The weekend of the 28th November I was lucky enough to be one of 4 people from across the UK to win work experience with ITN Productions, making a Christmas Short Film for The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts.  Everyone’s competition entry for The Nativity Factor was very boring and consisted of them blabbing on about how they did Media Production, and needed work experience. I took this in to consideration – after all, Media is all about standing out from the crowd – so turned myself into an elf, and made my entry. Thanks to my charm and comedic twist on the brief I won!

The work experience was all paid for, and I was whisked away to London staying in a hotel for 2 nights in Edgware. On Saturday morning I met with the Producers from ITN Productions as well as David Schneider, our Director for the day.

As I was working with the production team, I spent a lot of time with one of the producers who I asked a lot of questions. It was very interesting to find out different routes everyone had got into the Media – even those who hadn’t gone to University to study a media-based course. They were also mainly freelance which means they get to hop around different production companies, and jobs.

Unlike some other work experience I have encountered, I actually felt a lot like I was part of the crew for the day as I threw myself in chatting with the actors, and running errands on location. I feel as though this was because I was asking everyone questions, and telling them about the work I am doing (and have done) here at the University – Lincoln School of Film & Media – so they began to trust me more.

It is always very intriguing being on a real film shoot – from the way the clapperboard works through to the legal documents involved.  Throughout the day, I was involved signing release forms, looking after the talent, and I even star in the final video (a funny film, Jesus Tweets You)!  I am very much looking forward to it being released so I can show everyone, and I cannot thank the crew enough for such a great experience.  I have made some great contacts, and I urge anyone going for work experience placements to get involved, ask questions and keep smiling whatever happens!