Training and development of knowledge

As part of my apprenticeship, I have been given so many opportunities to learn from all areas of the media industry.

I am now proficient in a large variety, software and equipment as a result of this training. I pride myself on my ability to pick up new technology quickly and put my knowledge into practice efficiently.

Software I am skilled in

Through specialised training and self-teaching, I know each of these applications to a professional level. I am also familiar with all other BBC software used in radio and digital roles.

Final Cut Pro X

Premiere Pro

Audition

dira! Suite

(BBC Radio Systems)

OBS

(Open Broadcaster Software)

BBC Spotlight

TV packages and video journalism

I had the privilege of shadowing and assisting at BBC News' South West base.

I presented and co-shot a digital reel that went out on their Instagram page as well as another video on their social media stories.

I also saw how a live show is produced from the gallery, the set up of a live OB interview and the construction of numerous TV and digital packages. I even helped out with the editing and filming of pieces that made it to air.

I learnt loads about the structure of different TV pieces, what happens on a shoot and the methods that are used to film and edit footage.

WATCH IT HERE

BBC World Service, Radio 4 and 5 Live

I helped out on 4 major network shows and podcasts

Being able to work on the World Business Report, Radio 4's Moneybox, 5 Live's Wake Up to Money and the Marketplace programmes at Media City was so interesting!

My voice was broadcast around the world, as was a clip sequence I produced, and I had guests, scripts and edits featured on network radio (plus researcher credit on Moneybox too)!

And click here for the clip sequence I researched, scripted and edited for the BBC World Service's Business Report.

Checkmate

Directing a professional video from scratch

I successfully pitched, planned, directed, filmed and edited a short video about friends having a mental health chat over a board game.

WATCH IT HERE

Skills

Pitching

I had to pitch my idea in front of a board of industry experts who praised my “very strong research”, the “good clear breakdown of budget” and the “great summary slide and the end”. They were also kind about my presenting style, stating it was “very clear”, “articulate and composed”.

Production Planning

I completed all the relevant production paperwork before, during and after Checkmate's creation. This included a call sheet; signing equipment in and out; camera crib sheet; updated risk assessment; health and safety; permission forms (for locations and contributors) and a storyboard.

Filming

When filming Checkmate, I learnt how to use a full range of equipment, from a Canon XF105 and a secondary camera to clip-on-mics, tripod and lights.

Editing

I edited the full piece together on FCPX in under three days. This involved syncing multiple cameras, using a variety of audio tracks and mixing them, colour grading as well as visual effects and transformations.

(without personal details)

Skills

Teamwork

I was part of a five-person team for this project. Each team member took on a variety of dynamic roles, allowing us all to act, film and direct. The five days that we had to produce the short film ran smoothly because of everyone's ability to work well as a team. Our team was tested with time pressures, equipment limits and differences in opinion, but everyone was professional and affable. I developed my teamwork skills by being flexible and filling any gaps in the group. In addition, I excelled in keeping morale and productivity high.

Production Planning

I completed a call sheet, a camera crib sheet, an updated risk assessment, health and safety paperwork, permission forms (for locations and contributors), a storyboard as well as sourcing equipment and signing everything in and out.

Filming

When filming Work in Progress, I used a Canon XF105, boom pole and other mics, a range of lighting options and a tripod. Due to the variable lighting and size of our filming locations, we had to be creative with positioning mics, lights and cameras.

Work in Progress - Mockumentary

Co-produced all elements of this short film

I scripted, filmed, starred in and edited a short film

WATCH IT HERE

Editing

I edited the mockumentary on FCP in under three days. It was a complex edit because I had to tell the story in an engaging, humorous, flowing manner. I had to make sure there were no gaps or inconsistencies in the narrative too. Like Checkmate, the project needed a variety of mixed audio tracks, colour grading, visual effects and transformations. Click on the 'Editing Process' below to see how I did some of these.

(without personal details)

Technical Outside Broadcast Training

I have taken part in lots of Outside Broadcasts as a production assistant (see what I've been up to here). On top of two-ways with the presenter, sourcing guests and other production duties, I have been trained to use the technical equipment too.

I know how to set up and work with a portable Comrex system, a Starlink dish and wifi and a Raspberry Pi data box as well as the broadcast equipment they come with and applications such as Luci Live.

I have been trusted to learn and apply this technical knowledge quickly and efficiently by my colleagues, in turn demonstrating my growing understanding of engineering.

Audio Editing Training Week

Alongside the daily audio editing I carry on dira!StarTrack, I have also been trained in Adobe Audition.

I learnt about making beds, dealing with expletives, using the spectral editor, masking atmosphere changes, editing from a script and making radio edits.

I finished the week by editing together a pilot radio segment focused on meaningful music titled 'Tracks of My Years'. I produced this as an evening show piece linked with the Upload slot of the show.

How I produced 'Tracks of My Years'

BBC Sport

Shadowing live shows

I have had two unbelievable opportunities to shadow the production of Football Focus and the World Athletics Championships.

The former kicked off my love for television production +5 years ago. I shadowed the team and presenters for the whole day, becoming fascinated with each stage of the production process. I still have the script from that day (complete with signatures from the presenter teams).

I was able to visit BBC Sport studios again in 2022. Experiencing being on set and in the gallery during the championship preparation was just as exciting as my first time at Media City half a decade before.

Other Training

I have also received training for the following (anything underlined has a document/page attached to it):

Mojo Kit/ iPhone filming (which I put to good use when recording for TV news)
Video editing
Package making and storytelling
Podcasting (see what we were able to produce in a day here)
Local radio social media
Editorial values and impartiality
The structure and culture of the creative industry
Copyright, safeguarding and legislation (for all areas of the industry)
Understanding the creative industry
Writing for different genres/platforms (both training and real-world examples)
Studio hierarchy, etiquette, teamwork and my place in the production process
Production department and workflow