News

ASPIRE TV PRESENTER TRAINING OFFERS

TV PRESENTER TRAINING WEEKEND COURSE SAT 24TH & SUN 25TH MAY 2008 3 MILLS TV STUDIOS, LONDON Aspire are delighted to offer a special discounted price on their next 2 day weekend TV Presenter course at 3 Mills TV studios, London on Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th May 2008.

Website: http://aspiretv.moonfruit.com/#/specialoffersst/4527452369

This course includes everything you need to know in becoming a TV Presenter, covering all key essential areas of TV Presentation.

No previous experience required

Covering:

Full Studio & Location Presentation Training Autocue Script writing Full Career Guidance and Support Fully Edited DVD Showreel Job Leads and Agent Contacts Certificate of Training

Normal Price: £349.00 Special Offer : £295.00! Please note that the June Course is also now available.

Due to popular demand Aspire have just released their June weekend TV Presenter course.

Course date: Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd June 2008

Places very limited.

One to One Personal TV Presenter Training Including DVD Showreel.

TV Coach Darren Simons is now offering his personal one on one TV Presenter Coaching service, offering a full intensive 1 day training programme covering all areas of TV Presentation ideal for individuals with no previous eperience of for experienced presenters requiring a freshen up on their skills.

Places are very popular and limited so book now to secure your place.

For more info on courses and to book, please go to; http://aspiretv.moonfruit.com/#/specialoffersst/4527452369

Or call Aspire today on: 020 8665 2275

Propeller and the RTS Student Awards -

Propeller TV, the broadcaster that was established in 2006 to support new filmmaking talent, has teamed up with the Royal Television Student Masterclasses & Awards. The cool-hunting Propeller TV is set on sweeping up the latest new talent at the RTS Awards being held in London on 16th May 2008.

Student filmmakers, producers and directors entering the RTS awards will have the opportunity to see their work broadcast on Propeller TV (Sky 195) later this year.

Now in its 13th year, the RTS Awards were set up to recognise the best audiovisual work created by full or part-time students. The undergraduate awards are open to all UK colleges and postgraduate awards are presented for colleges in the UK and Europe.

Terry Mounsey, Operations Director at Propeller TV told us, "Im delighted that Propeller is supporting the RTS Student Awards again this year. Both Propeller and the RTS do so much to encourage new and rising talent, it is a perfect match".

Carole Dove, Managing Director at Propeller TV said, ˜Without new talent and novel ideas, the TV and Film industry will just get stale. There are so many new ways that people can experience the moving image in todays world and its a more exciting time than ever for people entering the industry. We want to help them get off to a good start and at the same time show our viewers the high standard of ideas that are coming out of the UKs colleges".

For more information, go to; http://www.propellertv.co.uk/NewsArticle.aspx?newsId=50

CHANNEL 4 TALENT - Wheeler Dealing -

Producer/director David Wheeler has seven years of Top Gear under his belt, but now he's helping you get in the driving seat. Chester Bateman speaks to the man who bossed around Jeremy Clarkson.

David, the Founder of StartinTV.com, was recently invited to contribute a feature to 4 Talent, please read on for the full feature at;

http://www.channel4.com/4talent/feature.jsp?id=11206

WORKLINE UK EMPLOYMENT ADVICE SERVICE -

In February 2007 Women in Film and Television launched Workline UK, an employment advice website and helpline, supported by the UK Film Council.

Workline is a free, confidential, service available to anyone working in the UK film and television industries. It is run by staff with several years of human resources experience in the TV and Film industries. The service is supported by employment lawyers Goodman Derrick LLP.

Workline’s website, created to provide as much employment advice as possible, received over 287,000 page hits in its first year. Over 200 individuals who had more complicated queries contacted Workline personally, by phone or e-mail, in the first year. Workline have helped people with questions such as:

• “I’m a freelancer, am I entitled to paternity leave” • “I’ve just been told my contract isn’t been renewed after 3 years with the same company. Am I entitled to redundancy pay?” • “I wasn’t paid any leave during my last freelance contract, am I owed it?” • “I had a freelance contract to work X days but it was terminated half way through with no real explanation. Is there anything I can do?” • “I am starting up a production company and need to know how we can employ a freelance Producer and if they will need a contract”.

Advice covers the full spectrum of work-related issues including contracts, maternity and paternity leave, flexible working, disciplinary and grievances, redundancy, sickness. Workline is, however, not funded to give advice on job hunting, training or careers.

