Choosing the Right Diploma for a TV Career
For those planning a career in unscripted television, the first decision often comes at university. Graduating with a Film BA (Hons) from a university that balances creative practice with industry‑oriented projects can set a strong foundation. The degree’s mix of technical skills, research methods, and hands‑on production experience equips graduates to tackle the fast‑paced world of reality, travel and sports programming.
Getting a Foot in the Door – The Power of Low‑Barrier Opportunities
Reality‑TV crews need assistants, runners and camera helpers. Historically these roles were filled on a “do‑what‑you can” basis. Modern applications often start on Facebook groups dedicated to on‑set work or through university placement offices. Actively monitoring these channels, responding quickly to postings and following up properly can land a first role. In Nella Gocal‑McConkey’s case, a query in the “Jobs in TV: Runners” group turned into a running position on a reality competition show, eventually opening a camera trainee slot and presenting a steady pathway into assistant producer work.
Key take‑away: timeliness and persistence are the twin ingredients for early success.
Why Immediate, Low‑Risk Roles Matter
These entry points provide real‑world exposure to camera equipment, telemetry, and the workflow of a TV crew. They teach punctuality, adaptability, and how to remain calm under the pressure of live broadcast or location shoots. Even a single day on set can demonstrate a candidate’s professionalism to hiring managers, often leading to paid positions elsewhere.
Expanding Horizons: From Local Sets to Global Locations
Once a solid foundation in on‑set duties is established, the next step is to seek projects that broaden your experience and portfolio. Travel‑based and competition shows are ideal because they combine media production with a global storyline—appealing to viewers worldwide and providing an opportunity to sharpen research and logistical skills in unfamiliar environments.
Nella’s journey from the rice paddies of China to the Brazilian jungle illustrates how on‑location work “hired” him for future direction and storytelling roles. Each location adds to a reel that demonstrates versatility, an essential trait for producers who must adapt to varying budgets, crew sizes, and cultural contexts.
Strategic Portfolio Building
- Include short slices of footage that showcase your research on destination culture.
- Highlight any behind‑the‑scenes documentation—for instance, a teaser showing the planning stages of a location shoot.
- Provide evidence of collaboration with local crews, an important credential for future responsibilities.
The Role of Mentorship and Structured Training Programs
Once you have a solid portfolio, turning to formal programmes that promise a clear career path can offer significant benefits. The Grierson DocLab: Archive Producers is a flagship example. The eight‑week, work‑based initiative immerses trainees in the mechanics of sourcing, organising and licensing archival footage for documentary projects.
What You Gain
- Hands‑on placement with production companies, allowing real work beyond theoretical learning.
- Mentorship from established archivists, producers and editors who provide weekly guidance and networking invitations.
- Direct access to the Grierson Awards pool, a quality stamp that can accelerate your résumé.
Even if this programme is not a perfect match, any structured training that offers industry contact and specialised skill sets is worthy of consideration.
Leveraging Academic Support for Career Advancement
Institutions that maintain an accessible faculty and a culture of open dialogue often create opportunities beyond the campus. Nella credits the supportive atmosphere of his teachers and the openness of the curriculum—the latter particularly during the pandemic lockdown, which shifted final year assessments to experimental projects and research‑heavy pieces. Such flexibility encouraged him to experiment with archive documentary practices and to identify niche storytelling angles, such as trans and queer issues in African and Latin American contexts.
Students should therefore: speaking up with faculty, seeking course modifications that align with industry trends, and asking for help in locating mentors or alumni connections.
Practical Application: Turning Coursework into Industry Credentials
Use academic projects to demonstrate your ability to function under budget constraints, meet deadlines, collaborate with specialists, and adapt content for an international audience. These are the same skills required when pitching a new unscripted series to a network or streaming platform.
Planning Your Next Step – From Assistant Producer to Lead
Assistant producers are often the backstage backbone of a shoot. To advance, you must not only excel at the day‑to‑day tasks but also prove you can draft stories, negotiate with talent or vendors, and envision the final narrative. A method: shadow a senior producer the first few weeks, ask detailed questions about budgeting and scheduling, and then offer to take on small creative decision‑making roles. The experience gains visibility and trust; you become an asset capable of moving into a full‑producer position.
Consolidating Experience into a Cohesive Narrative
As you build a diverse filmography, it helps to categorize projects by genre and role. When requesting a formal introduction or interview, provide a concise one‑page overview that lists your most recent work, core responsibilities, and the outcomes achieved. This level of clarity signals professionalism and an understanding of what network executives seek.
Exploring If a TV Career Fits Your Long‑Term Vision
Working in television is demanding; it can demand long hours, travel, and a fast learning curve. However, for individuals who enjoy rapid problem‑solving, creativity under constraints, and storytelling across cultures, the sector offers rich opportunities. Think about your own strengths: Are you proficient at research? Do you thrive on unpredictable shoots? Is the idea of crafting a narrative from existing footage appealing? If so, unscripted TV—and especially archival documentary production—may prove a worthwhile path.
Next Steps for Aspiring TV Producers
- Explore Falmouth University’s Film BA (Hons) program and evaluate curriculum fits.
- Join industry groups and follow key production companies on social media to stay alert to job openings.
- Volunteer on local community projects or school programmes to fast‑track hands‑on experience.
- Seek a structured training program like the Grierson DocLab, or equivalent internships, to gain specialist expertise.
- Create a dynamic reel that showcases locations, research depth, and editorial planning.
By following these steps, you’ll build a skill set that is directly transferrable to the global TV landscape, ensuring you’re prepared to seize memorable opportunities—from jungle documentaries to high‑profile reality tournaments.
Ready to Grow Your Career?
If you’re serious about a career in unscripted television, consider scheduling a free consultation with campus career advisers at Falmouth University. They can help you map out a personalised pathway and connect you to alumni who have walked a similar route.
Stay Connected
To learn more about industry trends or talk with current students and alumni, check out the university’s news section for updates on projects, networking events, and new programmes. Engaging with these resources keeps you informed and positioned for future opportunities.
