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As we say in TV, we’re living through ‘a rollercoaster of emotions’.

One minute Covid is apparently on the wane and the government eases a lockdown - the next minute the virus is back with a vengeance and we are again under house arrest. One minute the vaccines seem to be our salvation – the next a new more infectious more resistant virus variant comes along and we are back into a world of uncertainty.

I’m convinced that one day life will return to something resembling ‘normal’ – but it will be different to how we operated before Covid. Remote working and platforms like zoom and MS Teams are here to stay.

Why spend a fortune and precious time commuting when you can be more productive at home? Why fly to that conference and damage the planet when you can speak to your esteemed colleagues from your office? As a business, why spend so much money renting office space when your employees are happier and more efficient working remotely?

So if video platforms are here to stay, it’s clearly important that you learn how to come across well on them – if you want to look professional and impress in meetings, job interviews and presentations.

Here’s a video with some tips. If you’d like me to do a workshop in video presentation skills – for more info e mail juliandismore@gmail.com

Good luck!

Julian Dismore

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

It’s Job Alert Thursday!

For media job finding advice from experienced TV series producer Julian Dismore, go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/blogs

Recent Job News…

Bristol based Silverback Productions are looking for a Production Coordinator with experience in foreign filming to start as soon as possible on some very exciting new projects. Please send them your CV. Closing date is 26th Feb 2021 and interviews will take place soon after. For more info go to https://www.silverbackfilms.tv/

London and LA based Fulwell 73 are looking for a Researcher to assist with a mini documentary for a top British music artist to celebrate their recent projects. It will be interview led with archive and actuality. They are looking for people with documentary, story and music backgrounds to bring this project to life. Need to be available ASAP. For more info go to https://www.fulwell73.com/contact

For advice on how to get media jobs, follow Direct Productions on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

YouTube: Direct Productions TV

Good luck!

[directproductionsuk]

When I took my sons Adam and Sam to the London Olympics in 2012 I experienced something I'd never felt before. An immense sense of pride in my country. I had the same feeling when I took my disabled son Danny for his covid jab yesterday.

The teamwork between scientists, vaccine trial volunteers and medics to get the vaccines ready and into so many people's arms in less than a year is truly remarkable - Britain at its best.

Danny has had a tough time of it over the last three years – to get a sense of it check out this clip from a documentary about him broadcast by the BBC last year.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=602541513923990

The thought that he is safer now thanks to the unstinting efforts of so many people renews your faith in human nature.

Julian

Julian Dismore

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

One of the fun things about producing TV shows is working with famous people. I’ve been lucky enough to film with household names all over the world – and one of my favourites is Lorraine Kelly, who is a genuinely nice person as well as a star. She kindly offered to record a video testimonial for my media skills courses – and here it is…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuYQoXxDbko&list=PLlXkfw89WpLwXhCU35idKHPULTjJnbdax&index=1

There are still spaces left on my zoom “How to get into the Media and how to get on once you’re in!” workshop tomorrow (Wednesday February 17th) 1pm to 5pm

This interactive course gives tips on generating media contacts, introductory e mails, CV finessing, job interview skills and career strategy. If you’d like more information, e mail me at juliandismore@gmail.com or go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/training-courses where you will find more testimonials.

If you can’t make the talk let me know and I can send you a video of a previous session.

And for blogs, tips and job opportunities, follow Direct Productions on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Tumblr: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

Hope to see you tomorrow!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

Making the Most of Work Ex and Entry Level Jobs

By Julian Dismore: TV Series Producer and Media Skills Trainer

Interesting to see that the final of ‘The Masked Singer’ got 8 million viewers – those are regarded as excellent figures nowadays. When I started out in TV in the late 80’s, viewing figures of 10 million plus were common. There were less TV channels then, and even some of my ropier documentaries got 8 million viewers!

Early on in my career I was in a drug den in Edinburgh (working not partaking) when the local heroin users started chatting about a TV show they liked – it was one of mine! I was delighted that something I’d created had been seen by people from such a different world to my own.

If the thought of your work being watched or listened to by millions appeals to you, then the media industries might be right up your street – but how do you get in? It’s highly competitive…

This summer will be here before you know it and I think that will be the time when the creative industries really get going again. People who want to work in the media need to think about making the most of any work experience and entry level positions they’re offered.

The key thing is to use your time effectively from day one – acquire skills, create a good impression, make contacts, ensure you leave with positive references etc.

And here’s the thing – it is down to you to make the most of your time in any company. Work hard, look for jobs to do and people to impress. Keep an eye out for who needs help and volunteer for tasks. Offer to make lots of teas and coffees so you can get chatting to people and socialise after work (when it is safe to do so) You need to be proactive to give yourself the best chance of succeeding.

