather than what you think people might want to hear).

Being on The Network was amazing. Getting one-on-one sessions with industry professionals was really inspiring. Looking back on it now I realise how lucky I was to get to attend these events, as well as the MacTaggart Lecture from Kevin Spacey.

The night-time networking events are terrifying at first. But after approaching people and realising how
friendly everyone was I gained more confidence and was really up talking to anyone. Something that really shines through is how much people seem to really love their jobs - I found that to be the biggest encouragement for pursuing something that generally most people will tell you is too difficult. Also, having business cards are a must! But don't leave it to the last minute, I did and ended up having to make them from scratch and cutting them by hand - not a fun experience...

I must admit that when I arrived I was really under-prepared, I wasn't sure what I had signed up for and everyone kept on talking about this live show at the end which I had no clue about. However I dove head first into everything and ended up directing and vision mixing the two hour live show. It was such a rush, as well as being quite terrifying. But being in the team was so good and every really pulled through. Our mentors, who I still keep in touch with, were so supportive and made it an incredible experience.
The key is to really be up for anything they throw at you, don't waste this amazing opportunity.

Ryan hard at work at Raise the Roof

After the network I applied for The Network at Work scheme, and as a result I'm currently working at Raise the Roof Productions, as part of their production team. It's a brilliant opportunity which I wouldn't have had a chance with without The Network. Since then I've also been offered two other jobs in the industry including a runner job at the BBC (bypassing the runner pool...) which has all been through contacts I made during The Network.

Want to work in TV? Top Tips for your Network application!

We want your application to be the best it can be. So here are quite a few tips to make it stand out. 

1. We welcome applications from people with an interest in ANY area of TV. 
   The TV industry is very broad and there are literally hundreds of roles you can consider!  We have profiled some of the most popular on our website here -  Want to work in TV? Which Job is for me? and the Creative Skillset website is also useful guide: www.creativeskillset.org/careers/.
2. You don't need to have had any experience of working in television BUT you will have to demonstrate that you LOVE TV. 
   It’s not enough just to say you like watching TV. Can you prove you have lots of ideas? What have you done that demonstrates your interest? Do you have a YouTube channel?  Do you blog about TV? Has TV changed your life in any way? Remember, we don't want to hear about student projects that you doing as  part of your course, you need to tell us what exciting, creative things you've been doing in your own time.
3. The TV industry thrives on ideas, so show us that you are capable of coming up with things that haven’t been done before or looking at things from a fresh perspective.
   
   
4. We want to get an idea of who you are so use your own voice and be honest! Please tell us what you think, rather than what you think we want to hear.
5. Make sure you check your application carefully for spelling and grammar mistakes. If you know spelling and/ or grammar isn't your strong point, do ask someone to check it over for you.  It’s scarily easy to miss your own mistakes!
6. Make note of the word count and don’t go over it.  You don’t necessarily have to use the maximum number of words, but please do make sure your answers are as complete as possible.
7. Please make sure you have supplied accurate contact details, including email address and mobile number.
8. Please use a personal email account (e.g. Hotmail, Gmail, etc.) rather than one supplied by your work/ college as we’d like to keep in touch with you and offer you future opportunities.

When describing your idea for a new programme, consider the following step by step guide

STEP 1:  The Idea

• What is your idea?
• Think about what audience it would appeal to. What age are they? When/what time are they likely to watch TV?  
• Think about what channel your programme is most suited to and why. Is the programme in keeping with the channel brand?
• What is different about your idea, what makes it unique?
• Are there any similar shows?        

STEP 2:  How would the show work

• Think about how the format would work. Is it a series or a one off?
• What is the content of the show? How many episodes? How long would each programme be? Would it work as a long running format?
• Would there be talent/presenter in it? What is it about the talent you've chosen that appeals to the audience and the channel?
• Thinking about your audience, where in the schedule would it sit, what time and what day?

 STEP 3: The Pitch

• Can you sell the idea in a sentence? 
• Titles matter. What title will hook this particular audience?
• What are the strong points about your idea that you should emphasise?
• Why should your programme be commissioned?
• How can your idea engage people beyond what they see on TV?  For example, is there scope for interaction through websites, phone lines and social media?:

Applications are considered and places awarded by The Network committee,so this is your chance to get your ideas read by some of the biggest names in the TV industry! Visit thenetwork-tv.co.uk to apply today!

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE CRITERIA FOR 2014 HAS CHANGED. IF YOU ARE IN FULL TIME EDUCATION YOU MUST BE IN YOUR FINAL YEAR OF COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY AND AVAILABLE TO WORK IN 2014.