I got asked to teach on a Degree . . . No really.
Last year I was approached by the Film & TV Degree course leader from Hull School of Art and Design (HSAD) to deliver a module to the second year students.
I’d had a bit of experience with education stuff in the past and spoken publicly on the subject, so despite my academic shortcomings I decided to bring my professional practice to ‘Professional Orientation’.
Plus, it sounded like fun. What was I thinking?!
So far, a number of the students have asked me about working in the media, some even interviewing me as a part of one of their other modules. So, academic stuff aside, here are my three TOP TIPS for becoming ‘Professionally Orientated’ in my little corner of the creative industries.
1. ‘Writers Write’
The old expression is true of any creative profession. I don’t just make films when people ask me to. When we have time we make our own films and work on our own projects (and these are always the best because you can do exactly what you want, experiment and you only have to please yourself).
2. Fill Your Boots
Get as much experience, with as many different people and organisations as you can. You’ll learn new skills, make more contacts and add to your credits and showreel.
New skills are important as the more versatile you are the more employable you are.
Why hire a runner when you can hire a camera assistant slash boom operator slash motion graphic whizz?
Also, people don’t hire strangers. People hire people they know, so get to know lots of ‘em!
3. Don’t Work For Free
The definition of being professional. People do all sorts of things as hobbies that other people do for work - gardening, cooking, taking photos. THIS is not a hobby, this is how you want to earn your living.
Sure, get experience to gain new skills and boost your CV, but don’t give away your time/experience/resources for free. No one else does! Can you imagine asking a taxi driver to drive you for free because A) it would be good experience for them and B) you might need a lot of driving doing in the future which would pay well?
If there really is no budget for the role your filling, make sure you’re getting something in return such as training, new skills, really good sandwiches and your bus fare home.
That said, how did I start out in media? Um, did stuff for free . . . just try not to get stuck in the feedback loop between points 2 and 3!
Liked reading this blog? Got an experience to share? Leave a comment . . .
Last year I was approached by the Film & TV Degree course leader from Hull School of Art and Design (HSAD) to deliver a module to the second year students.
I’d had a bit of experience with education stuff in the past and spoken publicly on the subject, so despite my academic shortcomings I decided to bring my professional practice to ‘Professional Orientation’.
Plus, it sounded like fun. What was I thinking?!
So far, a number of the students have asked me about working in the media, some even interviewing me as a part of one of their other modules. So, academic stuff aside, here are my three TOP TIPS for becoming ‘Professionally Orientated’ in my little corner of the creative industries.
1. ‘Writers Write’
The old expression is true of any creative profession. I don’t just make films when people ask me to. When we have time we make our own films and work on our own projects (and these are always the best because you can do exactly what you want, experiment and you only have to please yourself).
2. Fill Your Boots
Get as much experience, with as many different people and organisations as you can. You’ll learn new skills, make more contacts and add to your credits and showreel.
New skills are important as the more versatile you are the more employable you are.
Why hire a runner when you can hire a camera assistant slash boom operator slash motion graphic whizz?
Also, people don’t hire strangers. People hire people they know, so get to know lots of ‘em!
3. Don’t Work For Free
The definition of being professional. People do all sorts of things as hobbies that other people do for work - gardening, cooking, taking photos. THIS is not a hobby, this is how you want to earn your living.
Sure, get experience to gain new skills and boost your CV, but don’t give away your time/experience/resources for free. No one else does! Can you imagine asking a taxi driver to drive you for free because A) it would be good experience for them and B) you might need a lot of driving doing in the future which would pay well?
If there really is no budget for the role your filling, make sure you’re getting something in return such as training, new skills, really good sandwiches and your bus fare home.
That said, how did I start out in media? Um, did stuff for free . . . just try not to get stuck in the feedback loop between points 2 and 3!
Liked reading this blog? Got an experience to share? Leave a comment . . .
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