Lucy. TV - Casting / Researcher

Lucy is a twenty-three-year old TV Casting / Researcher from Essex. Lucy has been in the Television industry for nearly three years.

How did you get into your field? What inspired you?

‘I always knew I wanted to work in Television, I had a real fascination with how shows are developed and put together, and how they go from being a pitch in a meeting room to a fully fledged format that airs to the nation. I'm the type of person that gets bored easily and I wanted a career that constantly changed and challenged me, so the ability to move from show to show every few months or so appealed to me greatly; as one project ends, another begins!‘

What did you study at university and did this help you get into your field?

‘I studied English at the University of Nottingham. I loved English as a subject at school and going to University I knew I wanted to work in Television. I wouldn't say my degree helped me get into my field necessarily, but English offers pathways into multiple industries so I felt that if TV didn't work out, I had something to fall back on.’

Do you recommend any particular studies, courses or degrees for your field?

‘Not particularly. I know a lot of people who studied Television & Film at University, but I would argue that this doesn't help a huge amount. I think if you are interested in a specific aspect of Television & Film, such as camera work or sound, then studying it at Higher Level Education is beneficial as the institutions have access to a range of high-tech equipment for you to train with which you otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity to use. I personally am glad I chose to study something different, it's relatable in the sense that it has given me enhanced skills that I can apply to my work now, but it hasn't pigeon-holed me into a particular department!’

What does an average day look like in your role?

‘I don't have an average day! It changes all the time, role to role, show to show. I wouldn't really know where to start with outlining an 'average day' - but it's probably one of the things I love most about my work, you're constantly challenged and given new responsibilities and there really isn't any time to be bored!’

What is the best part of your role?

‘Getting to meet and network with such different people on each contract I work on, and of course the variety of shows.’

What is the worst part of your role?

‘As a freelancer, you move from company to company so the worst part of my role is the insecurity in work. You have to ensure you have a contract lined up for when your current one finishes or else you will find yourself out of work, which is an extremely daunting prospect when you have a rent or mortgage and bills to pay!’

How important is work/life balance to you and how much spare time do you have?

‘Work/life balance is so important to me. I absolutely love seeing my friends and family so any time I get, I'll try to organise something! The amount of spare time I do get varies depending on the contract. In TV you don't have a '9-5' day, it very much depends on the type of show you're making. For instance I've had jobs that are 10am-6pm usually, but if you're out on location this can turn into 12-14 hour days! Or with Live Saturday Night Shows you'll be working across the weekends for the entire contract! After working in TV for a little while you can figure out which types of genres are 'for you', and try to get those contracts accordingly.’

Do you have any hobbies?

‘Yes, I love to bake. I find it so therapeutic! I don't often get the time to do it but when I do it's something I really enjoy. I also love to socialise, any spare time I do have I try to go out to nice restaurants and bars.’

Do you have any advice for people looking to start a career in the same field?

‘My main advice is to get some work experience where you can. Once you have your foot in the door, be proactive, offer to help with anything and don't be afraid to introduce yourself to every single person in that office and speak to them about what their role is! TV is all about networking, and if you make yourself indispensable, they will remember you! Please note there is a fine line between being pro-active and being a pest - if they're back to back with meetings and you're trying to shove your CV in their face it won't be appreciated!! Also another essential is to remember that TV is the same route for absolutely everyone - you start at the very bottom and you work your way up. It doesn't matter if you've come straight from school or you have a PhD, we all have to start with entry level roles. It's a blessing in disguise really because there are no fast tracks and as a result it means that everyone is willing to help you when you start, as they've all been in your position once before!’

Have you ever experienced any uncertainties about your career? What do you do to overcome them?

‘Yes, a few times. It's a horrible thing to have to worry about getting work once your current contract ends, and that kind of uncertainty plays on your mind and brings on a lot of stress. This is something that won't change either. I'm on the Editorial side of TV which means typically you are Freelance and therefore the kind of job security you might get in other industries just doesn't exist. It is concerning, and it has worried me a few times, but I just focus on the fact that I absolutely love what I do (despite it being extremely stressful at times), so for me it's a small price to pay for being able to do something that I'm proud of.’

Who is your biggest female inspiration and why?

‘Dame Helena Morrissey - former City fund manager, founder of the 30% club which campaigns for more women in boardrooms AND has nine children - is there anything she can't do?‘

‘Controversially I'd also like to nominate Bridget Jones as my inspiration. She is incredibly relatable to both men and women and it's easy to recognise traits of ourselves, close friends and relatives in her character. She's 'normal'; driven but also consistently making a fool of herself. I love how determined she is that happiness and fulfilment will find her and accept her just the way she is and she serves as a healthy reminder that we can only be the best version of ourselves.’