News

CHANNEL 4 - A BRAND-NEW EXCITING CHANNEL 4 REALITY SHOW IS LOOKING FOR YOU TO TAKE PART

Objective Productions has asked Startintv.com to promote this on their behalf. It is a little off in terms of our normal opportunities but may give you the chance to gain an insight into the production process, gain experience if your interest is in reality TV, or gain exposure..

Are you in relationship? Or even better - just started dating? Can you keep a SECRET?

Objective productions is looking for couples to take part in a new C4 COMEDY REALITY SHOW. If you are a girlfriend in a relationship, or even better - just started dating and still haven’t introduced him to your family then get in touch now! You both have the chance to win an AMAZING PRIZE

You need to be aged 18 – 30 years old to take part.

It is crucial that your boyfriend or new date is NOT told he is nominated or you won’t be able take part in the show.

An amazing prize up for grabs for those whom we think have what it takes!

If you are interested please contact Lauraclark@objectiveproductions.com

Or call 020 7202 2493 to be part of this new and exciting show!

SHOUT FILM - A NEW SOCIAL NETWORK FOR FILM MAKERS -

Recently launched, ShoutFILM is a FREE social networking site tailored specifically for filmmakers of all ages and skill levels.

Members can share their work and communicate with each other with ease. ShoutFILM is the based on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter and founded by filmmakers for filmmakers.

TELEVISUAL HANDBOOK -

People often ask us for a database of production Companies. So, here’s a good one - http://www.televisual.com/handbook/

AboutThe Network - Formerly TVYP) -

http://www.mgeitf.co.uk/home/thenetwork/the-network/about-the-network.aspx

The Network (formerly TVYP) is about making TV more accessible – getting a break isn’t easy, so by providing free workshops and career advice, The Network gives many a head start and gives young people a chance to see just how exciting working in TV really is.

WHAT DO THEY DO? Run annual events, where 150 delegates aged 18+ are selected to attend four FREE days of masterclasses, workshops and career chats. We work with the TV industry to increase awareness of the many jobs available in television, to give you a better sense of what role you could be suited to.

This includes:

- Learning the key ingredients for getting a start in TV - Discovering just how huge and diverse television is - Getting your hands dirty and finding out exactly how a camera works - Meeting fantastically talented TV and showbiz types - Understanding what all the people on a TV show’s end credits do - Questioning TV execs who have the power to give you a job

The Network is now in its 19th year, Each year The Network delegates have the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from leading creative industry figures ranging from scriptwriters to producers, presenters to publicists, programme schedulers to commissioning editors. Past contributors have included Chris Evans, Russell T Davies, Davina McCall, Jimmy Carr, Sir Trevor McDonald, Simon Amstell, Kirsty Young, Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, Tim Hincks, Chief Executive, Endemol and Jon Snow.

"The quality of the industry speakers was exceptional, the generosity of your team and the sponsors was fantastic, you were all so helpful and informative. The Network has provided me with the drive and knowledge to succeed in the TV industry." James Tomlinson, The Network delegate 2007

"I can simply not express to you what I gained from the weekend. I was extremely unconfident about everything career related before arriving. On leaving I feel like I could approach anybody, no matter who they are and ask them questions about what I wish to do. I have recieved so much advice and feel I have a really good understanding of how to get on in the industry. I found everybody really encouraging." Kirstin Anderson, The Network delegate 2006

"The Network was honestly just amazing and overwhelming from start to finish. I met so many brilliant and interesting people who didn't mind talking about television 24-7! Being so busy the whole weekend with classes/workshops and all the social events really tested our commitment but was incredibly beneficial. I'm going to keep on watching loads of TV as always - only now I know a few secrets!" Craig Orr, The Network delegate 2004

'Breaking into the London media' by Mia Hansson -

An article on 'breaking into the London media' including interviews with the likes of Jon Ronson, Mariella Frostrup and Roger Alton.

http://cityfreelancer.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/how-to-break-into-the-media/

Facebook Competition... -

Are you looking to break into Film or TV? Could you have the next idea to light up the UK’s screens? The TV and Film industry is constantly crying out for new ideas to attract and expand audiences. So StartinTV.com has launched a new competition, that could help you take your first few steps into the industry.

