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documentary jobs

11 years, 8 months ago - Caroline Demopoulos

Hi shooters,

Based on your experience, could you advise on the best way to find work as a production assistant/researcher in documentaries?

Cheers
Caroline

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11 years, 8 months ago - Caroline Demopoulos

Hi Sam,
Thanks so much for taking the time to get back to me!
l have an account with 4Talent, but l've never received newsletters about their talent days..
You're right it's about persistence, good timing, and networking isn't it?
Cheers
Caroline

Response from 11 years, 8 months ago - Caroline Demopoulos SHOW

11 years, 8 months ago - Sam Wildman

Hi Caroline,

I freelance for a number of well-known television production companies that specialise in documentaries. There are always opportunities for enthusiastic people who have a love and knowledge of the genre, even if you have very little experience. My advice would be to either try the tied-and-tested route of writing to production companies, which can be very hit and miss, or try and get yourself along to an open day run by one of the established broadcasters. Channel 4 run a scheme called 4Talent, and they have open days across the UK - http://4talent.channel4.com/4talent/4talent-days. I'd say it's worth getting yourself on The Talent Manager too - virtually every production manager working in factual uses it to look for new talent.

It's a case of persistence and slowly building up your credits. Take small jobs wherever you can get them - or even just ask if you can come and shadow someone. Unpaid internships are getting quite rare in the professional community, so any experience or training you can get under your belt is invaluable in winning those first few jobs.

Hope that's helpful!
Sam.

Response from 11 years, 8 months ago - Sam Wildman SHOW

11 years, 8 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

By working for free as a runner and being in the right place at the right time/getting lucky!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIyg2a72uV4 <-- This, pretty much!!

Response from 11 years, 8 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW