The Network Testimonials

The Network is our free, entry-level access programme for people who are passionate about TV. This exciting scheme is a life-changing opportunity for people who are eager to secure their first behind-the-camera jobs in TV. No experience is necessary – just a desire to work in television.

Our 60 delegates benefit from inspiring workshops and masterclasses, career advice, mentorship, and support finding paid television jobs.

Here’s what our alumni had to say about their experiences of being on the scheme.

Tammie Ash – Development Researcher, BBC Studios

I loved the masterclasses – I remember Russell T. Davies spoke to us and that was really special for me as someone who’d grown up watching his era of Doctor Who. It felt like I had a chance in TV and it was incredibly inspiring.

Wendy Wong – Consultant Production Secretary, Comedy Central

I think The Network definitely kickstarted my career. I’ve had trouble finding jobs after I finished my MA in film, but people I met (guest speakers, my cohort and of course, the brilliant team from The Edinburgh TV Festival) have been guiding me.

Sarah Daly – VT Runner, BBC Studios Entertainment

Being in Edinburgh was a huge part of my Network experience. Getting to see the festival first hand, being amongst some of the biggest names in TV and attending huge networking events set me in great stead for the start of my career.

Emma Ramsay – Development Assistant, World Productions & Screenwriter

We were working with the team behind River City and were tasked with writing a scene for the stars of the show to perform in a showcase at the end of the fest. Hearing the storyline and dialogue the team and I had crafted in front of an audience was nerve wracking but also, really empowering.

Ben Redhead – Camera Assistant, ITV Studios

The Network has made my career possible. The young lad from the Yorkshire Dales screaming and shouting to just get his foot in the door with no degree, now had opportunities galore in all different directions.

Carrie Slinn – Intern, RDF Television

This time last year, I had an ambition without any direction, whereas now I have the beginnings of a career, as well as some lifelong connections and friends – that, to me is pretty priceless.

Fraser Young – Runner, Freelance

All in all the Network is an amazing experience which puts the power in your hands and lets you learn how the industry really works. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it hadn’t been for this scheme.

Louise Black – Trainee Production Accountant, Netflix

The best thing that The Network did for me was to provide an opportunity to prove how much I love TV and how valuable I could be to a crew.

Jason Allen – Production Assistant, Diagonal View

So, does The Network work? Absolutely. They didn’t just help me get my foot on the ladder, they gave me the tools and confidence to make the most of the opportunity. No matter who you are, they will lift you up. I cannot recommend the experience enough.

Raylean Murray – Production Secretary, Talkback

Spending four days at the Edinburgh TV Festival was the most intense and one of the best experiences I have ever had. It felt like a crash course in how to know to navigate the TV industry.

Jodie Ashdown – Story Editor, Casualty

At the scheme, alongside all the other amazing workshops, I attended the drama workshop with the cast and crew of Holby City. And here I met Oliver Kent (Head of Continuing Drama, BBC) who suggested that we meet for a coffee when he was next in Cardiff.

Abby Kumar – Assistant Producer, Shiver

While up there I met some great people. My own generation of TV people. Some of them have become good friends of mine. We’re all at the same point in their careers, and taking different paths upwards.

Yero Timi-Biu – Writer & Director for TV & Film

Not only did my four days in Edinburgh provide a quick-fire introduction to a competitive, creative industry but a network of peers (for life) the same level as me.