Amy Counihan
Assistant Show Runner
About Me
I have recently graduated from the University of Bristol where I studied Film and TV, receiving a 2:1. Throughout my course I had the opportunity to combine critical and practical approaches to film and TV, engage in creative projects and gain practical film making skills. My current ambition is to work in production or development as I find the cr... Read More
I have recently graduated from the University of Bristol where I studied Film and TV, receiving a 2:1. Throughout my course I had the opportunity to combine critical and practical approaches to film and TV, engage in creative projects and gain practical film making skills. My current ambition is to work in production or development as I find the creative process inspiring and exciting. I’m fascinated by how ideas transform from initial concepts into fully developed projects. I’m also very interested in the production side of film/television, as I’ve had a few experiences on set during my early career, and the dynamic energy really appeals to me.
My passion for film and TV started when I won a place on the Holding History student film project, run by the National Archives. During this project, we created a stop-motion animation about significant moments in history, I was given the Windrush story. I used handmade figurines, while also writing and recording a voiceover using original archive sources. The research involved in this project sparked my interest in film and led me to pursue a degree in Film and TV.
I had some fascinating experiences while pursuing my degree at Bristol. I made a short documentary where our aim was to explore expressionism in Bristol through clothing. I worked in a group to a tight deadline, scouted locations and potential interviewees, set up filming on location, wrote interview questions and worked on the schedule. I further developed my skills when collaborating on a short fiction film during my second year. We wrote, produced, filmed and edited a short character driven drama on the theme of mental health and family relationships. We were thrilled that our short film won the main prize at the Department end of year Film Festival. During my final year, I got the opportunity to work at the female owned production company Drummer TV. My responsibilities included assisting on shoot days, contributing to pitches, conducting research, and participating in the BBC's commissioning briefing. The diverse environment at Drummer TV was motivating and inspiring; their close collaboration with BSLBT and BSL Zone to produce content for the Deaf community, along with the fact that 20% of their staff are Deaf or disabled, was truly refreshing. It taught me the value of inclusion and opened my eyes to the importance of diverse perspectives in media production.
Beyond my academic studies, I have gained valuable hands-on experience within the industry. I am currently working as a reality floor runner and logger on Big Brother 2024, where I have gained invaluable experience. Working in a large studio on such a prominent production has been incredibly exciting. My responsibilities have included tasks like providing refreshments for talent and executives, handling administrative duties such as managing the accreditation desk, and performing on-set tasks like placing items in hatches for housemates, standing by for the other teams with anything that needs to be helped with regarding housemates tasks or challenges. I've also overseen stock checks, de-branded snacks and drinks for use in the house, and developed a strong proficiency in using comms to coordinate with the production team. As a logger, I have honed my skills in story finding and storytelling—tracking housemate conversations, identifying moments that will make compelling television, and ensuring continuity. I have embraced the challenge of working overnight shifts, and the experience of contributing to live television has been both thrilling and rewarding
I had work experience as a runner for at Eleven Film. At Eleven, I focused on the development side of production, contributing to development meetings, researching writers for a writers room. I also wrote and received feedback on a book report I did for a potential screen adaptation. Additionally, I worked as a script editor, offering notes and feedback for the first episode of a new series. I also completed two days of training through Eleven’s development programme, Duly Noted, which is designed for aspiring script editors. The program taught me about writer's rooms, the responsibilities of a script editor, how to create effective notes, and what elements contribute to a strong script or idea. Finally, I assisted their production co-ordinator with some admin, booking hotels and restaurants for a cast with specific needs. My time there ignited and strengthened my passion for the industry as well as developing my collaborative, creative and organisational skills.
I also had the opportunity to be a runner for Archery Pictures. I sat in on project meetings and learned how ideas are pitched. I also helped with day-to-day office duties, including making tea and coffee’s, keeping the office space tidy as well as assisting an Executive Assistant, which increased my understanding of the running a production company. I was asked to come up with a new TV show idea which I pitched to the team, an experience which boosted my confidence and development skills.
