#Network14 Twitter Chat Round Up

Storify by The Network

Thu, Mar 13 2014 06:55:27

Twitter Chat - Getting into TV with #Network14

A Twitter chat on applying for The Network and general tips & advice on getting into the TV industry. Hosted by @TheNetwork_TV, with panellists @SimonNorman1, @ShelleyTalksTV & @TamsinCurry

1. 

   The Network@TheNetwork_TV

   Just to intro our panellists: @SimonNorman1 is Story Assistant on Casualty; @ShelleyTalksTV is Development Researcher at Electric Ray...

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 04:59:58

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2. 

   The Network@TheNetwork_TV

   ... and @TamsinCurry is an Assistant Producer, who is glamourously joing our Twitter chat from Paris! #network14

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:00:18

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3. Our panel all started in quite different parts of the TV industry, which really goes to prove that there's no one "correct" route into television.
4. 

   Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

   @TheNetwork_TV 1st job was a researcher on Newsnight Review. I was working in BBC radio, applied internally. Got it as I had arts journalism

   @TheNetwork_TV

   ·

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:11:17

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5. 

   Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

   @TheNetwork_TV lucky enough to get on the BBC PTS- first job trainee ass script ed on #EastEnders.

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:10:30

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6. 

   Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

   @TheNetwork_TV continuing drama = best training ground. Fast paced, high turnaround but hugely rewarding. #network14

   @TheNetwork_TV

   ·

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:12:43

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7. 

   Shelley Rai@ShelleyTalksTV

   @TheNetwork_TV 1st job in TV was as receptionist at C4. Then went on to secure a place on C4's Production Trainee Scheme #DreamInternship

   @TheNetwork_TV

   ·

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:19:21

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8. And they all had some great pearls of TV wisdom to share.
9. 

   Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

   @TheNetwork_TV don't tell stories u think ppl want 2 hear. Tell stories tht excite u personally. Your passion will shine through #network14

   @TheNetwork_TV

   ·

   Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:30:59

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10. 

    Shelley Rai@ShelleyTalksTV

    @TheNetwork_TV #Network14 You are a business with it's own brand and you're only as good as the last production you've worked on #NoSlacking

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:41:10

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11. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @TheNetwork_TV Try to understand the whole process, so you know what everyone does on a shoot #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:35:10

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12. We had a few questions about the practical side of applying for The Network...
13. 

    Burhan @BurhanLDN

    @TheNetwork_TV Will this be coming to London at all?

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 04:46:09

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14. 

    The Network@TheNetwork_TV

    Hi @BurhanLDN. The scheme always centres around @EdinburghTVFest in Aug, but we do have events in London  http://bit.ly/1cqbBlJ  #network14

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:04:43

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15. ... And our other talent scheme Ones to Watch. (A lot of this advice is also relevant for Network applications too).
16. 

    Grace Owen@GracefaceTV

    @TheNetwork_TV What advice would you give for applicants of this year's OTW? Thanks! #network14

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:44:18

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17. 

    The Network@TheNetwork_TV

    .@GracefaceTV Tell us what OTW can do for you nowhere else can & what you can do for OTW & Network to nurture talent. Altruism v imprtnt!

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:51:52

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18. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @GracefaceTV @TheNetwork_TV And don't worry about whether you've had the 'right' experience, everyone's is different. #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:52:34

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19. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TamsinCurry @TheNetwork_TV @GracefaceTV I agree I had least exp last year. Its about wot u bring to the table,nt wot u hvnt done#network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:59:45

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20. 

    Shelley Rai@ShelleyTalksTV

    @GracefaceTV I remember spending ages on answering application questions! I knew my C.V wasn't enough to stand out on its own #network14

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 06:04:10

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21. And we discussed getting into TV as a career change.
22. 

    LJ Messam@ljmessam

    @TheNetwork_TV I followed another path but find myself wanting to write comedy. Is it possible to break to the industry from the outside?

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:34:58

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23. 

    The Network@TheNetwork_TV

    .@ljmessam @bbcwritersroom often have comedy opps. & get making your own stuff to put on YouTube. You never know who might see it #network14

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:44:04

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24. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @ljmessam trainee schemes are great foot in the door opportunities. I only had my degree b4 #bbcpts #network14

    @EdinburghTVFest

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:38:47

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25. As well as tips on how to handle striking out your own as a freelancer...
26. 

    Andy Cook TV@andycooktv

    @TheNetwork_TV Does anyone have advice for how to handle gaps when your not working and what you can do? #network14

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:35:47

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27. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @andycooktv @TheNetwork_TV Keep busy, work stuff (training, ideas, emailing) & life stuff (see ppl). Freelancing will always have gaps

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:40:55

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28. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @andycooktv no excuse 2 nt have ur own content,scripts/shorts on youtube/writing comps etc. Ppl cnt c how gd u r if u don't!

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:50:22

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29. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @andycooktv @TheNetwork_TV Keep busy, work stuff (training, ideas, emailing) & life stuff (see ppl). Freelancing will always have gaps

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:40:55

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30. 

    Andy Cook TV@andycooktv

    @TamsinCurry @TheNetwork_TV Thanks I've found it difficult to get used to, as I'd rather be working, than waiting on new contract to start.