For more tips on how to forge a media career, book a place on my upcoming online zoom course by e mailing me at juliandismore@gmail.com

Wednesday February 17th 1pm to 5pm  

'How To Get Into The Media Industries'

The course covers the following: generating media contacts, what to say in your introductory e mail, CV finessing for jobs in the media, job interview skills, TV runner skills, TV researcher skills, insider's tips and career strategy. It is interactive and fun - as well as being extremely useful as you set about embarking on your career in these challenging times. 

For testimonials please go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/training-courses

For more advice on the media industries, follow me on social media @DirectProductionsUK

Good luck!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

Mob +44 (0) 77177 44321

[directproductionsuk]

Sorry!

I’m 55 years old. On behalf of my generation can I apologise to all you youngsters for destroying the planet. How can I make it up to you? By knocking £10 off my ‘How to get into the media’ workshops, that’s how!

Previously the fee for the 4 hour zoom course was £50, but for the time being there’s a whopping 20% reduction! For just £40 your career prospects can be transformed. What a bargain!

I’m running a course next week…

Wednesday February 17th 1pm to 5pm  

Zoom Workshop: 'How To Get Into The Media Industries – and Entry Level Skills'

The course covers the following: generating media contacts, what to say in your introductory e mail, CV finessing for jobs in the media, job interview skills, TV runner skills, TV researcher skills, insider's tips and career strategy. It also gives an overview of the different roles in TV - to help you choose which area would suit you best.

And we run through the do's and don'ts of job hunting. It is interactive and fun - as well as being extremely useful as you set about embarking on your career in these challenging times. This workshop will save you months, if not years, going down blind alleys as you look to embark on your career.

Having done a course like this looks great on your CV. A certificate is available on request.

To confirm your place, please e mail your mobile phone number to juliandismore@gmail.com.

Julian Dismore

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

Mob +44 (0) 77177 44321

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

It’s Job Alert Thursday!

For media job finding advice from experienced TV series producer Julian Dismore, go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/blogs

Recent Job News…

Barcroft Studios need a Post Production Coordinator to see across technical aspects of Post Production from ingestion of content, to delivery and archive. It’s a junior position but previous professional experience is required. Need working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud suite esp Premiere Pro and Media Encoder. For more info https://www.barcroftstudios.com/

Plimsoll Productions want a Logger/Junior Researcher to work on a wildlife series initially for 4 weeks based in Bristol office. Watching through rushes, logging animal behaviour and highlighting standout clips. An entry level role for someone looking to get into TV with a keen interest in Natural History. For more info http://www.plimsollproductions.com/

For advice on how to get media jobs, I suggest you join my free one hour zoom talk ‘How to get into the media industries and how to get on’ this afternoon (Thursday February 11th) at 5pm. E mail juliandismore@gmail.com for the link.

For more job alerts follow Direct Productions on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

YouTube: Direct Productions TV

[directproductionsuk]

I’m really enjoying giving my free zoom talks to people who want to work in the creative industries – recently students from as far afield as India, the Ukraine and the USA have taken part.

In the interests of international relations, I’ve always ensured by short fat hairy legs and nobbly knees are out of shot. I don’t want to put our foreign friends off their breakfast / lunch / dinner!

Tomorrow (Thursday 11th) at 5pm I’m giving another online talk about how to get into the media. No fee – one hour long and lots of tips about generating contacts, CV finessing, cover letters etc

If you’d like to be sent the link, e mail – juliandismore@gmail.com

For more info, job alerts and blogs, check out my social media @directproductionsuk or my website www.directproductions.co.uk

Hope to see you on Thursday at 5pm!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

[directproductionsuk]

One of the brilliant things about running media skills courses is meeting youngsters who can teach me stuff about the modern world – like the ins and outs of YouTube algorithms!

One such talented individual is Jonathan Mullen, an undergraduate who attended one of my media skills workshops last year and now helps me with my YouTube Channel. He’s going to be a great editor one day! He kindly wrote a testimonial about the course (below)

In other news, there are still spaces left on my free zoom “How to get into the Media and how to get on once you’re in!” talk on Thursday February 11th 5pm to 6pm

The talk gives tips on generating media contacts, introductory e mails, CV finessing, job interview skills and career strategy.

If you’d like more information, e mail me at juliandismore@gmail.com or go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/training-courses where you will find more testimonials.

If you can’t make the talk let me know and I can send you a video of a previous session.

And for blogs, tips and job opportunities, follow Direct Productions on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Tumblr: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

Hope to see you Thursday!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

How to Get into the Media Industry – Free Zoom Talk This Week!

As Storm Darcy blasts through Britain leaving many of us housebound, locked down and potentially a little grumpy, here’s a couple of things to cheer you up if you want to work in the creative industries…

If you’re particularly bored, my best selling book ‘TV: An Insider’s Guide’ is still available (https://www.directproductions.co.uk/book) – and even more excitingly, this Thursday at 5pm I’m giving a zoom talk about how to get into the media industries!

