28th November 2024
I’m Sam Landau, a Film & Media student at Newcastle University. It’s an exciting degree to study, but nothing gives you more experience of the industry more than being in a real working company. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a week with Spark Media Partners and I’ve gained invaluable insights into both the TV industry and the business behind it. It was an eye opening experience that provided me with a close up look at how television shows are developed, produced, and brought to life.
Working with the Chateau DIY Team
For the first two days, I had the opportunity to work alongside the Chateau DIY team. From the moment I arrived, the team was incredibly welcoming and made me feel at home. It was amazing to see the level of dedication, attention to detail, and collaborative effort that goes into producing a successful TV programme. Being part of their discussions and observing how they manage the finer points of production behind the scenes gave me a much deeper appreciation for the work that happens off camera.
A Day in the Recording Studio
One of the highlights of the week was sitting in on a voiceover recording session with the talented Adjoa Andoh. Watching a seasoned professional like Adjoa bring the script to life was captivating. It also gave me a clearer understanding of how each “piece of the puzzle” comes together during post-production. The session was done at an amazing pace by absolute professionals and my questions about the processes were always met with generosity and detail, giving me a truly insightful experience.
Live Edit at Rapid Pictures
Midweek, I was also given the chance to visit Rapid Pictures in Shepherd’s Bush, where I observed a live online edit of five episodes from the series Ancient Civilisations by Train. The professional editing process in real time is fascinating. This experience deepened my understanding of the effort required to ensure that the final product aligns with the creative vision. The balance between creativity and technical execution during the editing process was remarkable.
Brainstorm Meeting and Getty Images Drinks
Perhaps the most memorable part of the week was participating in a brainstorming session with Spark Media’s founders, Steve and Mark, along with the Director of Development, Leon. The meeting was a platform for creative discussion about potential new TV show ideas. I found the free flowing exchange of ideas inspiring. It reminded me that, at its core, every creative project begins with a conversation and the process of brainstorming remains timeless. The openness and creativity in that room were truly refreshing and something I will always cherish. Finally to top off the week, I was invited along to the Getty images evening drinks event, had some brilliant conversations meeting people all over the industry.
Special thanks to Steve Havers for making this all possible, and to the Chateau DIY team for an incredible week. This experience gave me a glimpse of the passion that fuels the television industry, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of it.