Some of their satisfied callers have said:

• “Absolutely great service – the level of detail and clarity on the website is amazing! I’ve saved it in my ‘favourites’” • “This is to say a big thank you for all your help recently with my redundancy. It really made the whole process much less stressful” • “I have just come across your website and think it’s a wonderful idea – a valuable resource for the industry”

Callers to the helpline are charged at 8 per minute so are asked to leave a clear message and they will be called back. Phone and e-mail queries will be answered within 48 hours wherever possible. The helpline is open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm. To view the website look at www.workline.org.uk or to contact the service e-mail help@workline.org.uk or phone 0870 8507147.

ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY STUDENT MASTERCLASSES -

Friday 16 May 2008 Barbican Centre, London

Chaired by Peter Salmon, Chief Creative Officer, BBC Vision Sponsored by The Independent Media Weekly & propeller TV

The Royal Television Society will be holding Masterclasses covering a variety of television sectors from Entertainment to Drama to Documentaries. Speakers include Clive Tulloh, Head of Entertainment at Tiger Aspect, Comedy Writer Stuart Kenworthy, Julie Gardner, Head of Drama at BBC Wales and many more. If you are a young person looking to learn from the professionals this is your chance.

Tickets cost £10 per person and the Masterclasses run from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

RTS Student Television Awards

The RTS Student Television Awards Ceremony, hosted by George Lamb will take place after the Masterclasses. Awards will be presented to Undergraduates and Postgraduates for Animation, Factual and Drama.

Come along and support the stars of the future. Tickets cost £10 per person and guests are asked to arrive at 3.30pm for a 4.00pm start.

If you would like to attend the masterclasses and awards ceremony, tickets are available at a special rate of £15 per person.

Full details of all masterclasses and the Awards Ceremony, along with booking information can be found at www.rts.org.uk

Tickets are available on a first come first served basis.

Skillset Survey 2008 Needs YOU! -

Skillset, the skills council for Creative Media, this week announced the launch of the Skillset Workforce Survey for 2008. The organisation - which provides the most rigorous available assessment of the state of the media industry - is now calling on workers in the sector to get involved.

The survey will be conducted throughout April and May and will cover both employees and freelancers working in the TV, Radio, Film, Interactive Media, Animation, Computer Games and Facilities industries. It includes sections on working patterns, skills, training needs and gives people the chance to discuss issues that concern them.

Information collected from previous surveys has provided a invaluable insight into how the industry is performing in terms of training, qualifications and skills. This has then enabled Skillset to lobby industry and government for change where it is needed. Historically, the kind of things Skillset has been able to analyse are: the career development opportunities of different demographics; common routes of entry and progression; current and emerging skills development needs; problems with current training provision and factors that are holding people back.

To take part in the survey visit Skillset’s website at; www.skillset.org/research

Alternatively paper copies can be obtained from Karen Muir on 0113 244 6795. The closing date for the questionnaire is Friday 30 May 2008.

The Network (Formerly TV & Young People) -

THE NETWORK LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF TV TALENT

The Network opens applications for 2008

FREE industry led scheme helps young people kick start their TV careers

Applications sought via www.mgeitf.co.uk/thenetwork

Do you love TV and want to know more about what it takes to get a job in television? Fancy working with the teams behind Big Brother, Sky News and Coronation Street? Then sign up for The Network and you could be part of the next generation of TV talent.

Today The Network, previously known as Television and Young People (TVYP), has opened applications for its FREE event in Edinburgh in August 2008. Over five days, Networkers get to meet the best talent from behind and in front of the camera and come away with new skills, contacts and advice. Previous experience is not necessary, just a passion for television.

The Network has helped to launch hundreds of TV careers and past delegates now work across the industry in a variety of roles including the executive producer of Dragons Den, the director of Blue Peter and a presenter on XFM.

The Network, part of the Edinburgh International Television Festival, gives delegates access to some of the top talent working in TV today. Past speakers have ranged from celebrities such as Vernon Kay, Kate Garraway, Graham Norton, Simon Amstell and Sir Trevor McDonald as well as leading industry figures including Dr Who writer Russell T Davies and newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Past delegate Kathleen Beedles , Drama Producer at ITV says - this is why initiatives such as The Network are invaluable for young new talent starting out. When I attended The Network it was the first time Id met any industry professionals and I came away with the belief that ordinary people like me could get into TV. It also taught me both practicalities and gave me an in with industry professionals. I had got that all important foot in the door and now years later I can see the benefit of the initiative from a professional stand point, as a way of discovering exciting new talent.

