Lights, cameras…and Claire!

When Claire Bulmer attended a recording of Channel Four’s Countdown at the age of 17, she started to think about a career in television. Now, four years later, she has achieved this goal, thanks to her BSc (Hons) degree in Media Production from the University of Teesside. On the day she received her degree results Claire also heard that she had clinched her first post, as a News Assistant with Tyne Tees television in Billingham.

Claire, 21, now lives in Norton, Stockton, and is originally from Pontefract, West Yorkshire. She came to the Middlesbrough-based University with three good ‘A’ levels in Media Studies, Psychology and English Language from Pontefract New College.

Claire said: “When I was in the audience for Countdown I was fascinated by the people working behind-the-scenes, all the organisation taken to put the show together. Shortly after that I helped to put together a short television commercial for a carpet firm, which helped me decide to study Media Production. I applied to Teesside and came to visit. When I saw the University had its own TV studio that swung it, none of the other Universities I looked at had those facilities.

“The course has given me all the skills necessary for a media career. I’ve learned about all the different aspects of media production, including editing, live TV experience, camera work, researching and the importance of team work.”

One of the highlights of Claire’s degree was her final project, where she jointly filmed the progress of a community pantomime in South Bank, Middlesbrough, focusing on the experiences of one individual. During her course she also worked for Boro TV, manning the autocue in live broadcasts. In her new post at Tyne Tees Claire’s role will include putting live bulletins out on air, being production assistant for a live 30 minute programme and responsibility for newsroom support.

Claire is the first in her family to graduate from University. She said: “My parents Avril and Stephen are absolutely over the moon and can’t wait until my graduation in November.”

For more information on the BSc (Hons) degree in Media Production call 01642 342499, or check the University of Teesside’s web site at www.tees.ac.uk

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