Working at Signals

That's Lisa at work at Signals 25th anniversary event last month.

Education Co-ordinator Position – A message from Lisa, the current post holder:

“I have worked at Signals for 5 years and in this time I have truly been able to shape the role according to the needs of our business and the industry. The great thing about this job is that no two days are the same. One day I’ll be meeting clients and networking at events, the next I’ll be jumping around excitedly explaining how animation works to primary school children and later on I’ll be busily writing a funding application for a new project. The role would be great for someone who is flexible, passionate and a great problem solver but also offers a creative individual the chance to put forwards their own ideas for projects and business opportunities. In 2009 I started Signals Youth Film Club, which is still going strong today and now gives young people the chance to gain experience of work by assisting on workshops and sitting on our Youth Panel in Board meetings. So it just goes to show that Signals is a supportive and encouraging environment to unleash your ideas.

Signals is a wonderful place to work. You will be part of a small, dedicated core team, but will have the opportunity to work with lots of other people including funders, freelancers and partner organisations. Someone who is personable, confident and a good leader should excel in this role. The team are always available to discuss day-to-day work and offer support. Having worked for large organisations before, it’s great to be able to sit down with a boss who knows your name and talk through any issues you may have in a relaxed setting!

If I could offer one tip for the person covering my maternity leave it would be to focus on nurturing existing partnerships and seek out funding sources for the coming year(s). Oh, and try not to judge my filing system too much ;-)  “

Lisa Wright

To find out more details about the job  click join the team from our website or click http://bit.ly/16oSTCI

Breaking into the Film Industry: Making the Final Cut.

The creative industries are notoriously difficult to get into and to get your work noticed by the right people. Whether it is Film, Photography, Advertising or Illustration, a lot of people aspiring to be a creative are met with the same reaction. "You're best getting a proper job". "Too many people want to be one of those". "It's too hard to get into." And that's just your careers advisor at school! You're family will be concerned as there is not a lot of money to be made starting out..if any at all. But that is no reason to give it all up if it's something you really want to do.

But they are right. If you're not willing to graft then it is better to get a 'proper job'. They're also right when they say too many people are trying to get work. There are hundreds of courses that dump a load of graduates each year into the world of job seeking. Not to mention the countless freelancers. And they definitely weren't wrong when they tried talking you out of it for financial reasons. It is very costly to have the appropriate equipment. Filmmakers need a high spec camera, a tripod, editing software, Lighting equipment, Sound stuff...the list goes on and on.

Signals Media Arts Centre provides award winning expertise in filmmaking, scriptwriting, photography and post production through their range of adult courses and professional workshops. They can also give a helping hand when it comes to equipment hire and studio space. But before you take a look at our website-http://www.signals.org.uk/

Here are a few tips for budding Spielbergs, Tarantino's and Theroux's.

• Immerse Yourself: Practice making as many short films as you can. A great film can be 15 minutes long or 15 seconds long. Watch as many films of all genres, of all styles for inspiration and knowledge of the kind of stuff being made out there.

• Market Yourself: "It's not what you know, it's who you know". Well in truth, the more you know and the better you are then naturally more people will get to know you. Enter into competitions, go to local film festivals and screenings, collaborate with other local creatives. Do what you can to get your name about.

• Better Yourself: Do a course to improve on areas you're not as competent in. If you're a great scriptwriter but feel you can't put your ideas into action, attend a camera workshop. Or you may be brilliant at shooting and editing but don't have the skills to make a script exciting enough to show off your filmmaking talents. Signals Media Art Centre have courses to make you a master of all trades. Click here to see more info.

Good luck!