Thousands of applicants each year are whittled down to a lucky 150 delegates who get the chance to attend the FREE event, which this year takes place between 21st and 25th August

Applications via the website www.mgeitf.co.uk/thenetwork are open now and close on 21st May 2008. Delegates who have attended The Network are also given the opportunity to apply for a six month paid work placement at some of the most prestigious TV companies in the UK through the The Network at Work programme.

Photographytv.tv - New Role for One of Our Talented Presenters -

PHOTOGRAPHYTV

www.StartinTV.com would like to congratulate Sian Welby, one of our talented Presenters on this new role.

Photographytv.tv is the brain child of Peter Davey - freelance photographer and marketing man.

Photography TV launches with a trailer to the Pilot, Magazine style Show, aimed at Digital Photographers of all abilities. The lively Sian Welby, presents an upbeat and topical programme .

Photography TV brings you reviews, interviews and techniques. Everything from Camera Phones to Kit Bags with high value content, that any Photographer can benefit from.

See Sian at; www.photographytv.tv

INTERNATIONAL SCREENWRITERS FESTIVAL 2008 -

Tickets for the third International Screenwriters' Festival, which takes place in Cheltenham from 1 - 3 July 2008, are now on sale.

This year there will only be one ticket type, a three day pass and it is available to anyone and everyone. There are 50 early bird tickets available at £300.00 (inc. vat and c/card fees); once these are gone the price will go up to £330.00 (inc. vat and c/card fees). A countdown on the festival homepage will show how many of the 50 tickets are left as they are sold.

Please see; http://www.screenwritersfestival.com/

PRESENTER MASTERCLASS - TRAINING DVD -

A superb quality, powerful and effective Presenter Training master class has been produced by the TV Training Academy, and I can personally highly recommend it - David Wheeler

The content is so valuable and widely applicable that I would suggest the DVD is of value to fairly new presenters, finding their feet, as well as completely new presenters.

It explains, extremely well, the key thoughts and skills that are of an immense help to a presenter. From ‘Be Yourself’ to how to get in the right frame of mind, and from Autocue techniques and exercises to preparation for the Audition and screen test.

TV Coach Brian Naylor takes you through this exciting training programme on DVD, packed with tips, techniques and even practical exercises that you can do in the comfort of your own home. It also includes the know how of what it takes to become a successful TV Presenter, features include;

-Discovering YOU The Presenter -Presenting In Front Of Camera -The Autocue With Exercises -Screentest/Audition Technique -How To Succeed -Plus Much More....

This DVD masterclass is not available in the stores and can only be ordered online: Price £14.99 plus p&p (£4.95)

If you are interested and would like to place an order, please go to;

http://www.tv-training.co.uk/startintvdvd.htm

We think you will find the DVD invaluable and would appreciate any comments you have to make about this training tool. Please email us at; helpdesk@Startintv.com

TV CV ON THE INTERNET -

TV Openings result from WORK EXPERIENCE, which often isn't advertised. Employers get inundated with too many applicants, so you need to promote yourself and get spotted by producers. And that's where StartinTV.com comes in:

StartinTV.com is designed expressly for people wanting their first job in TV and aims to put them in front of TV execs actually seeking their specific talents, experience and interests.

TV executives, desperate for fresh talent to move the industry into the future, now turn to the internet for a fair way of finding tomorrows stars of the small screen both infront of and behind the camera.

Fledgling producers, directors, presenters, camera operators, sound technicians, makeup artists and runners can get a boost into one of the toughest industries to crack using our website www.StartinTV.com.

We are all tired of hearing, it isn't what you know, it is who you know stories of people being given top flight TV jobs by their aunties and uncles.

That is why two TV producers, bored of sifting through hundreds of CVs and showreels, felt it was time for a change. They realised that there is a huge pool of new TV talent that just needs a chance to shine in front of the TV industry. So StartinTV was born!

NETWORKING -

THE PEOPLE IN MEDIA CLUB

The People in Media Club is a prestigious club which has been created for individuals who are already established within the media field as well as for those who are entering this industry.

Working within the media industry it is imperative to build up a network of professional contacts.

This club is an ideal avenue to network & socialise with other people involved in the media.

The club promotes & encourages that all members should support others by sharing knowledge, experiences & contacts with fellow members.

This club is a non-profit making club hence membership is free.

