Task: Write 3 potential jobs you would like to do in the future and set SMART goals for each of them.
Dream job: TV or film director
Entry requirements
- You’ll need experience of working in TV or film, and an in-depth understanding of the production process.
- You could get this from camera or lighting work, acting or starting out as a runner. It can take several years to build up your experience.
- You may find it helpful to take a filmmaking or media production course to give you some of the practical skills you’ll need, and to make contacts in the industry.
- Another way to break into directing is to make your own films. You can market these to agents or enter them into film festivals and competitions.Skills required
Skills required:
- excellent organisational and planning skills
- the ability to make decisions quickly
- leadership and motivational skills
SMART goals: To be able to get this job, I will need to gain more knowledge of what precisly a director does. To do that, I could watch ‘making of’ films on youtube till I could actually get a chance to go on a set and see what a director does and how it’s done.
Potential jobs
A: Screenwriter
There are no set requirements, but you may find it useful to take a course to develop your skills and understand dramatic structure.
Relevant courses include creative writing and scriptwriting.
Experience in journalism, advertising copywriting or acting can also help.
You’ll usually start by coming up with your own screenplays and ideas, and trying to sell them to agents and producers. As you build a professional reputation producers might ask you to write scripts for them.
Screenwriting competitions are a good way to get noticed by broadcasters and regional screen agencies. You could also submit your work to the BBC Writers Room.
Creative Skillset Careers has more information about a career as a screenwriter.
SMART goals: I want to write my own scripts and send them to competitions around the country . To be able to write a good script, I could read books or magazines and see how scripts are written.
B: TV or Film production assistant
Entry requirements
A degree isn’t essential but you’ll need IT skills, initiative and enthusiasm. If you’ve got secretarial experience or qualifications this could give you an advantage.
A network of contacts and experience gained from student or community film, TV or radio projects, or work experience would be useful.
You could start work as a runner, junior assistant or secretary and work your way up.
Large broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements and graduate schemes.
You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
Doing a college course in media production could help you get started, especially if it is one that gives you hands-on experience and allows you to develop your contacts.
SMART goals: I want to do some work experience in how to produce a film. To do this, I will need to contact broadcasters, such as BBC.
C: Stagehand
Entry requirements
There are no set requirements. Backstage experience from school, college, amateur or fringe productions will be helpful. It’ll also help if you have skills and experience in carpentry, electrical work, sound or lighting.
You could start in a theatre or venue as a member of casual backstage staff.
You could get into this job through an apprenticeship.
SMART goals: I want to get more involved in school projects. I need to find some free time to actually get fully involved.
Conclusion: I learned that experience is needed for every job so I need to find some free time and do some work experience.