Film Studies CAREER INSIGHT
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Career Insight: Film Studies
Introduction A degree in Film Studies will prepare you for a range of careers in the film and television industries including writers, directors, researchers, cinematographers and editors. The course will help you develop skills in a range of areas, specifically problem solving as part of a team, critical judgment and being able to approach tasks independently, creatively and in a disciplined manner. Previous graduates from the LJMU Film Studies degree have gone on to work for a number of local and national film and production companies including FACT, Lime Pictures, BBC, Channel 4and MTV to name but a few. Planning for your career and gaining experience throughout your course will benefit you when you graduate. Take advantage of work experience opportunities and networking events to develop your skills and help you decide what area you want to move into. Try and make links with people through your course and get involved with the wealth of creative activities in Liverpool and beyond to broaden your skillset and open up opportunities. You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn profile and follow relevant organisations through Twitter to keep up to date with opportunities and developments in the creative industries. Many employers use social media to post work experience opportunities so take advantage of using the sites to help you make links and find out more about what opportunities are out there. Promote your own creative filming projects and get your talent noticed via Vimeo and Youtube. Establish a strong link with PULSS (Production Unit Liverpool Screen School) as production companies both locally and nationally will advertise and recruit students for work experience and internship opportunities via this valuable in house resource. It is helpful to develop a portfolio, showreel or soundreel of your work (e.g. film shorts, photographs, radio recordings, newspaper articles) that you can send to companies to illustrate your talent. Keeping up to date with changes in technology, finding out what is in pre-production and production, and getting hold of in-house newsletters will put you ahead of the game, as will attendance at workshops and talks by people in the industry.
Options with your degree Runner (broadcasting/film/video) A runner is an entry-level position, the most junior role in the production department of a broadcast, film or video company. There is no single job description as runners act as general assistants and undertake whatever basic tasks are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process. To be successful as a Runner you will need to be able to demonstrate;
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excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
ability to network with a wide range of people (actors, directors, other departments, caterers, etc );
physical stamina and resilience;
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Career Insight: Film Studies
initiative and the ability to problem solve;
flexibility and the ability to think on your feet;
good research skills;
excellent time management and organisational skills;
an understanding of the industry;
team-working skills;
enthusiasm and motivation;
ability to remain calm under pressure;
a full clean driving licence is also an advantage
Entering competitions and showcasing your material at festivals and other events are also ways to get yourself noticed. For example, creating a profile on the http://www.thefilmnetwork.co.uk/ will guarantee your work is viewed and noticed by industry professionals. Film Festivals encouraging submissions from young people are advertised via the British Film Institute website. http://www.bfi.org.uk/education-research/bfi-film-academy-scheme/film-festivals-young-filmmakers You can find further information regarding this job role here: http://prospects.ac.uk/runner_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm
Freelance Writer/Screen Writer Writers are involved in the creation and development of works of fiction and non-fiction. This covers a number of wide and varied forms including poetry, prose, life writing and material for the theatre, screen and radio. Most writers work freelance and are self-employed. To succeed as a writer, you will need:
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literary skills;
imagination;
a clear, entertaining style;
the ability to work to tight deadlines, while also maintaining attention to detail;
excellent research skills, both literary and business-related;
self-discipline and time management skills;
the ability to work alone for long periods of time;
networking skills and the ability to develop media contacts;
marketing skills and an understanding of new media as a tool for self-promotion;
IT, web, typing and editing skills;
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Career Insight: Film Studies
the necessary financial skills to manage yourself in the employment market;
the ability to understand and accept criticism as objectively as possible;
determination and enthusiasm.
