What’s your role at MultiStory?
I’ve spent most of my time at MultiStory working in development; pitching ideas, negotiating access and brainstorming big, bold formats. As someone who loves both development and production, I was fortunate enough to move onto a project that we got commissioned and I’m currently working on a premium documentary for ITVX.
What made you want to get into TV and how did you make that a reality?
To be honest, TV was never a career I considered. When I left University, I had my heart set on becoming a journalist and did a bit of unpaid and freelance work for a short time. Then
someone mentioned that they thought I could do well working in television and I was so
intrigued. I came across The Pact Indie Diversity Scheme, which is aimed specifically at
entry-level diverse talent within TV and Film. I applied and successfully won a six month
placement as a runner with Endemol Shine (now Banijay).
During my six-month period I was able to work on shows such as The Island, Bodyshockers,
and Big Brother and whilst working on Big Brother I truly learnt the power of networking and charmed my way to my next job. I met my next boss Camilla Lewis when she, along with
other TV execs and creatives, were invited to spend a night in the Big Brother house. I was
responsible for meeting and greeting them, taking them to where they needed to go and then saying goodbye to them the next day. After chatting with Camilla she offered me a job after my placement ended. The downside was I had to apply for another scheme, this time with Creative Access as the role was a Trainee development researcher. Spoiler alert…I applied and got the job and was with the company for two years. I learnt how to shoot and my love affair with development and production truly began.
What’s the biggest hurdle you’ve had to overcome to get to where you are?
Being a working mother in television is definitely not easy. Getting the balance right between being a present parent and pushing for the roles you really want and not the roles people think you should do, is a constant battle. On top of that, good old fashioned imposter syndrome will pop up now and then just to keep me on my toes! Like most of us in this industry, I can’t quite believe that we get paid to make television programmes and there is that slight fear that one day someone will realise that I have no clue what I’m doing. But that’s the beauty of television, the more you work and the more confident you become in your skill, the more you’re able to use the imposter syndrome as motivation – something I’m still working on.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Being named as one of this years ‘Ones To Watch’ at the Edinburgh TV Festival is definitely one of my proudest moments. There were so many reasons that nearly stopped me from applying and knowing the year I’ve had and not really believing I would get chosen, meant that when it was announced I was one of the 30 delegates, this achievement meant so much more. Like in any job, it is really affirming to get validation that your hard work is being noticed and you are worthy.
Are there any big learning curves or disaster moments you can look back and laugh about now?
It’s funny because looking back at some “disaster moments” they aren’t ever as bad as you
thought they were. I think we have to remember that this is just TV and there is always a
solution, no matter how bad things may seem at the time. Sometimes when things aren’t
going to plan, the best thing to do is to take a step back and reassess. Then you will be able
to make better choices and not react out of pure emotion.
What I did learn from some of these moments, and thankfully there haven’t been many, is
that what you do after a mistake happens can have bigger consequences than the mistake
itself. We’re only human and mistakes will happen, but the choices you make post a disaster
can either make things better or worse, so don’t panic and think quickly on your feet and
people will take note on how you cope in a crisis situation.
What are your favourite TV shows?
I am obsessed with documentaries and my faves past and present include 9/11: The Falling
Man, The Last Dance, Life and Death Row, Night Stalker: The Hunt for a Serial Killer,
Making A Murderer and The Keepers (what can I say, your girl loves a murder).
But I am also a sucker for premium reality shows like Love Is Blind or Selling Sunsets –
anything that lets me live out my rich housewife fantasy or my romcom dating dreams count
me in!
.