It’s been a while since I’ve visited my blog – I’ve been busy out in the real world, dipping my toes in new workplaces with my first weeks of work experience. I still have no idea what I want to do with my life over the next few years, and I’m reluctant to throw myself into full-time work just yet, at least not until I can find something fulfilling. Whilst I’m still lucky enough to be able to live at home and not have to pay rent or other such costs, I may as well put in the time and effort into finding something that would give my working life purpose and enjoyment.
What I know is I’d love to be involved with film and media and visual art in someway, although what ways are possible and appealing are still unknown to me. My degree was in film theory and history, a full-on academic and research-based course. So my first step on my work experience journey was with production companies in Manchester; a quick Google search revealed there are plenty out there. With emails abounding over summer, I eventually got a successful response from a company called Chief, based in Media City UK in Salford.
It might be a bit strange for me to have been so excited about working somewhere for two weeks for no pay, but this is the sort of first step I really needed to take. It’s the perfect way for me to infiltrate, if that’s the appropriate word for it! I have no idea if production is something I would like to pursue, and getting inside for a few weeks is the best means of finding out more. If I’m lucky, it would be an opportunity to get some hands-on experience in different aspects of production, and doing what a large number of other people involved in this industry have done: starting at the bottom as a runner. Chief is one of the largest production companies in Manchester, and so would be on top of all that a nice place to engage in that most heinous of words: networking. It’s not hard to assume that in this sort of work, it can be who you know rather than what you know that really matters.
I was a bit nervous going in. I had no idea what to expect, although I’d figured I would be doing the jobs everyone there would be too busy to think about. And that certainly was the case! I did some filing and organising of paperwork; did some basic online research (i.e. lots of Googling) and chased up some companies on the phone; moved boxes and sorted props and equipment; posted letters and collected lunches; and finally, made countless cups of tea. Frankly, I didn’t mind; I enjoyed most of it! It was good to keep busy, and I got to meet plenty of new people, who were all very lovely and welcoming (though remembering so many new names proved a challenge). Whilst not particularly serious work, much of it proved a challenge of some sort. From trying to overcome my anxieties of speaking to strangers over the phone, to getting my head around piles of complex and wordy paperwork, these jobs gave me a firm sense of satisfaction, far greater than I’m getting with my current part time job in a pub restaurant.
I’ve been thinking about why these two weeks proved so much more fulfilling. Yes, whilst they weren’t directly involved in the actual final production, I felt like my work was providing a use, even if only in a minor way. Everyone there was working hard on projects which I found fascinating, and they all had shared goals and interests; it felt like a comfortable and friendly place to work. Unfortunately for me, I didn’t get a chance to see any actual filming. No shoots were on for my first week, and one during the second week was too far away for me to make it. I did miss out on the chance to explore the real reason why I visited Chief, and I’m hoping that I can get a chance in the next few months to go back and see a shoot take place. It will give me the opportunity to see both sides of the production process, as I saw only the pre- side, which proved to be much more intense and office-based than I was expecting. I would need to spend some more time to consider whether this is the sort of work I would like to engage with.
I’m immensely grateful to Chief for giving me this opportunity to be a part of their company, if only for a short while. I would definitely like to keep in touch, if only to see how their projects are going. I heard plenty about upcoming advert shoots, and will definitely keep my eyes open for them! This time also gave me time to think about how lucky and privileged I am. Articles written recently have pointed out how unpaid placements are limited only to those who can afford to survive without this pay – I spent plenty those two weeks on food and travel. I’m lucky enough to have family who can support me whilst I take my take in deliberating my future. But so many people don’t. And that’s a real shame, especially given so many industries now expect graduates to work unpaid before even considering offering any form of employment. But for me, work experience has proven to be exactly what I need right now, and I will be considering it again in the future.
Musings from a Darkened Room 