The PIM club is for people from across the spectrum of the media industry: TV & film, radio, journalism, music, media advertising, theatre etc.

Those already working in the industry who wish to expand their professional network. Those wishing to enter the industry Media graduates

The aim is to meet like minded people with whom you can share, exchange & gain knowledge, information & contacts with.

Many of the members have formed professional partnerships, one case being where a director met a DoP & hired him for a feature film! A great avenue to meet the right people in a relaxed ambience to network on a business as well as social level.

Meet the right people...& make it happen for you! http://www.pim-club.co.uk/

More Networking.. -

THE PATCHWORK

What is Patchwork? Patchwork Networking organises events for people from all parts of the video, TV and film production industries to meet, network and make new contacts.

It was set up in 2004 by Christopher Gavin (director & producer) and Christine Hartland (event & film producer and founder of Mosaic, a face-to-face and online networking group). Both had realised that there was a need for a suitable platform for commissioners, freelancers and creative talent to meet new contacts and catch up with existing contacts.

They organise twice-yearly events as well as for the first time some more sector-specific events at new and interesting central London venues. As well as the opportunity to socialise and network, each event showcases new technology and examples of members' work.

The events are for anyone who works in video, film or TV – commissioners, writers, directors, producers, crew, designers and so on.

For more information visit www.lepatchwork.com

Focus On Film -

Primarily for teachers and students and available to the general public, this rich media tool enables online visitors to search, view and play around with National Archive audio visual content.

Including clips from the history of film users can search and engage with otherwise unseen footage and edit their own video sequences online.

http://www.learningcurve.gov.uk/focuson/film/editors-room/

DO YOU KNOW A FILM-MAKER WHO IS DOWN ON THEIR LUCK? -

It's not the rhetorical question you might think. The Cinema & Television Benevolent Society really is there to help TV & film workers avoid penury, and also to help people get back to work or return from starting a family. This is help that is not to be taken lightly, but it's good to know that they are there.

The John Brabourne Awards is a major initiative of the UK film and television industry, created by the industry's own trade charity, the CTBF.

For more information, go to; http://www.ctbf.co.uk/services/services.html

What recent employers had to say -

Straker Films

Just to say that we have recently recruited a super Production Assistant, using StartinTV. Many thanks for your wonderful service.

Nicola Mann - Straker Films

Comments by Photography by Peter Davey -

Hi, the site has worked well and I've got two screen tests at the end of June for the project I'm working on, both people have come from your site. Thanks Peter

Star Stories -

We know that we've recently placed some of our members in terrific roles for both terrestrial and digital channels and with numerous production houses; and the feedback is wonderful!

That's why we'd like to hear from you. If you have a good story to tell, we'd like to know about it. The good, the bad, and the funny, do let us share your experience with other members.

Just send your story by email to talent@startintv.com - we look forward to hearing from you.

Article - David Wheeler gives guest lecture to future talent -

Our Founder and M.D.,David Wheeler, had the pleasure of visiting South East Essex College recently. Here is what they had to say.

A top television director who has directed the likes of Top Gear,Holiday,SAS Are You Tough Enough, Bargain Hunt and Bad Lads Army, visited South East Essex College this week to pass on his wealth of knowledge to future talent. In 2001 David also set up his own company, StartinTV.com, helping people get their first foot on the ring of the television industry ladder, which puts him in a better position than most in discussing the highs, lows and pitfalls of trying to get a job behind the scenes in television.

David said I enjoy my work enormously and am very pleased, through setting up StartinTV.com, to help set others off along the same challenging path. It will always be tough to get into TV. It is a great place to be and competition will always run high but it doesnt have to be impossible and I hope that this visit today has helped further inspire some people.

He concluded saying the recent Television Baftas have shown the UK has a wealth of TV talent across all genres,it can only continue with new talented people going into the industry. British television has never been more exciting.

Thank you so much for visiting. Tammy Ellis

A Composers Network with a difference -

A new website has launched to promote the best emerging film and television composers in the UK.

The Screened Music Network differs from other composer networks because composers are auditioned by a panel of industry experts.

The website will showcase both emerging and established composers and inject a new thrust in the promotion of UK composers on the world stage.

Users can rate and review music online and search for composers and music by genre and mood, making the website a valuable resource for those searching for high quality production music fast.

Screened Music promises to be a great community too, with regular networking events,film screenings,talks and seminars.

Visit www.screenedmusic.co.uk to find out more.

