Channel 4 inspires talent at Teesside

Representatives from Channel 4 were on hand to inspire media students at Teesside University and give them tips and advice about how to break into the industry.

Jo Taylor, Head of Learning and 4Talent at Channel 4, gave a guest lecture to around 200 students.

She spoke about the importance of multi-platform content production and career routes into television.

Jo was joined by Louise Brown, Channel 4’s Multi Platform Commissioner and Jen Topping, Business Manager for Channel 4 On-line, who all took part in a question and answer session with the students about approaches to multi-platform production.

'Talent is a key part of Channel 4’s DNA and has been there from the beginning”, said Jo.

'It’s what gives us the ability to make the fantastic programmes which you see on Channel 4. My job is to make sure that Channel 4 has the brightest and the best talent working within the organisation – we aim to nurture and inspire the next generation.

'We want to connect with you and give you the opportunity to interact with us. I think what you do and the way you develop students is really innovative, and I think that organisations like Channel 4 want to be associated with the best.'

A distinguished career Jo’s media career includes being Deputy Managing Editor for BBC Television and Head of Production Talent for Optomen Television. She moved to Channel 4 in 2007 as 4Talent Manager and is now Head of Learning and 4Talent.

4Talent is a scheme to support people from different backgrounds and walks of life to build careers in the media.

During her talk, Jo talked about the different routes into Channel 4, such as graduate schemes, work experience and internships and said a typical internship at Channel 4 could see up to 600 applicants.

But despite the strong competition for jobs, she urged students to stay positive and work hard to achieve their dreams.

Jo added: 'It’s a competitive business but one of the key attributes to be successful in this industry is resilience – somebody has to get the job so why not you?'

Warren Harrison, Principal Lecturer in Media Production, said: 'This was a tremendous event that was invaluable to our students. The career advice was excellent and the multi-platform presentation ensured that our students are at the forefront of developments in television production, which is exactly where we want them to be both now and in their careers.'

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