The initiative? Searching out the best new talent. The rewards? The chance to get your ideas seen and judged by top industry professionals.

And it gets better! How would you like a place on a TV training course (worth around £600!) such as “Lights, Camera, Action”, Presenter Training, Final Cut Pro, or at the National Film and Television School?

Sounds good? StartinTV membership is not required to enter the competition - but you can find out more about joining at: www.startintv.com/newtalent/index.php

What do you need to do to enter?

Simple :

Gather your team, your crew, by networking on Facebook. The competition launches very soon , so you’d better get those creative minds working.

Once you have connected with our Facebook profile: (Facebook.com/StartinTV) you need to develop your idea, and write a stunning programme proposal, with the help of others on Facebook. Or perhaps you will write up the idea and others will help you make the teaser/ trailer video.

To find fellow film makers in your area, join your regional Facebook GROUP (via our profile at Facebook.com/StartinTV), and post on the wall and/or start a discussion.

Mention where you are based, a little about your idea and what input or skills you are looking for.

Once you’ve gathered your crew, it’s up to you to make your idea the best! Remember the best ideas are the simplest. But the quality of the proposal writing and presentation is also key. We will be giving advice on this soon. The entries for the competition need to be in the form of written programme proposals and ideally accompanied by a taster video, of how the final programme would look.

The proposals will be judged by David G Croft, Head of Television at the National Film and Television School, David Wheeler Freelance Producer/Director and MD StartinTV, and Trevor Hill, ex Asst Head Of Programmes BBC Manchester, to name a few.

So here is the chance to get yourself noticed. This is another chance to get your career in TV started with StartinTV.com.

StartinTV.com has been helping new talent get their first work experience positions, or jobs in the TV and Film industry since 2001. Successful jobs being gained at such places as MTV, BBC, and Channel 4. It is following this success that StartinTV.com is aiming to expand further, searching out new talent whether it is a Presenter, Cameraman, Scriptwriter, Sound or Lighting Technician.

Details for submitting entries are above. For more info about StartinTV.com and the resources available, go to our home page or go via /Talent to Resources.

SENDING COMPETITION ENTRIES

Please send entries - which should be around 800 - 1000 words - to

Competition@StartinTV.com

Any queries ref the competition:

Facebook@StartinTV.com

Queries about joining StartinTV.com:

Enquiries@StartinTV.com

Post Taster Tapes to:

StartinTV, PO Box 891, Cheltenham GL50 2WT. And GOOD LUCK from the StartinTV.com Team.

Facebook Ideas Competition - Writing a Treatment -

Sad but true ….

It might not be a pleasing fact, but it is a fact nonetheless, that even the best ideas will be ignored if they're not presented to the right person, at the right time and in the right format.

A written programme idea will be better received if it is well presented.

Whilst there is no one way of making sure your idea is read and understood, there is a basic format that can be followed to give it a good chance.

Short is good, shorter is better.

Producing your Presentation or 'pitch':

The purpose of your presentation is to put your idea into a form that can be read and understood quickly and easily by a very busy Producer or Editor (or in this case the JUDGES) who probably has to read several ideas a week or even every day.

You should aim to get your idea across in as few words as possible. If the basic premise for your programme idea can't be explained in one paragraph, there is probably something wrong with the idea.

If you're not convinced, pick any major TV programme on any subject and try explaining it in one paragraph of a reasonable length. You may not get every little detail in, but you will be able to communicate the main features and points. Now try it with your programme idea - you've just made a start on presenting your idea. This paragraph will form your initial explanation on the first page of your explanation.

In total, your initial presentation should extend to no more than two to four pages, but for this competition the limit is TWO. This must include the outline, an explanation of the format, and a breakdown of any 'mechanics' involved. (If sending to a broadcaster, an outline of the expected budget too.)