The one hour talk is totally free of charge – I know, what a bargain! It won’t cost you a penny to get job hunting tips that might change your life!

I will give you insider’s secrets about how to get into TV and the creative industries. Starting a career in the media is never easy, it’s even harder in these tough times – but there are things you can be doing right now to boost your chances…

You will get ‘must know’ tips and essential advice for media job hunting; finding contacts, what to write in your introductory e mails, ensuring your CV punches through and job interview technique. I also talk you through how to impress in work ex positions and entry level roles.

Spaces are limited – last time I gave the talk, late comers got bounced off by the Zoom techies after a hundred people joined. To get the link e mail juliandismore@gmail.com. Hope to see you Thursday!

Julian Dismore is an award winning TV series producer. He’s travelled the world making documentaries for BBC 1, ITV, Channel 4, Five, National Geographic and Discovery. To find out more go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk

For media career tips and job opportunities follow us on social media

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

YouTube: Direct Productions TV

[directproductionsuk]

Friday Quiz!

It’s nearly the weekend, yippee! Time for a media job hunting quiz…

1. Which are the best websites to find media contacts? The answer is in this video on ‘Direct Productions TV’…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eST2XvpSeEs&list=PLlXkfw89WpLz_JZMMJGwc_U76rnhWquVE&index=4

2. What should you put at the bottom of your introductory e mails to potential media industry employers? To find out watch this guide to intro e mails…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNyWPL8UHwU&list=PLlXkfw89WpLz_JZMMJGwc_U76rnhWquVE&index=3

3. What is rule one when it comes to being a media runner? To find out watch this runner tips video…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZm0tvRhNfc&list=PLlXkfw89WpLz_JZMMJGwc_U76rnhWquVE&index=1

4. When can I get some tips and advice on how to get into the creative industries  totally free of charge? Next Thursday at 5pm!

To find out more to go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/upcoming-courses

To get the zoom link for my ‘How to get into the creative industries’ talk, e mail juliandismore@gmail.com

Julian Dismore

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

Mob +44 (0) 77177 44321

www.directproductions.co.uk

For media career tips and job opportunities follow us on social media @Directproductionsuk

Twitter @DirectProdUK

YouTube Direct Productions TV

[directproductionsuk]

It’s Job Alert Thursday!

For media job finding advice from experienced TV series producer Julian Dismore, go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/blogs

Recent Job News…

Production Runner, to be based in Brighton, needed to join food science series team. Must have a driving license. The role involves supporting the team with things like props, logistics, research and paperwork. It is mostly office based (WFH at the moment) with some location work. Initial 8-week contract with the potential to go longer. Immediate start. For more info https://www.ricochet.co.uk/

Junior Production Co-ordinator wanted to join a team working across a couple of Science and History programmes. Experience of setting up foreign shoots is desirable. Starting as soon as possible for roughly 3 months. WFH initially and then based in Chiswick, West London. For more info https://www.likeashot.tv/

For blogs, media job hunting advice and job alerts follow Direct Productions on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

YouTube: Direct Productions TV

[directproductionsuk]

It’s ‘Direct Productions Caption Competition Wednesday’

Just because I work in TV doesn’t mean I can’t watch some programmes like a normal viewer and be a fan of certain presenters – and who isn’t a fan of Sir David Attenborough?!

If I spot a celebrity in the street who I admire I will usually go up to them and thank them for all their hard work – but the odds of me spotting anyone in the street at the moment are zero as I’m under house arrest because of covid!

So my son Danny and I decided to write to Sir David. We sent him some wildlife photos Danny took for school homework – and here we are about to post our missive. I’ll let you know if he replies!

Who would you write to if you had the time?

In other news, there are still spaces on tomorrow afternoon’s zoom workshop 'How To Get Into The Media Industries'. The course covers the following: generating media contacts, what to say in your introductory e mail, CV finessing for jobs in the media, job interview skills, TV runner skills, TV researcher skills and career strategy.

For more info e mail juliandismore@gmail.com or go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/upcoming-courses.

Stay safe!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

One of the great things about doing media skills courses is meeting youngsters who are way more talented than I was at their age. Here one of my course graduates who’s destined for great things, Neve, says some nice things about the workshop she did.

There are still spaces left on my next zoom “How to Get into the Media and How to Get On Once You’re In!” course on Thursday February 4th. 1pm – 5pm

This four hour zoom workshop includes: generating contacts in the media industry, what to say in your introductory e mail, CV finessing for media jobs, job interview skills with role plays, TV runner skills, TV research skills, insider's tips and career strategy.

If you’d like more information, e mail me at juliandismore@gmail.com or go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/training-courses where you will find testimonials.

If you can’t make the workshop let me know and I can send you a video of a previous workshop and the course handout.