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:48:08

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31. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @andycooktv @TheNetwork_TV Me too! Just embrace it, plan stuff for when it's quiet (Jan and summer)

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:53:54

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32. ... Or producing your first script.
33. 

    Rico Suave@Aaron3000_

    @TheNetwork_TV tips on writing your first script?

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:47:43

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34. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @Aaron3000_ be prepared 4 1st draft 2 b crap. But keep going, take all advice on board and don't give up!

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:52:48

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35. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @Aaron3000_ and be small to be big. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. Nothing wrong with boy meets girl! #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:54:28

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36. @FrankyKentish asked what a typical day was like for the panel?
37. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @TheNetwork_TV @frankykentish never typical was is great! Researching, contacting contributors, planning shoots, filming #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:16:44

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38. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @frankykentish no 2 days the same. Script editing, research visits (paramedic for a day) filming, pitching stories#network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:18:01

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39. 

    Shelley Rai@ShelleyTalksTV

    @TheNetwork_TV @frankykentish #network14 in a typical day researching, pitching, casting, editing, photoshoping & truck lots of TV watching

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:22:35

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40. Thanks to a question from @Rochelle-Eva, we also got into a discussion of the most memorable new stories or content the panel had covered.
41. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva Behind the scenes mini doc of casualty stunt involving limo hanging off a grade 2 listed bridge #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:25:08

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42. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva Worked on a show about the Booker when Hilary Mantel was nominated and won. Great interview #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:25:38

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43. 

    Tamsin Curry@TamsinCurry

    @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva Content? Loads! Glastonbury, Cannes, Latitude, some of my favourite authors & musicians, too much! #network14

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:30:08

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44. 

    Shelley Rai@ShelleyTalksTV

    @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva #network14 most memorable casting real-life diary of a Call Girl incredible stepping into other people's worlds

    @TheNetwork_TV

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:29:36

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45. 

    Simon Norman@SimonNorman1

    @TheNetwork_TV @rochelle_eva script edited casualty red button ep about soldiers with PTSD. We made South Wales into Afghan #network14

    @camillafortierr

    ·

    Thu, Mar 13 2014 05:28:49

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46. If you want to get involved with The Network, there's plenty of information on our website or follow us on Twitter @TheNetwork_TV and like us on Facebook. Applications for the scheme are open until March 31st.

    And there's plenty of opportunities coming up to talk to us in person - an event in Cardiff on March 19th and a workshop in London (at the Channel 4 building) on March 20th. Just make sure to register!

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Related stories

Talking Creativity with Endemol's David Flynn

As Chief Creative Officer at Endemol, David Flynn has had a hand in everything from The Million Pound Drop and Golden Balls and Seven Days on the Breadline to Pointless, and we were lucky enough to hear from him at our most recent alumni event at London’s Roundhouse.

Ben Hall (left) and David in animated conversation

If you’ve debated the pros and cons of the new final round format on Pointless, or watched through your hands as a lovely couple from Croydon risk all their cash on a tricky question on The Million Pound Drop, you have David to thank for those moments. Ably interviewed by Ben Hall (co-founder of Chalkboard TV and previously MD of Shine Group), David let our audience in on a selection of gameshow secrets and shared experience and advice gained from 15 years in television…

Entering Endemol on a creative internship scheme aged 23 (with no guarantee of a job at the end), David set about making himself invaluable to the company. Along with partner-in-crime Adam Adler (now an executive producer at Objective Productions), the two created and pitched their own job titles to Endemol, becoming the company's first "New Media Creatives", then "New Media Producers". Until David was offered the job of Deputy Creative Director, every job he had at Endemol was one of his own design. "Solve the problems the company didn't even know they had", was David's advice to the audience, "Being inside a corporation already is great leverage for discussions - find opportunities to take a step back and look around at what else the company could be doing... And how you could be doing it."

David also had plenty of advice for those just trying to get their foot in the door, with his key tip being "Be interested" – have ideas and opinions (good and bad), and try to find new angles to take the genre forward. Though Ben did add a word of caution: if you're going for an interview, make sure you know what shows your interviewer was involved with, and if you decide you're brave enough to rip something they've made apart, make sure you absolutely know the show.

And this doesn't just apply to TV either: inspiration can come from anywhere - the latest film releases, art galleries, books - just make sure you always have a notebook with you. And, without wanting to turn future format creators into extreme hoarders - never throw these notebooks away.  If you're keen to get into development, having notebooks full of ideas before you even get your first job will be a real help, and as David said "Anyone could have the next multi-million pound idea."

Indeed, it was the idea that a blank piece of paper can become worth millions after an afternoon of playing around that drew David to entertainment formats - the concept for Golden Balls came from taking the creative team down to a pub in Brook Green. David was full of behind-the-scenes titbits about all our favourite game shows. For example, the money in The Million Pound Drop is all real, and it's taken to the studio via a secret route that even the production team don't know. Plus, Davina isn't given any of the answers beforehand, so when she's reacting, her reaction is 100% Davina. 

