Hey! I'm Jordan, I'm 21 years old and I am about to start my 3rd year at Heythrop College (University of London), studying Philosophy, Religion and Ethics. I love running and I also have a passion for theatre and all things Showbiz related (I'll shamelessly plug my Showbiz blog and YouTube page later!)Ā
So, if I'm studying Philosophy, why am I doing work experience with a media production company?
Fair point. Well my degree actually inspired me to pursue a career in journalism and I am heavily involved with college's student newspaper. However, my previous experience with drama continues to draw me towards a career in TV and media too. They always say to keep your options open!Ā
I actually first met Carve at a 4Talent day in London. For those that don't know, these are career days organised by Channel 4 which provides participants with a choice of workshops for various aspects of media. I, always having an interest in the idea of TV presenting, signed up to a workshop with Carve. During the day we were taught presentation techniques, ways to cope with confrontation, along with autocue and camera work. After the event I kept in touch with Carve and was so happy when they agreed to have me for two weeks work experience this summer.Ā
So, what have I been doing for the past fortnight?Ā
Well, the short answer is LOTS! A longer answer is probably much better for a blog though...
I have done a fair few work placements over the last few years but never have I been given the opportunity to get involved with so much in such a short space of time!
Social media and online contentĀ
Whilst with Carve, I have researched for the writing of two blog posts; A beginners guide to VineĀ and How to deliver great customer service on social media.Ā This involved me getting to grips with VineĀ itself and also reading tips on what works and what doesn't when it comes to online customer service. From this I then adapted articles and guides to make concise and more user-friendly posts for the Carve blog! It was useful having a set topic to research and having to communicate it in a concise way (I'm often tempted to Twitter on slightly when I'm writing so it's good to have a set assignment)Ā
I have also been out and about with the team as well. I spent a day at Crystal Palace park at a project where participants are developing their media skills by creating a website in order to promote the area. Members of the project undertake various tasks; from design work, to video production, creative writing and social media development. Whilst there, I observed the work that they had been doing and advised video makers on what content should stay in and perhaps should be cut out of the project. It was also great to sit in on a career talk by Jana Dowling who is a TV presenter who shared her experiences with the participants on her career in media so far. It was interesting to hear the story of somebody who is achieving success in the industry already.Ā
Carve also spend plenty of time filming for various companies and projects too and I was really excited to get involved with this side of the company! I spent a day shadowing Ed whilst filming Dr. Theatre; a company which teaches professionals how to improve their presentation skills. In the morning we headed to London's Harold PinterĀ theatre to film the participants doing their morning presentations. Ed filmed and I attached microphones to them before they headed onto the stage. It was a weird experience as the current show at the theatre has the stage set up as a fancy living room, it felt like we were filming in somebody's house! After their speeches Harriet, who runs the company with her sister, then coached them for the rest of the day. In the afternoon we headed to a new venue to film the participants speaking again but this time with their new presenting directions from Harriet. It was great to see the way that the participants had improved throughout the day and it was funny standing behind the camera this time as I had been in a similar position as the participants previously when I was at 4Talent.Ā
I also spent two days with Darrel shadowing and assisting the filming of a new London restaurant which is opening soon. I felt privileged to be given the opportunity of researching Michael, the chef, who owns the venue and preparing interview questions for him. Then on our first day of shooting I interviewed him and it was a valuable experience to put my research into practice and to get the experience of interacting with an interviewee in order to create a smooth interview. On our second day of filming, we headed to Warsash to film Michael having a ride on a new speedboat at a promotional event for the vehicle which travels over 100mph! The day gave me an insight into the logistics of outside filming as during a pre-boat ride interview with Michael, the heavens opened and the rain came down. Everybody scarpered to their cars, as did we to protect our equipment. It created some amusing footage though! We waited for the rain to pass and then got back out filming again!
During my placement, I was also given the brief of researching an app which would be beneficial for the everyday photographer or film maker and then to create a video review for it. After downloading and experimenting with a fair few apps, I chose to review the app SplitPic which allows you to merge photos together. I then created a script for the video review. The following day a green screen was set up along with a camera, mic and autocue. I then did a few takes to camera of my review. I always enjoy presenting so it was great to have the opportunity to do some more. After the filming was finished, the fun really began. Darrel then began to teach me how to edit the video. I had never filmed in front of a green screen before so it was brilliant to see the fun that you can have with it, as well as the various 3D effects that you can place over the top of the video. It was fantastic to watch the finished product of my research, script-writing, presenting and Darrel's great editing all come together.
I have also done a bit of voice-over work as well. There was a video that Lewis was working on which needed narration over the top of it so I was asked to record a voice-over from the script provided. I have done a bit of voice recording before but never with a good quality microphone and with a set brief of being upbeat and positive to suit the tone of the video. It was strange to hear myself back on it but great at the same time.Ā
I thought that it would be good to separate this blog up into sections to demonstrate just how much I have actually done over this past fortnight. When I e-mailed Carve asking for work experience, I said that it would be great to gain an insight into all of the various parts of the company but I never expected that they would be able to fit all of it in for me. That is, however, exactly what they have done. I am sad that my placement is already at an end but I feel like my two weeks was jam-packed as much as it possibly could have been and I am leaving with a wealth of introductory insights into a career within a media company. I can't thank Carve enough for the opportunities that they have given me but I truly hope that we will work together again in the future!Ā
Earlier I said that I would shamelessly plug my Showbiz blog and YouTube page, so here goes.Ā
You can find my blog at www.mantscurrentcomment.wordpress.com
My YouTube channel can be found at Youtube.com/mrmant93
And you can find me on Twitter - @jordanmantĀ
Want to do work experience with us? Then contact us for more info!
