Sophia James (Channel 4 Production Training Scheme 2016 – 2017 trainee) tells us about her first few weeks as a researcher at Full Fat TV and how the TB Bootcamp helped her settle in…

Thrust into my new role as a researcher on the development team at Full Fat TV, I haven’t stopped and I’ve loved it. My first few weeks have been jam packed, with so much to take in and so much to do – Thank God for the weeks training with thinkBIGGER.

Initially, it was mainly about getting my head around all of the telly terminology and settling in – harking back to those notes from training week. Little things like paying attention to how the phone is answered came to mind. I’ve been so busy, I still haven’t had a chance to read them all properly.

Before I knew it, I was in brainstorming meetings with the heads of development. I was giving my opinions on ideas, developing on ideas and contributing my own. It’s a good feeling when you can add a different perspective and it actually helps. Getting to know about the commissioners and what they like and what they’re looking for has been essential, along with reading up on current ideas and watching a lot of TV – which is my hobby anyway.

I’ve revelled in the variety of work I’ve been doing. Every day and every week I’m doing something new and different. Some days I’ve been set with researching information, facts and statistics as well as looking for relevant images and writing paragraphs for treatments. Other days involved calling venues for filming and reccing a nudist establishment… That was an interesting day.

Finding talent, calling them up and speaking with them is what I’ve most enjoyed so far. It’s quite a buzz, and it feels like I’ve hit the jackpot when they say they’re interested in being involved in a programme; even if most programme ideas don’t get commissioned.

All in all, with each day, my confidence has grown and I’m getting into the swing of things. The first few weeks have made me even more excited about the next few weeks and the year ahead.

Source: Think Bigger