Elstree Film School - An Introduction To The Film and TV Industry

Of all businesses, it is perhaps the Film and TV industries which are the hardest to break into. One approach to entering the industry is by attending film school, but film school isn't cheap or time effective and can cost thousands of pounds and take years to complete. There are other ways into the industry, but they require work and insider knowledge - and that's where we come in! During this intensive one day course we will show you the work you need to do and supply the knowledge you need to succeed.

The Film and TV industry is huge and employs vast numbers of people in diverse roles, but finding a way to break in can often be daunting. Our course helps you focus your attention on getting a foot in the door by offering practical advice, from learning who best to approach, to finding an agent and dealing with contracts. The aim of this course is deciding the right path for you.

During the course we examine all areas of the film business: from development through to cinema distribution. We will explore opportunities in education, training and employment as well as identifying your key potential employers. You will gain a knowledge not only of production but also of post-production, marketing, distribution and many other potential fields of opportunity.

With practical advice from an industry professional you will also learn about all areas of the TV industry: from development through to production and broadcast, examining opportunities in education, training and employment. You will explore various industry structures, organisations and companies, gaining knowledge of the employment opportunities on offer. Most importantly you will develop your own personal strategies on how to break into the industry, from writing the ideal CV to cold calling techniques and interviews.

At the end of this intensive but inspiring one-day course you will have a written strategy for getting the job you want in the film and television industry, including who to ring, who to write to and what to prepare - the perfect first step to a new career.


Duration: 1 day.

Prerequisites: A strong desire to break into the film and/or TV industry.

About the Tutor: Phil O`Shea has been working in the film and television industries for twenty years as a director, screenwriter and producer. He has worked in the US and Europe as well as in the UK. His credits include three feature films and over 30 hours of produced TV drama. Phil also teaches at a number of film schools and universities.

Location: Elstree Film School, 21st Century New Media Ltd, Elstree Film Studios, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 1JG. [Click here for a map]

Times: 10.00am to 4.30pm. For security reasons, further details are only provided upon booking.

Software Versions: All of our Adobe courses include lessons generic to both CS3 and CS4 versions of the Adobe suite: whichever version you use is covered in our courses. In addition, we also now preview the functionality of the new Adobe CS5 software. Our Apple training courses utilise the latest versions of Final Cut Studio HD (also known of as version 3 or FCS 2009).

Equipment: Our fully featured training room includes six top-of-the-range iMac computers configured to work in both Macintosh (OSX) and PC (Windows) modes, ensuring you the maximum familiarity with your chosen operating system.

Accommodation: Details of local accomodation can be found here.

Further assistance: Our FAQ help page contains the answers to many popular questions. Alternatively please call 0844 844 2428 to arrange to speak to our training manager.

COURSE CONTENT

The Industry

• Employers - who are they?
• Television Companies - in-house producers or independent companies?
• Film Companies who are the main players?

Starting Strategies

• Sought after skills - what does the industry want and do you have it?
• Work experience - what experience do you need and what assets do you already have?
• Creating a strong CV - selling your skills.
• Networking - strategies to succeed.
• Contacts - who to contact and how to approach them.
• Industry recommended courses - what you may need to learn to get the job that you want.

Your Career

• Broadcast opportunities - what's out there?
• Job functions - who does what and which job is right for you?
• Career paths - where your new job can lead to. Working up the industry.
• Entry level industry training schemes - could this be an option for you.
• Entry level jobs - earn while you learn.

Parts of the Industry that could need you

• Pre-production - what goes on before the cameras start rolling and how you can be involved.
• Production - the many aspects of actually making a programme.
• Post-production - the wealth of post production jobs available, from editing and sound effects to special effects and more.
• Education and Training - putting your skills to work.

Other Options

• The international film and television market - examine the overseas options that are available.

Film and TV Training Courses
Date	Days	Total (Excl VAT)
December 2011
3/12/11	1	250

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