On page one include the following:

The programme's title - this will be a 'working title' at this point as it almost guaranteed to change Number of programmes and how long they are Expressed as: 6 x 30 mins

Programme Type - Is it a gameshow, a documentary, a reality show or a sit-com? This may not be possible, you may have invented an entirely new form of show - but you probably haven't so don't be too worried about being categorised - it isn't always a bad thing and it provides a handy quick reference at this stage!

An indication of the Channel and time slot - Obviously, this is hypothetical at this stage, but it gives a quick indication of the type of programme you are proposing

Introduction - You have already written this - see above. Try to write like a 'Radio Times' billing for the programme. That is: Succinct, complete and it grabs you. Include what the programme is about, how it is going to be treated and any other important elements.

Next:

Now you need to get into the nitty-gritty of how the programme will work, what will be in it, who will present it, where it will be made and a lot of other things particular to your idea. Don't panic!

List the following headings and answer the questions as you go along…:

Content

This is where you go into more detail about the programme -

Consider and answer the following questions: What is in it, what do we actually SEE? What questions does it answer? What need does it fulfill? Why has it not been done before? Who is going to love it? Who will hate it? Who will watch it? Who will be in it?

Style

Use this section to explain in graphic terms how your programme will look and feel. Is it fast, pacy, gutsy, dynamic, urban, styled after films like 'Snatch'? Is it gentle, warm, soft-focused? It might be hard-edged and shot in a news style or made to feel 'live' with lots of camera work 'on the shoulder'. Don't be afraid to try anything to explain the style - this is important. Think of it in terms of the descriptive part of a wine taster's notes - be creative!

Locations

This can be extremely important to some ideas. Is it studio-based, shot on location? Consider the practicalities of filming and how this will affect budget. If this is not so critical to your idea, ignore it!

Presenters/ Characters

Is your idea a vehicle for a particular presenter? Beware if so, because not every channel will happily use every presenter. List those you think most suitable and try to include a selection of two or three for key roles. Always be prepared to be flexible on this, production companies often have their own 'pet' presenters and will want to use them.

If you have characters, include a short paragraph describing their:

Name

Age

Description (i.e build, hair, clothes, personality, etc) Anything we should know or want to know about them.

Motivation/background (What's their story? Where do they fit in the puzzle?) This should help us to picture and understand who the character is, and the role they are going to play.

Try to keep this within a limit of 100 words.

Budget

Unless you have already produced a programme budget, you can only be very vague here, but it will still be worth while including the headings of major outgoings if not the actual figures. Think about how many filming or studio days you will need, and how long the editing will take. Will the programme require overseas travel or filming. These are usually the most expensive items.

This is also where you might include areas where big savings can be made: you may be presenting it yourself and not charging, you may have negotiated a supplier to give you a free house to build in a house-build show, whatever it might be, include it.

Finally:

Who are you anyway! A Producer is going to want to know something about the person sending them this idea. Include a distilled version of your CV and an explanation of how you came to dream the idea up in the first place. If you have specialist access or knowledge then this is where to mention it.

Teaser / Taster DVD

Your idea will be more powerful, most likely, if you are able to submit it and send in a taster DVD, which gives a feel of what the final programme will be like, or a look at a key new presenter. Broadcast technical quality is not required for this, however top quality sound is important, and clearly the better quality will help. This needs a title, maybe one line caption of what it is trying to achieve and no further credits.

SENDING COMPETITION ENTRIES

Please send entries - which should be around 800 - 1000 words - to

Competition@StartinTV.com

Any queries ref the competition:

Facebook@StartinTV.com

Queries about joining StartinTV.com:

Enquiries@StartinTV.com

Post Taster Tapes to:

StartinTV, PO Box 891, Cheltenham GL50 2WT.

GETTING A JOB IN TV -

Getting a job in TV isn’t easy at anytime but with the big changes going on in Broadcasting coupled with the flaky economy - it’s getting harder.

