My week starts the way it has done most Mondays for the past three years – sitting in a university library. There’s one big difference. At this time of year, there is a veil of calm. The underlying current of stress has dissipated. It’s a big change from the tensions of exam season a month ago.
Chairs stand unoccupied and academic books are tossed aside. I am finally on my last chapter. This one is entitled “The real world of television”.
Addressing the students and mentors, RTS Education Chair Graeme Thompson said: “You are part of a thriving project, which is making a difference to representation in the TV and screen industry. We fervently believe that we reach the parts that others in the industry can’t reach – and that’s fantastic for the diversity of our industry.”
I wasn’t sure what to expect from the mentoring programme. I was a bit nervous about being matched up with Julian. You never know what someone’s going to be like.
He was really nice, though. He called me straight away and asked me what I was interested in. He’s very down to earth. I like that about him.
He invited me to meet him at H Club London – we get membership as part of our RTS bursary, so that was nice.
Now in its 10th year, this annual event has become a Southern Centre institution.
Some 200 production-based students from regional universities met around 15 media professionals to discuss TV production, opportunities in the industry and career development.
One of the professionals offering advice at the event was Dean Massey, who in 2014 was part of the first batch of students to receive an RTS bursary. Massey, a graduate of Southampton Solent University’s Television and Video Production course, currently works for Sky News as a camera operator/editor.
The 2019 bursary scheme opened today for application until 30th June 2019, and for the first time not only will applications be open to individuals starting their course of study in 2019, but also to students who began their degree in 2018.
The number of bursaries offered for 2019 will increase substantially with STV funding 10 additional bursaries each year for students studying in Scotland.
I started at Norwich University of the Arts in 2014, after being out of education for several years. I was battling with mental-health issues and felt unsure about which direction I wanted to steer my life.
Screenwriting had always been a secret passion, so I picked a course that would allow me to bring my characters to life. I applied to the RTS Bursary on a whim. I am so thankful that I did.
Applications are now open for the Royal Television Society's undergraduate bursary schemes.
The Society is investing £·5,000 in 25 bursaries to encourage talented students to consider a career in television.
A new technology fund has been launched this year to support five students studying Computing or Engineering who may not have considered working in broadcasting.
