I think it's about time I write an entry about my time working on 'Later... with Jools Holland' at Maidstone TV Studios. Before the start of series 42, I was told that there was a chance for me to work on the show through the contacts at Maidstone Studios and my Uni course. I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to be a runner on the show for the duration of the series. This was an amazing opportunity for me, not only to be working on a live BBC show, but also a chance for me to meet some real experts in the industry and get to become part of the team who create such an amazing show.
I would work every tuesday for 8 weeks, as a runner during the live show and the record for the friday night show. I would provide drinks to the VIP guests, work with the audience team and also run for the production team and the gallery. Getting the chance to stand in a television gallery during a live performance being aired on BBC was the most incredible and surreal experience. Having interaction with series directors and producers gave me the chance to ask any questions I had about how things are done and why they are done that way.
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| This picture shows Director, Janet Fraser Crook and Executive Prodcucer, Mark Cooper discussing ideas about the new home for the show at Maidstone Studios. |
Working on the show meant I received call sheets and schedules for each weeks shows, plus access to scripts, running order and risk assessments for each week. This was great for me as I could get a better understanding of how things were meant to look, what needed to be included and what the purpose was for each bit of paperwork (and there was lots!). It also meant that I was part of the crew, so I had the opportunity to talk with members from each area, whether it be camera, lighting, sound, or even other important people like make-up and wardrobe and the warm up guys! I had such an amazing time working on the show and was able to meet so many talented people. I now understand what goes into making such a large scale production and also how each sub-section of the crew comes together to make the show.
My first night on the show was amazing! I came home buzzing with excitement, and believe it or not, the first person I met on set was the man himself, Mr Jools Holland. As I walked in the production office, there was a large group of people singing Happy Birthday to the production manager. Jools turned around, saw me at the door, walked over and shook my hand and introduced himself. We had a brief chat about the show and what I would be doing, had a piece of birthday cake, and he thanked me in advance for the work I was about to do and it was quickly onto getting me used to the studio, having a look at what was around and getting my bearings before the audience arrived.
As a runner, I was paid for each shift. I had a BBC Contract, which was very exciting as this was the first paid role I have had within the television industry. I also got to meet a lot of the talent on the show, the likes of Dido, Liam Gallagher, Cerys Matthews, The Eagles and Jamie Cullum, to name a few. The was a great experience which I will never forget! As well as being paid to work on such an amazing show, I also got to see performances from such amazingly talented artists!
This was an experience that I will cherish, although may seem silly to some people, but for me, I had the most incredible time and feel truly grateful for such an amazing opportunity that the UCA Broadcast Media course provided for me.
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