Rosalind Gildea

1. What made you decide to apply for your trainee position on the Northern Routes Training Scheme?

When I saw the scheme advertised I saw it as an amazing opportunity of getting a ‘foot in the door’ and meeting contacts whilst gaining on the job training in a very specialized role. I’d been searching for an entry into the industry and the position of trainee script supervisor was perfect, as it would enable me to be on set amidst the action, which is what I wanted.

2. Please give a brief outline of your previous experience, related to this training position.
Last summer I graduated from a practical filmmaking course, Contemporary Film & Video at Manchester Metropolitan University, and specialised in Directing. Since then I’ve been working on a number of independent projects such as a low budget feature film in London as Production Manager, a researcher in factual programme making for Channel M and in the Production and Press team on a play at Studiosalford.

3. There were nearly 500 applications for 22 places across the North of England, how did it feel to be chosen?

Over the moon! I was thrilled to bits that I’d been chosen. I felt like my hard work of applications had finally paid off and beating the competition was a definite confidence boost. I couldn’t wait to start the placement.

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

As trainee script supervisor, I’ve had the privilege of being on set for the entire shoot. I’ve been learning what the role of script supervisor entails and the methods used. In short, I run through lines with the actors, shadow the script supervisor when filming in concern with continuity, get the camera details and assist the script supervisor with her paperwork and progress reports. The entire shoot is on location, which has been a lot of fun and at times a challenge.
5. Best bits?

The best part of the production has to be the people involved, the varied locations and being in the privileged position of seeing how an established Director works. I’ve met some very talented and friendly people that have been kind enough to share their knowledge and make me feel like part of the team, especially the Script Supervisor. The locations have been extremely varied and at times extravagant. It’s been fascinating to see how the different departments create these dramatic scenes.

6. What are your long term career aims and how do you feel this scheme will help you achieve them?

My long-term ambition is to Direct and Produce and I would like to experience working on both drama and documentary before specializing in one or the other. However, this scheme has strengthened my understanding of how a television drama operates, both logistically and in terms of shot construction. I have learnt the craft of being a Script Supervisor and at this stage in my career, would like more experience within this role to strengthen my knowledge to become a fully-fledged Script Supervisor before thinking about other roles.