Behind the Screens: routes into film and TV

Our pre-recorded video career talks featuring the authentic stories of workplace volunteers with optional built-in pauses for interactivity, discussion and reflection, are intended as an easy ready-to-use resource to complement live employer encounters.

 The video targeted at KS4 covers c.15 min interviews each of 2 x inspiring film and TV professionals:

  • Jen Adeeko started university without any idea what she wanted to do, coming from a Nigerian household with some expectations of going into one of the known professions.  She was bitten by the TV bug when she started a work experience placement and she has progressed her career to become an ITV Production Manager on major shows such as The Voice, Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Coach Trip and many more.
  • Shane started his career as a camera operator on Good Morning Britain after a long search for the right career advice on subject options and qualification to take, learning the importance of good relationships that have fueled his career as a freelancer. He discusses how camera technology has changed and made camera work more accessible to all over the years.

Where their stories overlap is that they both had the tenacity to break into the film and TV industry, despite not knowing anyone when they first started out.  They provide young people with a window into the huge range of roles and skills required in the industry, creative and otherwise, and actionable first steps for breaking into the industry.

In this accompanying PDF you will find:

  • Tips on how to best utilise this video resource as part of careers provision, PSHE or otherwise
  • Links to Gatsby Benchmarks and NC statements in PSHE
  • Student learning statements
  • Suggested answers to the plenary discussion questions that are built into the video

With thanks to Into Film and Screen Skills for use of their ‘who makes a film?’ career maps.  You can find more of their classroom resources at: https://www.intofilm.org/resources