Since graduating from The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Film, TV and Theatre Production course in 2022, Robbie Tweedale has built a career in television, progressing from post-production into editorial work on ITV’s long-running drama Emmerdale.
After graduating, Robbie gained his first industry experience through a week-long shadowing placement on the BBC’s The Dumping Ground, arranged through North East Screen. The experience gave him the opportunity to gain practical insight into different production departments and make valuable industry contacts. One of these contacts later helped him with his application for his first role at Emmerdale.
Robbie initially joined Emmerdale as an Edit Assistant within post-production, before moving into the pre-production and editorial team. His role involves supporting writers and script editors across the production, including reading scripts, preparing episode summaries, distributing scripts to cast and crew and timing episodes to ensure they fit their required transmission slots. Working on a production that creates new episodes five days a week means the role is fast-paced and varied, with numerous scripts being developed simultaneously.
Robbie credits the collaborative nature of his degree with helping prepare him for working in television, particularly the opportunity to develop a broad range of skills and collaborate with students across different areas of production.
His advice to students entering the industry is simple: “Talk to people!” He encourages graduates to make connections, ask people working in their chosen area for advice and not be afraid to reach out for support.