A typically understated reaction from Davina

But it's the questions that David considers the hidden secret of the show. They're rigorously tested and designed in a very particular way to make the contestants split their money, and give Million Pound Drop a real narrative arc: “a hero’s journey” as David called it. They also break one of the main rules for gameshow formats: that it’s more fun to watch people winning stuff than losing stuff.

Because our audience are a switched-on bunch, of course one of the questions was "What are the other rules that need to be broken?" This lead to a discussion around casting and interaction with people at home, as well as points about apps and international appeal . Whilst the opportunities to go multi-platform around the world are obviously good for business, David was keen to point out that the idea and your enjoyment of it has to come first, as well as finding the right moment. In fact, the reason Endemol pitched Million Pound Drop to Channel 4 when they did was because Julian Bellamy had spoken at the Edinburgh TV Festival and told production companies: “Surprise us”. All the more reason to apply for The Network or Ones to Watch, and get yourself up to Edinburgh in 2014 to find your own niche to fill.

Applications for The Network and Ones To Watch are open NOW. You’ve got til March 31st to apply for The Network, and 27th April for Ones to Watch.

We've got more events lined up for the next few weeks in Glasgow and Cardiff, and our next big London event is A Beginner's Guide to The Network on March 20th at Channel 4. Sign up here.

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.

Useful tips to make your Network application the best it can be...

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 programme idea 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.

Producing a Festival Session: The Diary of an AP

By Ashwin Bhardwaj

“We’ve all heard horror stories about awful pitches, but a good approach can be the key to success.  Roll VT.”

This was it. The result of three months of hard work was about to be broadcast to a room full of big-hitters.  Three of Britain’s top talent agents, and two of the industry’s most successful producers of on-screen talent were on the panel; Kirsty Wark was chairing the session; heads of production from super-indies, and broadcast commissioners were in the audience. There was probably no gathering of people in the world at that moment that could better distinguish a good VT from a bad one: sound, lighting, editing, framing, performances and rapport – it was all going to be under the spotlight.  There was nothing more to do, expect hope that we’d done our best.

The panel, chaired by Kirsty Wark, get to the heart of the battle for talent

The annual Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival is a heady blend of panel sessions, presentations, masterclasses and networking events for the television industry.  It’s also a charity, giving young production talent the chance to get ahead in TV. Last year I was lucky enough to be on Ones To Watch, in which 30 'rising stars' of the TV industry were given delegate passes, and a bespoke programme of training and networking events.  Off the back of that, I was given the chance to AP a session at this year’s festival.

Miranda Chadwick (Broadcast Agent at ROAR Global) and Tom Beck (Commissioning Editor, Entertainment, at Channel 4) were producing a session called Speak To My Agent: How To Survive The Talent Wars - a 60 minute panel session, in which producers and agents would discuss the relationship between on-screen talent and producers. I’d been asked to look after the VTs of talent, to be used to add anecdotes, context and that starry-quality to the session.

After our first meeting, at Roar HQ, I felt so far out of my depth that I’d left the continental shelf far behind and was now floating aimlessly over the abyss of the deep ocean. I’d written a couple of travel documentaries, worked as a researcher and produced corporate videos – what was I doing on a session about agents and commissioning?!  I nodded, agreed to everything that was said, made some notes and kept my mouth shut, before spending the next three hours researching names, production companies and programmes, then another two hours watching VTs from previous festivals.

The next few weeks were fascinating.  When else do you get the chance to have a frank conversation with Nicky Campbell, Jake Humphrey and Al Murray about what they want in pitches and agents?  When again could I ask Russell Kane about his inspiration and why he does what he does? 

Kevin Spacey delivering
the MacTaggart Lecture

Having arrived in Edinburgh, the next 48 hours were a wonderful blur: chatting to John Lloyd about QI and Spitting Image; trying to smuggle a giraffe out of the Dave party; attending discussions about YouTube and the TV sector; complimenting Kevin Spacey on his speech; and, of course, our session! Having planned it for so long, I’d almost forgotten that I would learn something from the conversation, and I whipped out my notepad to learn from these industry giants.

It was only as we sat down for our celebratory meal that I reflected on what we’d done. Everyone was chuffed that after months of late nights and several thousand emails, we were looking out over Edinburgh Castle, toasting a job well done.

And it was only looking back that I realised how far I’d come. I’d learned about whole new areas of TV; I felt confident talking with CEOs, heads of production and channel commissioners in a way that was unimaginable months before; I’d met some of my favourite presenters and performers; I was able to attend the best event in television; and I’d been given the chance to showcase my work in front of the best in the industry.  

And although it sounds like a cliché, the most rewarding element was working closely with a team of four brilliant people. I was repeatedly astounded by their individual skills and competencies, and look forward to staying in touch with them as we forge our individual paths.

So, if you’re ever given the chance to work on a session at the Edinburgh TV Festival, just say yes.  You won’t regret it. 

----

For more information about Ones To Watch, visit http://www.geitf.co.uk/onestowatch

Ash travelled to Edinburgh by train with East Coast. Standard Advance returns between London and Edinburgh, booked online at www.eastcoast.co.uk, start from £34.

Follow Ashwin on Twitter @AshBhardwaj