Smart stylish site for StartinTV.com -

At last! We've made some refreshing changes to the look, feel and ease of use of www.StartinTV.com.

We've made it faster, more attractive and more powerful. And there's still more to come.

We really hope you like the changes and would love to hear your feedback on: enquiries@StartinTV.com.

NEW BENEFITS We have Video testimonials, so you can see what other members have been up to.

A new navigation system. Your photos and 'attraction to the industry/motivation' info is also displayed now on most of the employer pages - so even without opening your CV - an employer can spot your key qualities.

You are also going to receiving more attractive newsletters, and plenty of other good stuff... watch this space!!

One of the many new features includes a new horizontal navigation bar. When you click on Talent , at the top, you get a SECOND horizontal navigation bar with your further options.. The login box is now at the top of the page to make life easy.

The many valuable talent resources are described in the traditional nav bar on the left hand side.

There may be a temporary interruption in our e-mails , so please bear with us. We will be working hard to ensure there is as little disruption in our service as possible.

FEEDBACK & TIPS! Please DO us send feedback and ideas on the new site, and of course, ways of further improving things. Just put FEEDBACK in the subject line, thanks.

PRODUCTION TALENT - PUT ON PHOTOS Now that we have the option to display photos of production talent more often, we'd really encourage you to upload a photo. (on your CV, personal details page) This is also requested by producers/employers, as it helps them remember who they've interviewed or viewed etc etc. You do NOT, of course, need to look amazing - although a decent technical quality of image/photo is a good idea.

QUALITY CVS This is THE key selling tool YOU have, and I am amazed at how some people seem to rush through their CV writing, rather than composing a stunning piece of creative writing...

This is a creative and competitive industry after all...

Please remember to study the CV tips at: http://www.startintv.com/cvcenter/cvtips.php

and APPLY the advice carefully...and update your CV up to date. PLEASE NOTE - you can now write more in the 'experience' areas - we've increased the limit on characters to 1000. But make it good!

However remember cutting and pasting often carries formatting errors - (if you wish to do this it's best to paste from an UNFORMATTED TEXT document)

How to Break Into TV Production -Fat Controller - The National Student Magazine -

Fat Controller is The Cutting Edge of Student Media.

Few of us have professional media contacts that can be used to lever a work experience placement.

So where does a career in television start and how do you get your first break in the tough world of production?

How do you sell your strengths and create an attractive CV?

Where do you look for jobs in the first place?

David Wheeler, the Founder of Startintv.com has helped Phillippa Cantrill write this article and she has painstakingly sought the answers to your every question in an attempt to level the playing field (at least a little more than otherwise) and offer a catalogue of useful tips for aspiring TV professionals.

Please go to the following link; http://www.fat-controller.com/site/content.cfm?id=FDE9A819-BA95-DE8D-51D306B533E62A81

or you can go to www.fat-controller.com

and click on the media section from the list on the left hand side of the screen. it is article number 4.

This article is full of valuable tips so take a look..........

Guardian Jobs Recognises StartinTV.com's Value - Guardian Rise Jan 2006 -

Danny Hood used to stick security tags on clothes in the delivery department of Next. Now he's a researcher for BBC2's music quiz Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

"I love music and sometimes I think it's quite ridiculous that I get paid to read about it," says Hood.

After graduating, he worked in sales, but hated it. Then he tried to get into TV, but it was only after contacting StartinTV.com, a company that helps graduates break into television, that he came up trumps.

StartinTV.com found Hood work experience on a late-night music programme for Channel 4. Then he moved to At It Productions as a runner. Later he was recruited by Never Mind the buzzcocks.

"Sometimes I worked until 11pm," says Hood. "The job made me tired, but I was never disheartened. I meet runners who begrudge doing menial tasks for free," he says. "But if you really want to work in television, you've got to give 100% and forget that you're doing something that is beneath you."

MORE PRODUCERS VIEWING YOUR CVs -

Exciting news - StartinTV now has well over 1300 registered and viewing our member CV's.

There are CV viewings everyday, and both Presenters and Production staff are being interviewed regularly.

Producers are also recognising the benefits of emailing the site with specific vacancies. It gives everyone a sporting chance, and gives the client a great cross-section of talent to choose from if they don't have time to search through the database themselves".

If you are one of those who's been successful, DO let us know!! Your feedback is appreciated by all of us. Of course a well-written CV with a powerful motivation paragraph is the best place to start. As a silver or gold level member, you can of course, benefit from specific CV advice and feedback. In the meantime, good luck.

