Andrew Thorp - Post Placement

Name: Andrew Thorp

Trainee: Researcher – Media 19

What would you say were the best bits about the Northern Routes Training Scheme and your placement?
The work placement itself, not only did I enjoy my time but the position opened my eyes to another aspect of working in TV production, giving me another area of employment to aim for in the future.

I also really enjoyed the training courses we attended. I got to learn everything from copyright law to writing treatments for programmes. The courses really helped by giving me the technical know how to achieve even more during my work placement.

Would you recommend Northern Routes to other potential trainees (please give reasons)?:
I would urge anyone wanting to build up their media production experience to apply for the scheme. It might be common knowledge that getting work in the media isn’t easy but there aren’t many schemes to help you advance your career, but Northern Routes certainly helped me move my career along. I think it’s worth applying because not only do you get the chance to undertake proper work experience, on real projects, you also get noticed as a freelancer. Northern Routes helps you get noticed in the vast world of TV production.

Please explain what you have gone on to do following Northern Routes:
I am currently finishing producing a three minute documentary for the Community Channel and I have kept in contact with my placement company. I am also contacting independent production companies for work. The scheme has given me the push to really make a successful career as a freelancer!

What do you hope to do in the future and how has Northern Routes helped you in working towards this goal?
The scheme has given me the confidence not only in my own talents but in my ability to offer productions companies something different. I hope to build up a track record as a successful freelance factual researcher and then move to directing and producing my own documentary projects.

Please sum up the Northern Routes Training Scheme in one line:
A challenging experience that gives you the belief and skills to really set you up for your future.