TV producer offers insight to students

Students hoping to work in the media have been getting advice from a leading television and film producer.

Howard Burch, who created the hit BBC show Spooks, was at the University of Teesside’s School of Arts & Media to meet BA (Hons) Television Production Professional Practice students.

He drew on his more recent work producing ITV soap Echo Beach and the soap’s behind the scenes show Moving Wallpaper to explain how the programme was commissioned, its production process and the challenges of audience ratings.

He also held individual tutorials with each student and offered advice on pursuing a career in television production.

Howard said: ‘I am really impressed with the facilities at the University of Teesside, along with the enthusiasm and energy of the students. They are just the kind of people we want to see in the industry.’

Warren Harrison, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, said: ‘It has always been our ethos in the media section to ensure that the education experience is as relevant as possible to the industries the students want to work in.

‘The students have also been able to talk to Howard about their own academic work and show him their ideas.’

Third year student Liam Hamilton, 29, of London, said: ‘Being able to speak to someone working in the industry has helped to give us a better insight into the whole process of how television shows are commissioned and made.’

He added: ‘It has been really helpful to talk to him about his work, he has offered some good advice.

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