So, here’s a timely book by Elsa Sharp “How to get a job in Television” due for release in the Spring. (Published by A & C Black in conjunction with the Guardian).

Elsa has an impressive CV having worked as a Series Editor, Development Executive, Head of Talent and more recently as a freelance Talent headhunter with clients including Impossible Pictures, Objective Productions, BBC Northern Ireland and North One.

See the website for more Information; http://www.elsasharp.com/author.html

How to Get A Job in Television is published by A & C Black on May 27th.

http://www.acblack.com/default.aspx

SHORT FILM DISTRIBUTION GUIDE -

Scottish filmmaker Nigel R. Smith has written a superb guide to distributing short films.

Download the PDF: Short Film Distribution Guide at;

http://www.raindance.co.uk/site/picture/upload/image/resources/short_film_distribution_guide.pdf

INTERVIEW WITH SKINS COMPETITION WINNER PHIL GOLDIE -

In the weeks leading up to the release of the popular television programme Skins third series, e4.com and the producers set up an initiative to find young, fresh talent to work on the show. The “Skins needs you” set of competitions were announced and encouraged people aged 17-23 to submit their work under a number of different categories.

Accepting submissions for directors, writers, production and costume designers the winners of each category would get the opportunity to spend time on the set of Skins and then produce a mini episode that will be broadcast on www.e4.com/skins in Summer 2009.

This week we caught up with Phil Goldie, the eighteen-year-old student that won the directors category and in doing so being presented with this unique opportunity.

Phil says:

I have been making short films from the age of eleven and I started out by making small videos using Lego men with a web-cam. Eventually I progressed to using my friends and when I was a little older I was lucky enough to get hold of a cheap camera. It became a real hobby and I carried on making shorts through my time at secondary school.

It’s still a hobby really and having a passion for film, I decided to study Film & Literature at Warwick. I’m currently in my first year and I’m really enjoying it. I feel that it is important to keep my options open and to be honest I was so surprised to win the Skins competition that I haven’t had time to take it all in. 1. Along with directing a mini episode for Skins website, Phil also got to spend some time on the set in December.

How was this experience?

Brilliant. Everyone on set was very welcoming which was a bit of a surprise. I got to work closely with director Charles Martin who was a great guy. He gave me some great advice about his time directing on Skins.

2. What did Phil learn on set?

I learnt so much. The best advice I received is to stay calm. I think that is pretty good advice. Obviously at times you can be under pressure in the job, especially with time constraints, a lot of times it really does go down to the wire. If you stay calm it is easier to focus.

I’m originally from Aberdeen and when I am making shorts it is often freezing. After a while everyone starts to get a bit agitated including myself and sometimes you start to lose focus because you want to finish up and go home. Watching Charles made me realise that the director influences everyone around him so by staying calm, the crew also remain calm and the work gets done quickly and efficiently. From now on I hope to stay calm and stay focussed on my work. I think it will benefit from this.

We’re shooting the mini episode soon and in all honesty it’s daunting but at the same time I am very excited. I’m not sure if I will get the chance to direct a full episode because there are a lot of young filmmakers on set and working behind the scenes doing a range of things like making documentaries like “the making of…” So I guess they may get the opportunity ahead of me.

The great thing with Skins is that there are a lot of young people on set and there are plenty of opportunities in a number of jobs. They deserve credit for this.

As for my ambition, well yes, directing fiction has always been a dream of mine, although I have further aspirations in the industry. Eventually I want to get into film, but television more than ever has seemed to have hit such a high level. There are so many fantastic films and television programmes out there at the moment. It would be fantastic to work on anything!

Writing is still a bit of a necessity but one day I would like to concentrate more on directing. In saying that co-writing is something that would interest me and I would like to develop my skills as a writer. I guess there are so many directors that also write, but for some projects they choose to concentrate on directing. I’d like to have that freedom.

