At The Northern School of Art we offer multiple pathways into the stage and screen industries, through our degree programmes in BA (Hons) Film,  TV & Theatre Production, BA(Hons) Model Making & Props, BA (Hons) Visual Effects, BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design, BA (Hons) Set Design for Stage & Screen and BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen.

Through skill development, research, cross-course collaboration, live briefs, partnerships, guest speakers and access to resources like The Northern Talent Pool, Connected Campus and close proximity to destinations for the growing film and TV industry in the North East like The Northern Studios, and the production village development in Hartlepool, students have amazing opportunities at their fingertips to gain real life career opportunities.

Our courses promote a work whilst you study approach to learning where possible, giving students the opportunities and connections to work in their field and gain important experiences whilst they study. Over the years we have spoken to a multitude of graduates working on sets and in departments across the industry in this blog we offer some fantastic real advice from graduates that have worked on major productions like Downton Abbey and Adolescence. Scroll to read their advice and gain some insight into what creative jobs exist behind the scenes:

How to get a job in the Costume Industry

Alumni Christina Marshall who worked in the costume department for Netflix series Adolescence, said the opportunity to work on the set came through a contact on a previous project, “I had previously worked with Jess the costume designer on a TV series called Sexy Beast in 2022. Prior to Adolescence, I was contracted on a children’s TV series which her partner was also working on. He mentioned to Jess that I was available as the kids job was wrapping up. The supervisor then got in contact and booked me for the final episode of the series.”

Wardrobe Mistress and alumni Alison Lyons said her tips for graduates also emphasised the importance of making connections and simply saying yes, “take every opportunity that is put before you whilst doing your degree, you never know what can put you even a small step closer to getting your foot in the door. Network as much as possible, because in the early stages it becomes a lot about who you know rather than what you know.”

She also highlighted the importance of being passionate and realistic “I would say that the most important thing I would tell graduates is also the biggest cliché – working in the TV/film industry is not glamorous!! Be realistic about your expectations when entering the industry. The days are long, you shoot no matter the weather or the temperature, and sometimes you have long breaks between jobs, which can be quite unnerving. I love my job and I am certain that I would not be able to do it without that love. I have travelled to some fantastic places, shot in some beautiful locations, and worked with some amazing people but it is hard work, both mentally and physically.”

“When I was lucky enough to be standby on Downton Abbey: A New Era by this time, I had more than enough experience to know that, despite this being my dream job, it was going to be extremely hard work and a lot of pressure. I still had the best time! But I am really glad that I had gained enough knowledge and time where I could be more realistic about what the job entailed, as opposed to if I had been given that role a lot earlier in my career.”

Lastly some practical tips from designer Molly Frankland, “my advice I would give to get started as a trainee and gain opportunities would firstly be learning to drive” Molly is a costume alumni who has worked on productions with the BBC and ITV as well as the Netflix Film Enola Holmes. “I learnt during my final year and my job would not be possible without driving as filming often takes place in remote locations at unsociable hours!”

Additionally she said “working as a daily (day to day work as opposed to a long-term contract) can provide you with networking opportunities and lead to more work and connections. Don’t be afraid to reach out to supervisors through email as this is how I gained my first ever screen experience on ‘Enola Holmes 2’, working as a crowd costume daily.”

Advice for graduates breaking into Film & TV

Director and Royal Television Society and BFI award winner Sam Burt said “I’ve been able to get many opportunities that were above my level by being creative with how I approach things. For example, I always send a video to jobs to stand out, where I introduce myself and show credibility, if there are any possible objections, I can handle them there,  you’ll likely always secure an interview this way.”

“Being proactive and connecting with people accelerated opportunities and experiences, always think what can I give and expect no return? If you can provide the value, take on responsibility, you will learn more and in turn people will look to you for answers. Nothing’s quick and easy, patience is very important, and don’t believe anything you see on social media, always check companies house to see if something is legitimate.”

Making it in Model Making

Alumni Micheal Coyle who worked as a Prop Master on feature film The Wilds emphasised the importance of experimenting whilst you can during university: “University is a great place to learn but also a time to make mistakes and learn from them!” He also said to “put the time in as it shows a good work ethic which is what employers look for. Allow yourself to get out of your comfort zone, lastly invest in yourself not only in time i.e learning from other industry professionals but also the kit and tools that you will bring to industry.”

Taking your first steps into Set-Design

Production Designer and Lecturer Lee Ward who has built sets for productions across the country said to “make the most of your time studying because you’ll blink and it’s over; experiment, take risks, make mistakes and most importantly, give people good reasons to remember you. It might just get you where you want to be.”

Recent graduate and set designer Christy Robinson had practical advice for young designers setting out, when working on the set of feature film Kraken she said “to watch their shadows on set and make no noise at all while the crew are filming. Always have backups of props if you can, or extra set dressing because more is more. I bought last minute blood, though I didn’t expect to use it and went though 12 to 15 tubes. Always keep scissors in your kit, they are ridiculously helpful, black tape also. Talk to everyone you can during breaks, you never know who is going to be your next employer, and be kind.”

EPH Creative designer Meg Anderson said that students should start their careers early whilst studying and take any opportunities they can: “I worked as an assistant stage manager on my first show then moved to stage manager on the next. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if the lecturers didn’t push me to get involved in the industry early. I gained a lot of confidence during this period of work, and I wouldn’t have been as prepared for my job at EPH without it.” She also emphasised the importance of putting yourself out there, “I strongly recommend shouting up and offering your help, knowledge, and skills.. I would encourage students to be as creative as they can and to have confidence in themselves because confidence goes a long way!”

Acting for Stage & Screen

Actress Kaitlyn Maxfield said “a piece of advice I would give to new graduates, especially in acting is to stay connected with the region. We are blessed to have many communities online as well as offline, so to engage and stay informed within the communities will help you get work.”

“For example, North East Practitioners Facebook page as well as various other casting and art communities on Facebook have been a gem for casting calls and have led me to gaining work. There are also so many events in theatres around the NE such as Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle who host a lot of informal networking events, and are a great place to meet the faces you will see in audition rooms.”

“Another piece of advice I would also give is to champion others in spaces. Putting other creatives you are friends with into rooms and conversations and recommend jobs to them, in turn will benefit you, as the favour will be returned. It’s nice to be nice and it does come back to you. Stay connected!”

Find out more about our Stage & Screen courses here.