Alan de Palette
How did you get into the industry?
''I started out writing feature articles for newspapers in 1988 when I was 19, did that as a freelancer (on spec then commissioned) for 3 years and then started freelancing as a reporter and researcher on several BBC radio programmes.
How did you arrange work experience?
''I've always done everything off my own back - from newspapers right through to filmmaking, by sending hundreds of ideas on spec, until eventually something would bite. I didn't study at university, so I've never known any formal way of breaking into the industry, which I would have welcomed at various stages in my career.''
What advice would you give to others seeking work experience?
''Do what I didn't or couldn't do and get some work experience! Find out the names of every production company in the country and write to them, being quite upfront and eager.''
How do you promote your skills and abilities to potential employers?
''To find more work, send CVs, showreels, upfront enthusiastic letters etc. Doesn't always work, but can pay off if you are persistent enough and have the ideas to back it up.''
How do you find out about available work?
''My next job usually comes by accident, as things are very rarely advertised for writers or directors. It's a bit of a 'who you know' situation sadly.''
Did you have any careers advice available to you?
''None, other than doing a one year college course in Media Studies. It gave me an appetite and opened my eyes a little bit, but there was never enough advice on how to progress - I've had to find out most things through trial and error.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''I think I've made them all, except to say that commissioners really ought to be more enthusiastic and brave about new people and new ideas. Why else should they hold the job?!''
''I started out writing feature articles for newspapers in 1988 when I was 19, did that as a freelancer (on spec then commissioned) for 3 years and then started freelancing as a reporter and researcher on several BBC radio programmes.
How did you arrange work experience?
''I've always done everything off my own back - from newspapers right through to filmmaking, by sending hundreds of ideas on spec, until eventually something would bite. I didn't study at university, so I've never known any formal way of breaking into the industry, which I would have welcomed at various stages in my career.''
What advice would you give to others seeking work experience?
''Do what I didn't or couldn't do and get some work experience! Find out the names of every production company in the country and write to them, being quite upfront and eager.''
How do you promote your skills and abilities to potential employers?
''To find more work, send CVs, showreels, upfront enthusiastic letters etc. Doesn't always work, but can pay off if you are persistent enough and have the ideas to back it up.''
How do you find out about available work?
''My next job usually comes by accident, as things are very rarely advertised for writers or directors. It's a bit of a 'who you know' situation sadly.''
Did you have any careers advice available to you?
''None, other than doing a one year college course in Media Studies. It gave me an appetite and opened my eyes a little bit, but there was never enough advice on how to progress - I've had to find out most things through trial and error.''
Are there any other points / reality checks you'd like to make?
''I think I've made them all, except to say that commissioners really ought to be more enthusiastic and brave about new people and new ideas. Why else should they hold the job?!''