3. Which directors, films and television programmes have influenced Phil?

I really could go on for hours. There are so many. As a kid I watched a lot of old films and especially Alfred Hitchcock movies. He’s a bit of a showmanship director and he is the main reason why I wanted to become a director. Also Spielberg, Scorsese and Woody Allen are some of the obvious ones. Film is my main passion and horror movies in particular. If you have seen the spoof that I made for this competition you will be able to tell. As for television, again there are so many but Curb Your Enthusiasm, South Park and The Sopranos are my favourites. Seriously, I could go on forever.

I think it is important to do as much as you can in order to increase your chances of getting into what you want. I’d say that it is important to read as much as you can about your field and then get involved in as much as you can. If you are a director you need to make as much as you can, even if it’s terrible, it’s all in the practice. I feel my writing and directing has improved through practice. It’s probably the same if you are a cameraman, an editor or a producer, you have to get involved in as many projects as possible and stick at it!

4. Finally, have you got anything to say about StartinTV.com?

It’s a brilliant service and is something that I would definitely sign up to. It’s so hard to get a foot in the door and StartinTV.com can help you do this.

You can check out other entries received for the director competition at; http://www.e4.com/selectall/any-director/any-creativeteam/video/latest/watch.e4?title=Director+entries&size=large&stack=horizonal and also see the winners of the other competitions to find a writer, costume designer and production designer at http://www.e4.com/skins/skins-needs-you-winners.html

Skins airs every Thursday at 10pm on E4. You can visit the official site at: www.e4.com/skins

TV TRAINING ACADEMY - 5 DAY TV PRESENTING COURSES -

5 Days of exceptional training, advice and tips on how to approach the job of TV Presenting and how to get started in the industry. Includes a professionally edited DVD showreel.

To book your course, please go to; http://www.tv-training.co.uk/5daycourse.htm

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

ASPIRE – TV PRESENTER TRAINING COURSES -

Train to become a TV Presenter with Aspire, the UK's leading provider of media training. Exciting 1 + 2 Day courses covering all you need to know on how to succeed as a professional presenter from basic camera presentation, to interview skills, location and studio reporting with autocue, full career guidance and DVD showreel are included.

Courses run every month with group sessions or one to one coaching now available at London's 3 Mills Studios.

Call now for a chat on 020 8665 2275 or email; info@aspirepresenting.com

For more details and to book, please go to; http://aspiretv.moonfruit.com/#/2dayweekendcourse/4526900415

THE GUILD OF TELEVISION CAMERAMEN -

The Guild of Television Cameramen (GTC) was formed in 1972 and now has well over 1,000 members. Although based in the UK, the GTC membership is truly international, with representation from Singapore to Siberia and New Zealand to The Netherlands. The GTC puts members' subscriptions back into what it does, enabling it to keep the cost of membership low and the quality of services and activities high.

The GTC is a non-profit organisation, run by a Council of around 20 volunteers with careers in television and is sponsored by many major manufacturers and suppliers from the industry. The GTC offers a way for manufacturers, when designing new equipment, to consult with working cameramen to produce outline specifications for such things as cameras, lenses and mountings.

The GTC is not a trade union and avoids any political involvement, but it is an authoritative source of advice and information on all matters concerning television cameramen. Its aim is to preserve the professional status of the television cameraman and to establish, uphold and advance the standards of qualification and competence of the television cameraman.

To find out more about the benefits and to join, please go to;

http://www.gtc.org.uk/index.asp

Our Members only Trade Secrets -

Whilst much of the advice is freely available to any visitor to our site, members registered with

www.StartinTV.com

enjoy many additional benefits, including our Trade Secrets, tips and offering insider information on many topics including the following;

Filming on Location Presenting Production Assistants Health and Safety Interviewing Sound Camera Editing Directing First Weeks in TV Coping with nerves Top Ten Tips for Breaking into Television Your first day. I WANT TO WORK IN PRODUCTION– WHERE DO I START

To join, follow our simple registration process from our homepage. We look forward to your joining us soon.

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.

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

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/

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/

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.

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.

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.

£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!