Production Manager Assistant Review

As the Unscripted Apprentice my job role changes depending on what production I am on. Currently I am working on X-Ray and have the job title of Production Manager Assistant. My daily tasks vary from assisting with paperwork, transcribing, getting filming kit ready for a shoot, going on shoots to do a variety of different tasks. Also I may be asked to contact contributors to get information or organise shoots with them. I have also worked on a special commission called "The Miners Who Made Us" given the credit as production team. For this project I worked on research as well as similar tasks to that on X-Ray as well as being a runner too.

I am currently working my way through a diploma that goes with the apprenticeship. With training within the BBC, I have received many online training courses and have attended a Editorial Guidelines training course. Other courses have been made available to me but due to course leader illness or weather conditions they have been postponed. I feel that I have greatly improved my research skills. Also I have learnt to use professional camera equipment and how to load the rushes onto the system correctly.

I am thoroughly enjoying the programme for multiple reasons. I am enjoying the work as it is different from day to day. Each team I have worked with so far have been very accommodating, helpful and make me feel part of the team. The company is a great company to work for and are very informative with all decisions made.

At the moment I feel valued by my teams as I have not made a massive impact to the BBC as a whole just yet as I am only just starting out. However, I do feel valued in a way as they have looked at the apprentices and trainee salaries twice and have increased them. They recognise the work that apprentices and trainees do.

The programme is very well structured. I was lucky enough to be a part of the special commission at the start which allowed me to develop skills to go into other productions. I do feel that my time with The One Show is very sporadic and short but understand that it is because of the special commission. However, I have been informed that if I do not like a production or job then I can talk to the Talent team or to my apprenticeship scheme manager who can place me in another production.

I have been very fortunate to have assessors at Sgil Cymru who are from the Media Industry. Their insights and experiences allow me know more about the job without going to any staff member. As well as professional support they also provide safeguarding support to ensure I am mentally/emotionally healthy in the workplace. This is a fantastic support system.

I have also been lucky that I've received training from a variety of different staff members at the BBC who have offered me support even when I haven't asked. They ask me if I know how to do something and if I don't then they show me how to do it which I think is great. Even when I have moved on to other productions, the people who have supported me still offer guidance or feedback which is fantastic. Some freelancers however do not give this level of support.

The salary has increased since I have started and is not at a more acceptable amount. With the role that I do, I may be required to purchase food for myself or for even the small crew. Even though this can be claimed back, it still adds up. Travel costs are ever increasing with petrol prices as well as the costs of living. With the increase in salary, I can start putting away a little extra each month.

Outside of work, I use what I have learned to create my own videos for YouTube. It is a way of practicing skills as well as creating fun content for myself. I used to volunteer in a local theatre but has been closed over 2 years ago. However, it has recently been bought and opportunities for the community to remain active. I would give time back to this venue as long as it does not hinder my work commitments.

Yes

It is a very professional company which makes you feel like part of the team from a very early stage of employment. There are many different fields you can go into and it is fairly flexible.

Learnt the BBC Values and think of what you have done in the passed. Have there been any instances where those values have applied to work life, social life or voluntary work. Have a keen hobby for the field you are going into. In the interview just be yourself but be polite and upbeat. You are pitching yourself as well as your skills.