Vanessa Lu - Diversity 2 2009
Production Trainee
It is a great starting point to development my career in the highly competitive industry!
What were you doing before becoming a trainee on a Cyfle scheme?
I used to be a sub-editor at a press group in China. Then I came to the UK to study. I obtained two masters’ degree – including an MA in International Journalism at Cardiff University and an MA in Marketing Management at the University of Gloucestershire. After graduation, I worked for a Marketing Consultant Company in Wales for two years. My responsibilities including conducting research on a variety of TV programmes and media markets in China for production companies and broadcasters in the UK.
How did you hear about Cyfle, and what were your expectations?
My friend informed me about Cyfle’s training schemes. I then registered my details on-line to receive Cyfle e-bulletins. I expected that Cyfle’s training scheme would not only offer major skills for working in the industry, but also opportunities to follow different routes into production.
Please list the projects you have worked on:
- I was involved in producing a short film ‘I Love Cardiff’ for BBC Big Screen at Cardiff city centre.
- Managed the tape library for BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2009.
- Researched a variety of ideas and consumer regulations for BBC the One Show programme.
- Two ideas that I have submitted have entered pitch stage for the One Show.
- Learnt to listen to scripts
- Organising pictures for a short film on Avid.
Which aspects / elements of the work have you enjoyed the most?
- Working as part of team and learning from each other.
- Working with experienced colleagues in BBC. I have learnt a great deal from them.
- Learning research skills including gathering information, finding contributors, doing investigation for the programme.
- Observing the whole process of organising and transmitting a big event – Cardiff Singer of the World 2009.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? What would you have liked to achieve by then?
I am planning to follow the career path from Researcher to Assistant Producer, then up to Producer. Finally, in 10 years, I will establish my own production company engaged in the development and production of TV documentaries and motion pictures initially between the UK and China.
Do you have any further comments that you would like to make?
Cyfle’s scheme has presented me with a gateway that allows me to make contacts and network in Wales. It has also given me the opportunity to develop and demonstrate my ability. I highly recommend Cyfle to the new entrants who have the enthusiasm to develop their career in TV and film industry.
To read more about the Diversity 2 Scheme click here