Budding Musicians! -

Thinking of becoming a Composer for TV or Film...................Take a look at our "Which Jobs For Me" pages - we have some exciting updates which will give you some useful insight....

StartinTV website shortlisted for Award!!! -

The 'New Media Age' internet magazine has shortlisted StartinTV.com's new site design in this years awards. This is excellent news. It's a highly competitive field and it recognises both the input and all the positive feedback from our members. Thank you!

THE INDEPENDENT MEDIA SECTION -

SICK OF REJECTION LETTERS? THIS WEBSITE IS JUST THE JOB FOR GETTING INTO TV.

OLIVER DUFF discovers a new way into broadcasting for those who don't have contacts.

Breaking into television has always been a matter of who you know. ...But that may be changing, thanks to a website which allows everyone from wannabe presenters to cameramen to send their details direct to the producers....

www.StartinTV.com claims to be the only service dedicated to getting newcomers onto the bottom rung of the TV ladder....
The site also offers extensive - and realistic - advice on how to break into the sector and what to expect when you're there.

"The problem now, for newcomers and producers, is that it's very haphazard," says the website's founder, David Wheeler, a BBC director with Tomorrow's World, Bargain Hunt and Top Gear credits on his own CV.

Wheeler claims that the site is "fairer and more of a meritocracy" than the nepotism and back-scratching of the past. "The people who are good get spotted and get in," he says.

The website began in 2001, allowing employers to make more detailed searches of interests, experience, location, gender - even to flick through photos.
One of the site's success stories is Dan Hood, now a runner for T4. .... he rewrote his CV, replied quickly to an e-mail and got a two-week placement. A contact there found him paid work for T4. He warns:

"It's not a magic way in. You can't just register and expect work. You've got to be pro-active, keep your CV up to date and respond fast."

Most production companies don't have the resources for talent-spotting. For them, StartinTV works: at the last count it had 1,000 CVs on file and 30,000 visitors during the previous year.

Julie Madison- WINNER- StartinTV's Review Competition -

Julie writes the following about her valuable work experience:

Becoming a temporary member of a few different programme production teams has been invaluable.

I travelled to various locations across the UK such as London, Cirencester and Stockport and worked alongside the camera crews, gaining insight in to the preparation that goes into a production.

The programmes that I worked on were very different from each other. For example, one was "Star Portraits with Rolf Harris", a second series of a major primetime BBC1 production. Another was ITV1's daytime show "Everything Must Go".

It was interesting to compare and contrast the production of these two. "Star Portraits" was an 'intimate' shoot - only a crew of a handful, an artist and of course, Rolf.

The directors and their crews were all fantastic. Having gone with the attitude of 'mucking in', I quickly found myself lending a hand in anyway that I could.

But my work experience was certainly not about providing any 'free labour' -I spent the bulk of my time alongside the various directors and they explained what they were doing and why.

As a budding Presenter myself, I had a lot of opportunity to get to know some of the Presenters and seized the chance to fire away questions about their work.

Thanks to StartinTV.com for a superb week of top-notch work experiences.

Julie Madison.

£65.00 - WORTH EVERY PENNY SAYS PHIL -

I've not actually got any work from StartinTV yet. I was thinking 'Was it worth it? Paying £65.00 when I am low on cash anyway and not getting anything back?'

But then I realised I HAD got something back. There was the invaluable information on the home pages about the different jobs in TV and what they all actually DO. That kind of information made me able to put what I'd done in the past into context and see what kind of post I could realistically apply for on freelance jobs.

And of course the CV service has been amazing! Using the simple format given to us to print out my CV from Word has shown an impressive increase in response from jobs that I've applied for.

Just recently I'd managed to get a job as a runner on a short film in Leeds. By the end of the first day the DP (Director of Photography for those who haven't seen the pages) was so impressed by the way I'd attached myself to the lighting department and the initiative I showed, while never being afraid to ask questions about the things I didn't know... he said I was on his team for the rest of the shoot!

At the end of my stay in Leeds I'd walked away with not just a reference -but a recommendation any time I wanted it.

How could I have done that without what I'd gained from StartinTV? .....also, with the other contacts I've made I'm sure I'll find it much easier to get another contract. The first is ALWAYS the hardest, unless you're no good...

Phil Easton, StartinTV member

Congratulations Phil, we felt your initiative and constructive advice on use of the site deserved a bottle of Champagne!