Tuesday 1 April 2014

16) qualifications and experience



actor -  As a working actor, you would develop your skill and experience through ongoing rehearsing and performing.
It could help you to do extra training or gain skills, such as horse riding, which may be needed for period dramas and action films. You can also take advanced classes and workshops to maintain and improve your acting skills.
You may choose to complete further postgraduate study such as an MA in acting or MA acting for stage, screen and radio.
You may also choose to train in related areas like directing, scriptwriting, drama therapy or teaching.
At drama school or university you could study towards a qualification such as a diploma, foundation degree, or degree. Relevant subjects could include:
  • performance studies
  • contemporary theatre and performance
  • acting
  • musical theatre
  • drama.
If you already have a degree or are a mature student you could complete a postgraduate diploma.
You would usually need to pass an audition to get into drama school or university. You may also need three A levels or equivalent qualifications. You should check with universities and drama schools for exact entry requirements as other qualifications and experience may also be accepted. See the UCAS website for more information about universities and the courses they offer.

lighting technician
 need relevant practical experience. You may be able to find a traineeship with a specialist lighting company. You could also look for experience in the following settings:
  • lighting equipment hire companies
  • work placements (competition for these is very strong)
  • theatres or concert venues
  • amateur theatre
  • student or community film projects.

To be a lighting technician you should have:
  • good practical and numeracy skills
  • knowledge of electrical systems and electronics
  • good communication and people skills
  • the ability to work well in a team
  • creativity and problem-solving skills
  • the ability to take instructions
  • awareness of health and safety
  • physical stamina and a head for heights
  • willingness to work long and irregular hours when necessary.
tv presenter

There is no set entry route for becoming a TV presenter. Some presenters move into TV from other areas of the media like journalism or media research and may already have a degree. You may also need a degree or detailed knowledge if you wish to work on a specialised programme such as science, history or property development.
You could still get into TV presenting without a degree if you have the right kind of skills and personality. Competitions for jobs is very strong so you will also need determination, persistence and the ability to network and promote yourself.
You should try to get as much experience as possible of presenting, to develop an understanding of the way the industry works and to start building up a network of contacts. You could do this through:
  • community, hospital or student radio
  • work placements.
  • You would develop your presenting skills on the job. You may also get some formal training at the start of your career, in skills like using an autocue or interviewing techniques. With experience you could also choose to move into other areas within the media industry such as production.
    Visit the Creative Skillset website to search for relevant media courses, including short courses for new and experienced TV presenters. You can also find information on this site about networking and job hunting in the creative and media industries.

    makeup artist
    You would normally start in your career by gaining at least a Level 2 qualification in media make-up or an equivalent qualification. There are a wide range of courses available through colleges and private training providers.
    Examples of relevant courses include:
    • Level 2 Diploma in Hair, Photographic and Media Make-up
    • Level 2/3 Diploma in Hair and Media Make-up
    • Level 3 Diploma in Theatrical, Special Effects, Hair and Media Make-up
    • Level 3 Diploma in Fashion, Theatre and Media Make-up.
    Some universities offer foundation degrees and degrees in media make-up and related subjects. To do a degree you will usually need five GCSEs (A-C) including maths, English and science, plus three A levels. You should check with universities for exact entry requirements as other qualifications may also be accepted.
You would learn and develop your skills on the job by helping experienced make-up artists.
You may be able to find trainee positions at the start of your career or places on new entrant training schemes. These are sometimes run by:
  • broadcasters
  • regional screen agencies
  • media training organisations.
Competition for places on schemes like this is very strong. You will need to show genuine commitment and some relevant work experience. The Creative Skillset website has a trainee placement scheme for those who already have a little experience in the industry. There is eligibility criteria. See the Creative Skillset website for more information.
Some broadcasting companies offer trainee schemes and other ways of getting industry experience. Some schemes only recruit at certain times of the year and competition can be very strong. See their websites for more information, eligibility criteria and availability.
tv or film producer

You will develop your knowledge on the job, learning from more experienced producers as you gain experience.
Once you are working as a producer, you could take short courses in production skills such as script analysis, pitching ideas, legal issues, scheduling and raising finance. You may be able to find training and development offered by organisations such as:
  • Indie Training Fund (ITF)
  • film schools
  • private training companies
  • regional screen agencies.
  • The Production Guild.
See Creative Skillset’s website to search for relevant short courses, and for information about how to fund your training as a freelance producer.
To be a TV or film producer, you will need:
  • solid experience in the film or TV industry
  • a good knowledge of the production process
  • excellent communication and people skills
  • creativity and vision
  • good presentation and negotiation skills
  • leadership and management ability
  • good planning and organisational skills
  • financial skills and budget awareness
  • confidence, assertiveness and motivation.