Film4 Apprentice Review
at Channel 4
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Graphic Design
London
Review Submitted: May 2023
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Technical skills: Depending on your specific area of focus, you'll acquire technical skills related to cameras, lighting, sound, editing software, visual effects, or other production equipment. These skills will enable enabled me to operate and maintain the tools and technology used in the film industry.
Production knowledge: You'll gain a deep understanding of the various stages of film production, including pre-production, production, and post-production. This knowledge will include script development, casting, location scouting, set design, shooting techniques, editing, and distribution.
Collaboration and teamwork: Film production is a collaborative endeavor, and you'll learn how to work effectively as part of a team. You'll develop communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to contribute to a creative and productive work environment.
Organization and time management: A successful film production requires careful planning and coordination. During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to manage schedules, create production timelines, and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient workflow and meet deadlines.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is crucial in filmmaking, especially when it comes to continuity, set design, and capturing the desired shots. You'll learn to pay close attention to visual and auditory details, ensuring that everything aligns seamlessly to create a cohesive final product.
Adaptability and resilience: The film industry can be fast-paced and unpredictable, with unexpected challenges arising during production. Your apprenticeship will teach you how to adapt to changing circumstances, think on your feet, and remain calm under pressure.
Creativity and storytelling: Filmmaking is an art form that relies on creativity and storytelling. You'll learn how to use visual and auditory elements to convey emotions, create engaging narratives, and effectively communicate with an audience.
Safety protocols: Working on a film set involves potential risks, and it's important to prioritize safety. Your apprenticeship will provide you with knowledge of safety procedures and protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and others.
Production knowledge: You'll gain a deep understanding of the various stages of film production, including pre-production, production, and post-production. This knowledge will include script development, casting, location scouting, set design, shooting techniques, editing, and distribution.
Collaboration and teamwork: Film production is a collaborative endeavor, and you'll learn how to work effectively as part of a team. You'll develop communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to contribute to a creative and productive work environment.
Organization and time management: A successful film production requires careful planning and coordination. During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to manage schedules, create production timelines, and prioritize tasks to ensure efficient workflow and meet deadlines.
Attention to detail: Attention to detail is crucial in filmmaking, especially when it comes to continuity, set design, and capturing the desired shots. You'll learn to pay close attention to visual and auditory details, ensuring that everything aligns seamlessly to create a cohesive final product.
Adaptability and resilience: The film industry can be fast-paced and unpredictable, with unexpected challenges arising during production. Your apprenticeship will teach you how to adapt to changing circumstances, think on your feet, and remain calm under pressure.
Creativity and storytelling: Filmmaking is an art form that relies on creativity and storytelling. You'll learn how to use visual and auditory elements to convey emotions, create engaging narratives, and effectively communicate with an audience.
Safety protocols: Working on a film set involves potential risks, and it's important to prioritize safety. Your apprenticeship will provide you with knowledge of safety procedures and protocols, ensuring a safe working environment for yourself and others.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy it highly as it blends creativity with an office based culture that is crucial to understanding the world of work as i progress.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Assisting with pre-production: This can involve tasks such as researching locations, helping with casting calls, organizing production paperwork, and assisting in the creation of production schedules.
Set preparation: As an apprentice, you may assist in setting up and organizing equipment, props, and costumes on set. This can include tasks like setting up lighting, preparing cameras, and ensuring that all necessary materials are readily available.
Supporting the crew: You may be responsible for supporting the crew members by running errands, making coffee runs, and generally being available to help with any tasks or requests that arise during the production.
Observing and learning: One of the key aspects of being an apprentice is to observe and learn from experienced professionals. You should take the opportunity to shadow different crew members and departments to gain knowledge and experience in various aspects of filmmaking.
Assisting during filming: During filming, you may assist the camera department, the grip and electric department, or the art department, depending on your area of focus. This could involve tasks such as operating equipment, managing cables, setting up props, or taking notes for continuity purposes.
Post-production assistance: Depending on the production, you might be involved in post-production tasks such as logging footage, organizing files, assisting with editing, or helping with visual effects.
Continuous learning: As an apprentice, it's essential to continue learning and improving your skills. Take advantage of any educational opportunities provided by the production company or seek out additional resources to enhance your knowledge of filmmaking.
Set preparation: As an apprentice, you may assist in setting up and organizing equipment, props, and costumes on set. This can include tasks like setting up lighting, preparing cameras, and ensuring that all necessary materials are readily available.
Supporting the crew: You may be responsible for supporting the crew members by running errands, making coffee runs, and generally being available to help with any tasks or requests that arise during the production.
Observing and learning: One of the key aspects of being an apprentice is to observe and learn from experienced professionals. You should take the opportunity to shadow different crew members and departments to gain knowledge and experience in various aspects of filmmaking.
Assisting during filming: During filming, you may assist the camera department, the grip and electric department, or the art department, depending on your area of focus. This could involve tasks such as operating equipment, managing cables, setting up props, or taking notes for continuity purposes.
Post-production assistance: Depending on the production, you might be involved in post-production tasks such as logging footage, organizing files, assisting with editing, or helping with visual effects.
Continuous learning: As an apprentice, it's essential to continue learning and improving your skills. Take advantage of any educational opportunities provided by the production company or seek out additional resources to enhance your knowledge of filmmaking.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised, I have regular meetings in which me and my managers review the structure of the programme to ensure it is organised in the greatest way.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Every employee is a direct line to questions and support, this is beneficial to my progress and advancement within each department.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
A lot, I have regular updates with paragon to ensure my progress is suitable and I am getting the most out of the apprenticeship.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
A lot, my regular updates with paragon to ensure my progress is suitable and I am getting the most out of the apprenticeship allow me to perform better in my activities and as I feel supported I feel more content at work
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Channel 4 have many employee networks to join and meet new employees
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Channel 4 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a great place to work as everybody is supportive and it has a great inclusive culture.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Channel 4?
To be yourself and show your personality in the interview.
