It all started at The Network...

So here I am, in mid production of possibly one of the best shows of 2013, being trained by a comic genius in the art of sitcom writing and gaining hands on experience of TV show development and production. And it all started at The Network.

When the Network opportunity appeared on my laptop screen, all I could think was fantastic opportunity, although another application to fill out, and probably more rejection. 

But, you've got to be in it to win it. I gave the application my best shot, and...I was put on the waiting list. But - amazingly - someone dropped out and in August I was on the train on my way to Edinburgh.

The Network programme was incredible, workshops, talks and CV clinics. As a budding screenwriter my favourite moments were attending an interview with Charlie Brooker, participating in a drama workshop with BBC Writers Room and working with the cast and crew of Waterloo Road.

All of these opportunities left me inspired to get stuck into the industry.  But how?  Networking, of course!

Like most of us, I enjoy meeting new people and good conversation, and in essence that's what networking is, the only difference is that these conversations might be with people in the industry that could potentially give you (or at least direct you towards someone who can give you) a job.

So that's what I did - I met all sorts of people on my networking journey - a lot of lawyers, but also producers and execs. I was happily batted from one person to another person better able to help me, on several occasions, until I landed in front of a development exec at Kudos. 

He said he'd enquire about getting me in for work experience, and he actually did!

Within a month I was being a runner at Kudos for a week. Before I said goodbye I built those all important relationships. Consequently I was invited to do some more work experience with Kudos' sister company Brown Eyed Boy. 

Now this is the part where the magic happens! On my first day, literally minutes after I'd arrived, the position of writer's assistant on Brown Eyed Boy's new sitcom for ITV: Vicious, was being discussed in the office. It was then or never. I bit the bullet and asked the M.D. Gary Reich if he would consider interviewing me, and to my delight he said 'yes'. The interview went wonderfully - Gary really took an interest in me after witnessing my work ethic throughout the work experience period, he was impressed by my CV and we both agreed that this was the perfect position for me right now as an aspiring TV writer! He had also, coincidentally, been on the equivalent GEITF talent scheme when he was just starting out too.

Cherish on set of the recording of Vicious

So, I got the job: working as writer's assistant to Gary Janetti, writer and producer of Family Guy and executive producer of Will and Grace. What a first gig in TV! It was also a plus that the actors starring in the show are none other than legends Ian Mckellen, Derek Jacobi and Frances de la Tour! 

So here I am, in mid production of possibly one of the best shows of 2013, being trained by a comic genius in the art of sitcom writing and gaining hands on experience of TV show development and production. And it all started at The Network!  

My advice to anyone, eager to get into the industry is dare! 

Dare to apply, dare to keep trying, dare to say hello, dare to ask for opportunities. The worst anyone can say is 'no'. God bless you on your journey.

 Cherish : )

Cherish invited The Network team along to watch the  recording...VIPs!

You can read more of alumni's success stories on our website here 


Applications for The Network are open until 21 April 2013, please go to our website for more info and to apply

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.

Richard Curtis to interview Steve Levitan at Edinburgh in August

British film legend Richard Curtis will join us at to interview award winning screenwriter and director Steve Levitan in an unmissable Modern Family masterclass.
 

Join two of the industry’s biggest names as they discuss how Modern Family has become one of the most talked about TV phenomena in recent times.

They will explore the inspiration, creative process and critical and public reactions as well as the challenges of showrunning in some of the most competitive market conditions ever known.  It’s going to be a showstopper.

Richard Curtis television career, a few highlights:

1979-82     Not the Nine O'Clock News- Writer
1983-89     Blackadder - Writer
1984-85     Spitting Image - Writer
1991         Bernard and the Genie - Writer
1990-95    Mr Bean - Writer
1994-2007 The Vicar of Dibley - Writer/Co-Executive
1999-2007 Robbie the Reindeer - Writer
2005         The Girl in the Café - Writer/Executive Producer
2007         Casualty - Writer - (1 Episode)
2008         The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency     Writer/Executive Producer
2010          Doctor Who - Writer- (Vincent and the Doctor) 

We cant wait!

VIEW THE FULL 2012 PROGRAMME!

Need some advice on how to get into the television industry? We have some inside info from Lion TV....

We had a chat with Joff Powell, Entertainment Executive for Lion TV about how he got into TV and his tips for those starting out in their TV career....

1. How did you get into TV?

Via a friend. She was a PA and got me in for an interview with the MD’s of a company. I had tried for ages to get through the door but struggled with cold-calling people. Having someone help introduce me got it all rolling.

2. What was your first job?

Personal Assistant to 2 of the creative directors of a company. I was not great at the gig but I think they liked my personality. They moved me on to researcher after a couple of weeks which was much more suited to me.

3. Was the first job what you expected?

Not at all, if you’ve studied journalism or media related courses, you leave feeling like you can direct and straight away make programmes but you soon learn that you only have a foundation knowledge which isn’t enough. It was tough starting from scratch, you do long hours and often feel like you’re doing the same thing over and over but if you stand out and persevere, it pays off.

4. What did you find particularly hard when you were starting out?

Relentless tasks that do not challenge you creatively. What you never learn in studies is that there is a huge amount of administration within television production and that’s something you are often underprepared for and when you’re in your early 20’s, you want to be out on location filming something exciting, not stuck in a library researching facts and figures for other people to use out on a shoot.

5. Did you get any advice at the beginning of your career that particularly helped you?  Please share!

I think the best piece of advice I was ever given was to persevere, work hard and be polite to everyone you come across regardless of their position.

6. What things do you know now that you wish you knew then?

How to juggle a personal life and a work life – I still don’t think I have the answer!

7. What’s been a standout experience in your TV career so far?

Far too many – to succeed in our industry you have to be passionate, if you love what you’re doing then every experience is stand out but to contradict myself briefly, having just finished filming with American comedian, Rob Riggle, was probably the most rib tickling experience I have ever had.

Do you want to work in TV or know someone who does? There are 3 weeks left to APPLY for The Network, a FREE 4 day talent scheme this August in Edinburgh.

If you have any questions about the Network, follow us on twitter and ask ask away! @thenetwork_tv

Speak sooon,

The Network Team