Hannah Swinglehurst

1. What made you decide to apply for your trainee position on the Northern Routes Training Scheme?
I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to make the move from post-production. Where I could achieve my ambitions and stay based in the Northwest.

2. Please give a brief outline of your previous experience, related to this training position.
I studied media at college and university and I'd done work experience for BBC religion and Ethics which had taught me a lot. I was previously working as an edit assistant but I've always had an interest in pre-production and as I have an organised nature the production assistant role appealed to me.

3. There were nearly 500 applications for 22 places across the North of England, how did it feel to be chosen?
Knowing I've successfully gained a place when there was such incredible competition has given me a great convidence boost.

4. What have you been up to so far on your placement?

One of the great things about my placement has been the variety of tasks I've been able to do. I've been on shoots for the One Show, arranging travel for cast and crew, securing locations and been involved in ideas meetings. Everyday I've done something different.

5. What's been the best bit(s)?
I've really enjoyed my placement, I've been working with a great team. I've been to London a couple of times to help out on shoots which I've learnt a lot from. It's great working on a programme like The One Show which has several films in production at once. The weekly production meetings are an interesting process to be involved in and the team have even liked a few of my ideas.

6. What are your long term career aims and how do you feel this scheme will help you achieve them?
The time I've spent on the placement has strengthened my ambition for a career in production management, especially on factual programmes like Panorama. I've been given a fantastic opportunity, gained invaluable
experience and made some great contacts.