Application Hints and Tips
The Network receives thousands of applications each year for 150 places at our Edinburgh event. So how do you make your application stand out from the crowd? What do the judges look for when they are marking applications?
Question 1
If you could work on any TV programme what would it be and why? (max 100 words)
It doesn’t matter what show you pick – whether it be a reality show, soap, news programme, drama, documentary – what we are most interested in, is why you have chosen it. Be honest and explain your reasons, for example whether it may be because it’s a show you enjoy or because you’d like to work on it to improve it.
You may also want to discuss the type of role you would like on the show. If you do, try and think beyond on screen work such as presenting and acting. There’s a huge variety of jobs in the industry you can consider, such as
- Camera operator: Can be in the studio or on location. Camera operators can be trained to operate many different types of camera, from a static camera in the Big Brother house, to cranes, which lift the camera up for a high angled shot, often used in dramas.
- Editor: Responsible for working with the director to cut all the footage (known as rushes) together on a computer and add effects to make the final programme.
- Development Creative: Develops new programme ideas, which are then pitched to Commissioning Editors, who decide whether a programme will be made for their channel.
- Researcher: Works on variety of programmes. May find participants for a reality show such as Wife Swap, or research information for a documentary, or check historical detail for a period drama.
- Sound technician: Uses technical equipment to record, amplify, mix and monitor sound, and has to consider the background noises at a location before connecting and setting up a range of sound equipment, particularly microphones.
These are only a few examples of the jobs available in TV. For further info see
Broadcast and Media job profiles from Learn Direct
Jobs in Television from Skillset
Question 2
If you were given enough money to make a new programme for a 16-21 year old audience what would your idea be and which TV channel would it be on? (max 300 words)
The key thing to remember about this question is the audience. Before coming up with an answer, think about what shows are traditionally aimed at this age group and why they do or don’t work. How is your programme going to cater for them and be something they want to watch?
Think about who would be in your programme. How many episodes would there be or would it be a one-off? Be creative and don’t worry about practicalities of budget – this is your chance to come up with an amazing programme idea without the usual constraints!
Overall, you need to think about originality - coming up with a programme about student life or a spin off show from Big Brother won’t necessarily stand out… So what makes your idea different?
When deciding what channel your show is most appropriate for, think about the shows currently on and aimed at this audience. Where are they shown? Are some channels better at programming shows for a young audience than others? Also, think about the genre (drama, reality show, documentary) of your show – and whether it would suit one channel more than another.
Question 3
Which TV presenter or programme would you remove from our screens and why? (max 100 words)
If you choose a programme:
When you think of a programme you would like to axe, think about why you don’t like it. Is it because it was badly directed or edited? If it was a documentary, did you disagree with the point being made? If it was a comedy, was it not funny? Was the choice of presenter wrong? Was it boring? Was it offensive? Be specific about why you didn’t like it, and, if you can, suggest ways you would have improved it.
Note: The question is about axing a programme, so saying that you would like to get rid of a whole genre – for example all reality shows or soaps - is not a valid answer.
If you choose presenter:
Think about why you don’t enjoy watching them. Are they presenting a programme that doesn’t fit with their personality? Are they dull to watch? If they get on your nerves, why? It doesn’t matter who you choose – but make sure you give us reason/s.
Question 4
Why should we choose you to have a place on The Network 2008? (max 100 words)
This is your chance to tell us why you want to take part in the scheme. It may be related to your burning ambition to work in TV, or may be you are just curious about the industry and want to find out more and if it is the right place for you. The key thing is be honest and explain how you would use this once in a lifetime opportunity to your advantage
General
The Network is a competitive scheme to get on to, but there’s no reason at all that you can’t send in the application we’re looking for.
You don’t need to have had any experience of working in television or necessarily know which area you want to work in. The most important thing is that in your answers you demonstrate you’ve really thought about what you’re saying and show us your passion for TV. Be honest and explain the reasons for your answers and you will be in with a great chance of getting a place.
Don’t forget to complete all your contact details accurately. It really helps us if you supply an email address and mobile number so we can easily contact you if you are successful.
We don’t pass your details on to any other organisations, and the information we ask about ethnicity and special needs is purely for administration use and will not affect the outcome of your application.
Good luck!