Talk us through an average day in your role
I think the beauty of working in the world of outside broadcast is that there is no such thing as an “average day.” Every day can be so different to the last – it’s the changeable and fast-paced nature of what we do that made me fall in love with the industry. In my role with Vivid, a working week could include a day out onsite, whether that be producing a hockey show for TNT Sports, production managing our WSL contract for Sky Sports, time spent working with clients on contracts and planning, as well as liaising with colleagues on operations and logistics, ensuring all jobs are executed with the usual Vivid precision and professionalism. I’m lucky that my job includes a great mix of the commercial, the creative and the technical.
How did you get started in the media industry?
You could say I was born into this world. My parents have always worked in television production – my dad was managing director of an OB company, and my mum was a producer. I therefore grew up with a knowledge of the industry, and I was always fascinated with cameras, editing and storytelling, and how a narrative could be pulled together on screen. My childhood was spent writing scripts for my own TV programmes and forcing my (very patient) family to film me and play the supporting roles. After university I officially joined the family business, and spent 17 years at Televideo, working in a variety of production, operational and commercial roles – really learning the industry and the fundamentals of business.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
Interestingly, I don’t have any specific media training. I studied English Literature at the University of Manchester, and whilst I was tempted to pursue journalism for a while, I felt the unique opportunity I had to work in broadcast could offer me a platform to write and express ideas through production. By keeping an involvement in production across my career, I have been lucky enough to have writing as a key part of my job, whether that be writing scripts, treatments, running orders or proposals.
Having managed various broadcast training academies over the years, I strongly believe that media-specific degrees and courses – whilst of course very valuable – aren’t essential to a career in media. For me, it is more about having the right attitude, a willingness to learn, accepting that working in TV requires huge amounts of dedication, and is very rarely 9-to-5. The technology and workflows can be taught, but having the right outlook really is paramount.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
I love that this is an industry bursting with talented people. Every single person contributes their unique skill to the wider operation, from pre-production right through to final delivery, and there really is nothing better than seeing it all come together. On a difficult day, that moment can come right down to the wire, but as the production gallery quietens in those last few minutes before counting a live show on air, everything falls into place. the crew take their positions, and the team is united in bringing the show together. That’s a great moment to be a part of.
I also really enjoy the inevitable live TV curveballs, and have dodged a few of them over the years! It really keeps you on your toes, and forces you to be adaptable and reactive to the situations going on around you.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
My suggestion to anyone trying to find their role in the industry, in any setting, would be to always be open and willing to learn from others. You’re never too old or too experienced to learn something new or find different – sometimes better – ways of doing things. Everyone has a different method, every broadcaster has a different style and workflow, and knowing your client and your production demographic is key. Collaborating with a range of editors, directors, graphics operators and the wider crew will allow your skills to continue to develop and grow.
My best piece of advice is to have fun with it. This is such an exciting way to earn a living, and whilst it can sometimes involve long days, late nights and time away from home, it’s an industry that so many people dream of becoming a part of. Enjoy it and remember to take a step back and look around – at the stadium, or the concert hall – whatever weird and wonderful scenario you might find yourself in, and just appreciate the moment!
