Media students had a careers masterclass with top TV producer Annie Conlon showing them how to get into a competitive industry.
She was “the perfect person” to come and speak to them at the Barking and Dagenham College Rush Green training studio, their tutors decided.
“Annie inspired the next generation of media professionals,” college development manager Zoe Richardson said.
“She shared her experience, with her passion for mentoring learners.”
Annie has produced major shows during her 25 years in TV such as I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, Come Dine With Me, The Only Way is Essex and Gogglebox.
Students heard about how she broke into the media as a trainee herself, then put her on the spot with questions about how they could also make it into the world of film and TV.
One student, Jack Buntine, said afterwards: “Annie inspired me to be more creative with her masterclass that gave me a massive insight on how to get started in the media industry. I have a passion for film.”
Annie delved behind-the-scenes into the realities of TV production, explaining how much adaptability and resilience is needed and how important networking and gaining hands-on experience are for aspiring filmmakers.
Students were advised to go for internships and work experience to build up their portfolios.
She spoke about the media evolving with the impact of digital platforms and how new technologies are shaping television’s future.
The students said they left motivated with a clearer understanding of the career paths they could follow.
They regularly meet top industry professionals face-to-face as part of the college programme to guide them to taking their first steps into media and television.
Annie Conlon has now turned to talent management for All3Media global TV and film production group which makes and distributes programmes from true crime to soap operas and reality TV.
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