Exploring the World of Film and TV: A Learning Journey to Success

3rd November 2023, by Melissa Nhau

Hello, everyone! I’m Melissa Nhau, and I am the new administration assistant at All Spring Media. Today, I want to take you through the remarkable experiences and opportunities that have led me to this point.

My journey began during a summer break when my mother suggested I explore some courses she had heard about from a colleague. Upon browsing their website, I discovered a weeklong advertising course with Mediacom. That course was a turning point, as I found my passion for the creative industries.

The following summer, I took my newfound interest to the next level by enrolling in various creative courses. From pitching and creating adverts to making music videos, documentaries, and short films, I immersed myself in the world of creativity. Though each course was enjoyable, I realised my true calling lay in High-End Television (HETV) production.

Originally, I intended to pursue a degree in psychology, but I found myself at the University of Salford studying Television and Radio Production. My time at university was challenging as I struggled to secure meaningful work experience. This led me to realise that, while in university, I wasn’t exposed to the diverse departments within the film and television industry. I believe there’s a place for everyone in this industry, and I’m open to exploring all that it has to offer.

I landed my first on-set job as a dailies location marshal for the BBC comedy series “The State of the Union,” directed by Stephen Frears. This experience exposed me to the ins and outs of a production day on location. I had the privilege of interacting with various members of the production crew, gaining insights into the responsibilities of a location marshal and discovering the different positions within the department.

Later, a two-week work experience opportunity with Raw TV, known for productions like “Tinder Swindler” and “Don’t F*ck with Cats,” allowed me to hone my skills in transcribing, research, script reading, and report writing. It provided a glimpse into the workings of a production office and some of the most popular documentaries.

I eventually became an art department assistant for a small-scale music video. Through these connections, I later landed a role as an art department trainee for a PR shoot featuring the multi-award-winning artist RAYE. It gave me the space to explore my creativity through creating and decorating sets.

My first official in-office role was at a startup production company in Soho, 60Forty Films, working on their first TV series for Apple TV+, “Hijack”. My responsibilities included contacting crew, creating mood boards for script locations, and office upkeep. This led me to my next adventure within the costume department for the same show. This long-term credit was one of the most fulfilling projects of my career. I met amazing people, developed a deeper interest in fashion, and honed my understanding of textile skills. This experience allowed me to witness the progression of a TV programme from script to distribution.

My journey in the Film and Television industry has been an incredible adventure of self-discovery and learning. I’m excited about the path I’m on and the opportunities that lie ahead at All Spring Media. The creative industries are dynamic and full of possibilities, and I’m ready to embrace them all. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next. Stay tuned for more adventures in the world of Film and Television!