Sarah Fenton - Post Placement

Name: Sarah Fenton

Trainee: Production Assistant – Spooks Code 9 – BBC drama

What would you say were the best bits about the Northern Routes Training Scheme and your placement?
The Northern Routes Training Scheme provided me with the opportunity to meet people working in the TV industry, as well as gain experience of working in the production office department. Northern Routes were always there to support me whenever I needed any help or advice, and for me this was an excellent element of the scheme. During my placement I was able to make a practical contribution to the department in my role – I was always very busy and was able to assist the office runner with her work load. This in turn provided me with a good deal of first hand experience. I was able to learn about the different departments and roles within a drama and I was given certain responsibilities of my own which made me feel like a valued member of the team. For example I was in charge of booking train tickets for cast and crew, as well as drawing up a transport plan for executive meetings.

Would you recommend Northern Routes to other potential trainees (please give reasons)?:
Yes, Northern Routes has provided me with the opportunity to get a foot in the door as well as on-the-job training in an area increasingly difficult for new comers to break into. It has been hard work and tiring at times, but a truly rewarding experience.

Please explain what you have gone on to do following Northern Routes:
My training with Northern Routes finished mid April. I spent the last week of April working on a digital film-short which was supported by Screen Yorkshire. In May I had a couple of interviews for different projects, and late May I started working at ITV as the temporary production secretary on The Royal Series 8. Immediately following that in mid June I started as production runner on a factual drama (the title of which I am not yet permitted to reveal) which is to be shown on Channel 4 in the New Year.

What do you hope to do in the future and how has Northern Routes helped you in working towards this goal?
In the future I hope to continue working in the production office. I would like to be involved in-house with a company such as ITV as I really enjoyed my time there. I would also like to try my hand at factual programmes as so far I have worked solely in drama. Northern Routes has helped me a great deal as I have made some excellent contacts, both in the film and TV industry and Northern Routes have been a wonderful support since I began my training in January.

Please sum up the Northern Routes Training Scheme in one line:
Challenging and rewarding!