How did I get into TV?

**Littlerich** · July 13th, 2000, 08:02 AM

I have always had an interest in making films. My dad got a video camera for his birthday about 5 years ago and I was the one who used it the most. My stepbrother and I borrowed it one weekend (while I was at my dads) and we decided to make a film (Attack of the Killer Teddies).
I directed it as well as filmed it, there was NO script or storyline (kinda like most films nowadays). We filmed this over the weekend, as well as a sequel (Attack of the Killer Teddies 2 - The Sequel).
I edited it crudely using a VCR and the camera. (It was a crap film).

I later moved to a shared house where the couple that owned the house had cable television. I was watching it one day, and I suddenly flicked over to a channel that I recognised the location- it was cottenham, the village I went to school at!
I started watching and then got more and more into "RedTV".

I took a trip to Ely to see a friend, and on the way back, I stopped to get some petrol. As I was walking to the shop, out walked one of the presenters from RedTV!. I (who wouldn't) walked up to him, and said "You're from RedTV, aren't you?" (Dum, but I was a bit shocked at the time.)

He told me about the new studios opening in cambridge.
I went down to the bar just after it had opened, and had a drink. I kept going back because of the idea that I may get a job in the TV studios.

Later, one of my friends told me that RedTV were looking for volunteers to help. He gave me a volunteer application form, which I photocopied.
I went home, got out my dads camcorder, the VCR and made up a showreel. (it was TOTAL CRAP). I also put lots of videos, animations and some computer graphics together.

I walked into the reception with a bag of tapes, a filled in application form and high hopes. I was lucky. I caught the programme co-ordinator in the right mood and she let me downstairs to the vision mixing desk where I "produced" my first TV programme!
(actually, I flashed some graphics up on screen).

I kept going back, making myself available for any and every job that was going. Eventually, a year and a a half later, I have had so much experience in Camera, Lighting, Sound, Presenting (I was never any good at that), Vision mixing, etc...

So, that's how I got in. A lot of luck and a lot of free, slavedriving, backbreaking work, I am happy I did it, but I had to leave to get myself some money because I got married.

So, stick with it, get your foot in the door and make yourself noticed. It pays off!

Good luck.

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KEEP FOCUSED!
Little Rich.
http://go.to/littlerich
www.rmsgraffix.freeserve.co.uk
[email protected]

**Matt J Heaton** · July 13th, 2000, 09:29 AM

Thats a great way to gather experience, I wish my area had somewhere like that.

They actualy let you present?!

**Littlerich** · July 13th, 2000, 09:43 AM

Yeah, I've been on telly. My first experience was a slot in a main-time show. It was called "online", where I had to talk about a website every day. I soon progressed to WHAT i was doing, but not HOW I was doing (I can't present).

------------------
KEEP FOCUSED!
Little Rich.
http://go.to/littlerich
www.rmsgraffix.freeserve.co.uk
[email protected]

**miker** · July 13th, 2000, 09:51 AM

Sounds pretty much like happened to me...

You're just getting somewhere and your life changes immeasurably because you suddenly have responsibilities!!

Things have worked out okay for me, wouldn't change a thing. And I can chuckle at all the people breaking their backs for *no* money in the knowledge that I've been there too.

But there does come a time when earning a living has to take priority frown

So, one day I have to make money making movies ... that is when the business aspect becomes important -- and yet the business aspect tends to be the bit that everyone rips the shit out of for compromising their creativity.

Well, you need a plan. Give 'em what they want, become indespensible. Then start making demands, do what you want.

Trouble is, *few* people are indispensible in film. Unless you can write good comedy.