ASPIRING television producers and directors from Warrington are being given the chance to fulfil their dream of working in the media.
Students at the Warrington campus of the University of Chester have the chance to learn from industry 
professionals as part of the MA television production course.
The course also offers close links with Granada Television, BBC and Manchester-based station Channel M.
During study programme, a number of guest lecturers and speakers, who are currently working in the industry, will give talks.
Programme Leader Caroline Ford said: “From the first week, students undertake intensive workshops and tutoring to gain the technical, practical and theoretical skills to make television programmes.
“The course is very much about preparing students for life in the industry, and we place an emphasis on ‘multi-skilling’. By the end of the programme, students will have had the opportunity to gain competencies in a variety of roles, from camera operator to editor.
“As well as making a 30-minute documentary, students are required to put together a studio-based television show, and work with a professional presenter for their ‘as live’ programme. Students are encouraged to be involved in every aspect of the production process, from idea generation to delivery of the final product.”
Students also get the chance to take part in “live” broadcasts in the campus’ North West Media Centre, which has a fully functional television studio with retractable seating for 100 people.
Particularly close links with the BBC mean students have a greater chance of gaining employment in the industry when they graduate.
Former student Bryan Lomax is currently working on film scripts since graduating the university, after he won the Best Documentary category in the Total Film Magazine Awards for his portrayal of the experiences of Warrington’s first Polish bus driver.
He said: “I was delighted to win. Total Film is one of the biggest-selling film magazines in the country. I thought the course was excellent, it has given me a good grounding and we all had a great rapport with the tutors.”
Caroline added: “We cannot promise our students a job at the end of the course, but we’re able to facilitate placement opportunities within the industry. The staff on the programme all have experience within the industry, and inevitably we speak with contacts on a regular basis. We actively encourage students to take full advantage of any opportunities that arise.
“We believe the number of former students who have gone on to enjoy success is testimony to the quality of teaching and learning on the programme, and the comprehensive grounding it provides.”
Picture shows Bryan outside the North West Media Centre