And for blogs, tips and job opportunities, follow us on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Tumblr: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

Good luck!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

A Year is a long time!

By Julian Dismore: TV Series Producer and Media Skills Trainer

Being under house arrest, it’s strange to think that this time last year I was producing a series for Channel 5 called ‘The Mega Council Estate Next Door’. As well as directing it, I was heavily involved in the casting – walking up and down the streets of London trying to spot potential contributors before approaching them to persuade them to take part. Little did I know, Covid was also stalking the London streets around the same time…

Shooting the series last February and March was stressful, filming observational documentaries always is, but it was also an enjoyable experience because I had a great team on location. The runner Ivan was one of the best I’ve ever worked with.

All you media wannabes can learn from Ivan when it comes to how to excel in an entry level role. He was never late, extremely hard working, always cheerful, came up with strong ideas, rarely got things wrong, he didn’t object to long hours and most importantly he was very nice to me and laughed at my jokes.

Ivan’s reward? An enhanced credit when the show went out (researcher rather than runner) and several glowing references from me which led to lots of work last year despite the global apocalypse.

Being a runner isn’t easy, but it is part of the rites of passage and if you can’t handle the pressure with a smile on your face then it will take you a lot longer for you to get to where you want to be. You have to remember that the people above you can help you progress – so be nice to them! This isn’t like Uni – in the real world you have to get along with people you don’t necessary like. It’s part of being professional.

For more runner advice check out these videos…

What does a TV runner do?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YssXWb2RlDw&list=PLlXkfw89WpLz_JZMMJGwc_U76rnhWquVE&index=5

Advice on how to be a great runner!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZm0tvRhNfc&list=PLlXkfw89WpLz_JZMMJGwc_U76rnhWquVE&index=1

A minute’s worth of runner tips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eisd8H_HZE&list=PLlXkfw89WpLz_JZMMJGwc_U76rnhWquVE&index=8

For more media career tips come on my online zoom “How to Get into the Media and How to Get On Once You’re In!” course on Thursday February 4th. 1pm – 5pm

This four hour zoom workshop includes: generating contacts in the media industry, what to say in your introductory e mail, CV finessing for media jobs, job interview skills with role plays, TV runner skills, TV research skills, insider's tips and career strategy.

If you’d like more information, e mail me at juliandismore@gmail.com or go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/training-courses where you will find testimonials.

If you can’t make the workshop let me know and I can send you a video of a previous workshop and the course handout.

And for blogs, tips and job opportunities, follow us on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, Tumblr: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

Good luck!

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

www.directproductions.co.uk

[directproductionsuk]

This week I’ve run video skills workshops for academics at Maastricht University, Liverpool John Moores and the Chartered Association of Business Schools – next week it’s a zoom course for people who want to work in the creative industries. Check out the video!

Thursday 4th February 1pm – 5pm

'How To Get Into The Media Industry and how to Get On Once You’re In!'

This zoom course covers: generating media contacts, what to say in your introductory e mail, CV finessing for jobs in the media, job interview skills, TV runner skills, TV researcher skills, insider’s tips and career strategy. It will look great on your CV and you will get a certificate afterwards on request. The workshop includes exercises, feedback and role plays. The fee is £40.

For more information and testimonials https://www.directproductions.co.uk/training-courses

To book a place, e mail your mobile phone number to juliandismore@gmail.com

Don't forget to follow me on social media for job opportunities, blogs and media tips - search @DirectProductionsUK. And make sure to contact me on LinkedIn!

Good luck - and keep in touch!

Best wishes

Julian

TV Series Producer and Media Trainer

Direct Productions UK

Mob +44 (0) 77177 44321

www.directproductions.co.uk

For blogs, tips and work ex opportunities, follow us on social media!

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

YouTube: Direct Productions Media

[directproductionsuk]

It’s Job Alert Thursday!

For media job finding advice from experienced TV series producer Julian Dismore, go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/blogs

Recent Job News…

Production Coordinator wanted for BBC series “Animal Park” from 01.03.21. Initially based on location in Wiltshire and then working remotely during post. Experience creating call sheets, managing float, booking travel and post production paperwork is a must, as is knowledge of PMI and a driving licence. For info https://www.remarkable.tv/contact/

Self-shooting researchers needed - based in south Wales to start immediately on a programme for S4C and Channel 4. They are looking for a Welsh speaker. For info https://chwarel.tv/contact/

For more job alerts follow Direct Productions on social media…

Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Reddit, Tumblr, TikTok: @DirectProductionsUK

Twitter: @DirectProdUK

YouTube: Direct Productions TV

And for advice on how to get media jobs, we are running a workshop on February 4th 1pm to 5pm. It is called ‘How to get into the media industries and entry level skills’. Go to https://www.directproductions.co.uk/upcoming-courses for details. To book e mail juliandismore@gmail.com