As writing is largely a freelance occupation, very few vacancies are advertised and most opportunities are found by making speculative approaches or by answering calls for submissions. It is very important that you make speculative approaches in the style that is appropriate to the opening. Many writers break into the professional by winning local or national writing competitions. These include fiction, poetry, screen /playwriting and usually can be found by a simple web search of 'creative writing competitions,' or 'screen writing competitions.' You can find further information regarding this job role here http://prospects.ac.uk/writer_job_description.htm
You may also like to explore the following job roles; Broadcast Journalist: http://prospects.ac.uk/broadcast_journalist_job_description.htm Film/Video Editor: http://prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_job_description.htm You can gain an insight into careers in Film here: http://www.creativeskillset.org/film/jobs/ You can gain an insight into careers in the creative industries here: http://www.creative-choices.co.uk/industry-insight Roles in marketing and PR:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_advertising_marketing_pr.htm
http://www.getin2marketing.com/
http://www.cipr.co.uk/
Teaching Options include teaching at primary, secondary, further or higher education level. Routes into teaching include the more traditional PGCE/PGDE university led programme, School Direct, SCITT or Teach First. Previous experience in a school setting is essential as well as a sound knowledge of the curriculum and education policies and issues. Further information on entry requirements, training and development can be found here: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/primary_school_teacher_job_description.htm
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Career Insight: Film Studies
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/secondary_school_teacher_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/further_education_lecturer_job_description.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/higher_education_lecturer_job_description.htm http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
The suggestions listed here are by no means exhaustive so we would encourage you to consider other relevant options, e.g. based on previous work or voluntary experience, skills and interests. To explore job options by sector, check http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report to generate initial career ideas. Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options and introduces you to the DOTS model to help you with your career planning.
Main employers All occupational profiles listed on http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm include a section on typical employers and vacancy sources, so use these as a starting point to research potential employers within the career areas that interest you.
Useful links/websites
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British Film Institute: http://www.bfi.org.uk Formed to promote greater understanding and appreciation of, and access to, film and moving image culture in the UK. Advertise jobs and internship opportunities.
Arts Hub: www.artshub.co.uk listing arts and creative jobs including internships and work experience. A small subscriptionfee is requies
The Knowledge: http://www.theknowledgeonline.com/ The definitive source of UK and international Film and TV contacts. A useful starting point for speculative work experience applications. Register for mail updates
Skeleton Productions: www.skeletonproductions.com/filmmaker-network UK video production company. Always
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Career Insight: Film Studies
recruiting filmmakers, runners, editors and production assistants for various shoots. Submit your CV and/or showreel.
The Writers Guild of Great Britain: http://www.writersguild.org.uk/
Broadcast Now (radio and television): www.broadcastnow.co.uk News, events and job opportunities
Creative Choices: www.creative-choices.co.uk information, advice and resources to help you build skills and find opportunities in the creative industries.
Grapevine Jobs: www.grapevinejobs.com for jobs in broadcast, film and music.
Mandy.com: http://www.mandy.com/ film and media database and jobs search.
Online Directory of postgraduate courses in the UK: www.prospects.ac.uk/student/pgdir
Regional Arts Boards of the Arts Council www.artscouncil.org.uk Arts Council funding initiatives and case studies.
Skillset: www.creativeskillset.org profiles on a range of different media career areas.
Hiive: https://app.hiive.co.uk/ join the professional network for creative people.
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Creative England: http://www.creativeengland.co.uk/ Creative England invests in and supports creative ideas, talent and businesses in film, TV, games and digital media
Startintv: www.startintv.com Useful advice and tips for getting started in the television industry.
The Network Guardian International Film Festival: http://www.geitf.co.uk/thenetwork Four day programme of networking activities for young people including advice from well- known television personalities. Takes place annually at the Edinburgh Film Festival. Fifty places are available for this popular event.
Talent Circle: www.talentcircle.org.uk Jobs and networking site for film and production opportunities.
www.gothinkbig.co.uk Register for industry updates, job and internship opportunities, advice from professionals.
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Career Insight: Film Studies
General:
LJMU Vacancy System http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/ Register now to keep up to date with part time jobs, internships and voluntary opportunities. Look out for graduate level jobs in your second and final years. Prospects – Careers information and graduate jobs – www.prospects.ac.uk
TargetJobs - Careers information and graduate jobs – www.targetjobs.co.uk
Milkround – graduate jobs, placements & internships http://www.milkround.com/
Get into Teaching http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter:
@LJMUCareers
@TheKnowledgeUK
@British_Film
@TheWritersGuild
@CreativeChoices
@mediavolt
Sources of work experience Gaining experience, whether it is through writing or in other areas of the creative industries, is really important. Networking is crucial and many contracts are filled through contacts and links with people who have worked together before. Download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from http://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities. LJMU has been managing a summer internship programme for Level 5 students in recent years, so keep an eye on your LJMU inbox for details of any opportunities. PULSS (Production Unit Liverpool Screen School) Opportunities to work on short and long term film and production projects are advertised and managed through PULSS by Paula Baines, Student Development Co-ordinator for the Screen School. Join the PULSS Facebook group for notifications of a range of exciting opportunities to gain valuable experience with a host of local and national companies. Previous students have benefitted from experience as, for example, location assistants for the Channel 4 ‘Utopia’ series; as camera assistants and runners for the MBC awards in Manchester with Core Media Productions; social media,
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Career Insight: Film Studies
camera assistants and photographers for the O2 Media Awards with Rossister Media; production assistants for the BBC1 ‘Moving On’ series with LA Productions; various LJMU conferences and lectures, the list goes on. Examples of more recent projects include filming live events and projects
within different university departments, runners for the BBC’s ‘The One Show’, camera operators for local festivals DaDa Fest and Homotopia, filming an orchestral performance with ADM Productions.
Contacting film and media production companies, schools, publishers etc. directly at networking events, via email or through LinkedIn may lead to work experience offers. It is important that you demonstrate that you are interested in the company and have spent some time finding out what they do. Even when applying to secure work experience for the first time in this industry, show the employer what you have to offer. Briefly outline the relevancy of your course. Look at the skills outlined above and try to discuss these in your CV, drawing on examples from your course and other work experience or extra-curricular activities to demonstrate these skills. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.do-it.org.uk/ and http://www.volunteeringliverpool.org.uk/. You could also contact LJMU Volunteering Manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356 or c.j.prescott@ljmu.ac.uk to enquire about current opportunities. It is also worth researching relevant organisations/charities and contacting them directly to find out about voluntary roles on offer.
Recruitment schedules Film and creative writing positions come up as and when required. It is important that you network and engage with employers and utilise the websites and Twitter feeds above to find out about opportunities. Many other roles within the creative industries will be through small or medium sized enterprises/businesses (SMEs). These types of SMEs will recruit ‘as required’. They may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting is also important when looking for graduate roles. Making contacts and approaching organisations speculatively to look for work is a common route into employment. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm.
Roles within public sector organisations, such as schools or museums, or creative organisations such as galleries, also recruit as required. However, it is more common to apply using an application form. A comprehensive person specification is usually included in the advertisement. Each point in this has to be addressed within the personal statement section within the application form. If you decide to take a different path outside the creative industries you can look at graduate training schemes, many of which are open to graduates from any discipline. If you are interested in these roles you will need to be aware of the graduate recruitment cycle. Many recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final year students. Most closing dates are in November and December but some are earlier so it is important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’.
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Career Insight: Film Studies
Psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre will usually follow. You may also need to submit your CV. Always carefully read through the information in the ‘careers’ or ‘graduates’ section of the employer’s website. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. You can get advice about the recruitment process by booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers or employability adviser or you can attend workshops or webinar arranged by the Careers Team.
Key events and networking
Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional events
Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check for details: http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/events/
Careers and Employability events at LJMU: Keep an eye on our events pages at https://worldofwork.ljmu.ac.uk/events/ for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks.
LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: http://www.liverpoolsu.com/clubsandsocs
LinkedIn: You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account (http://www.linkedin.com/) to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry
Centre for Entrepreneurship The Centre for Entrepreneurship supports students and graduates who want to set up their own businesses. Whether you want to develop a new business idea, work as a freelancer or launch a product or service, the Centre for Entrepreneurship can help. To book a place at one of their free workshops or a confidential business advice session with one of their business advisers, call 0151 231 3300 or visit their website https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup/.
CAREER ZONES Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the Careers Team. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments, drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, try our Twitter and Facebook pages.
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Career Insight: Film Studies
NOTES
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Career Insight: Film Studies
NOTES
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