I am a proactive person, working well under pressure and I thrive in busy environments. I believe all of these skills I have gained throughout my small career will prove very useful for the job at hand and contribute positively to your company. I am extremely enthusiastic about film and TV and am keen to learn new skills as well as meet new people. I have always been creative and I wish to use this in any job I do.
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My passion for film and TV started when I won a place on the Holding History student film project, run by the National Archives. During this project, we created a stop-motion animation about significant moments in history, I was given the Windrush story. I used handmade figurines, while also writing and recording a voiceover using original archive sources. The research involved in this project sparked my interest in film and led me to pursue a degree in Film and TV.
I had some fascinating experiences while pursuing my degree at Bristol. I made a short documentary where our aim was to explore expressionism in Bristol through clothing. I worked in a group to a tight deadline, scouted locations and potential interviewees, set up filming on location, wrote interview questions and worked on the schedule. I further developed my skills when collaborating on a short fiction film during my second year. We wrote, produced, filmed and edited a short character driven drama on the theme of mental health and family relationships. We were thrilled that our short film won the main prize at the Department end of year Film Festival. During my final year, I got the opportunity to work at the female owned production company Drummer TV. My responsibilities included assisting on shoot days, contributing to pitches, conducting research, and participating in the BBC's commissioning briefing. The diverse environment at Drummer TV was motivating and inspiring; their close collaboration with BSLBT and BSL Zone to produce content for the Deaf community, along with the fact that 20% of their staff are Deaf or disabled, was truly refreshing. It taught me the value of inclusion and opened my eyes to the importance of diverse perspectives in media production.
Beyond my academic studies, I have gained valuable hands-on experience within the industry. I am currently working as a reality floor runner and logger on Big Brother 2024, where I have gained invaluable experience. Working in a large studio on such a prominent production has been incredibly exciting. My responsibilities have included tasks like providing refreshments for talent and executives, handling administrative duties such as managing the accreditation desk, and performing on-set tasks like placing items in hatches for housemates, standing by for the other teams with anything that needs to be helped with regarding housemates tasks or challenges. I've also overseen stock checks, de-branded snacks and drinks for use in the house, and developed a strong proficiency in using comms to coordinate with the production team. As a logger, I have honed my skills in story finding and storytelling—tracking housemate conversations, identifying moments that will make compelling television, and ensuring continuity. I have embraced the challenge of working overnight shifts, and the experience of contributing to live television has been both thrilling and rewarding
I had work experience as a runner for at Eleven Film. At Eleven, I focused on the development side of production, contributing to development meetings, researching writers for a writers room. I also wrote and received feedback on a book report I did for a potential screen adaptation. Additionally, I worked as a script editor, offering notes and feedback for the first episode of a new series. I also completed two days of training through Eleven’s development programme, Duly Noted, which is designed for aspiring script editors. The program taught me about writer's rooms, the responsibilities of a script editor, how to create effective notes, and what elements contribute to a strong script or idea. Finally, I assisted their production co-ordinator with some admin, booking hotels and restaurants for a cast with specific needs. My time there ignited and strengthened my passion for the industry as well as developing my collaborative, creative and organisational skills.
I also had the opportunity to be a runner for Archery Pictures. I sat in on project meetings and learned how ideas are pitched. I also helped with day-to-day office duties, including making tea and coffee’s, keeping the office space tidy as well as assisting an Executive Assistant, which increased my understanding of the running a production company. I was asked to come up with a new TV show idea which I pitched to the team, an experience which boosted my confidence and development skills.
I am a proactive person, working well under pressure and I thrive in busy environments. I believe all of these skills I have gained throughout my small career will prove very useful for the job at hand and contribute positively to your company. I am extremely enthusiastic about film and TV and am keen to learn new skills as well as meet new people. I have always been creative and I wish to use this in any job I do.
Read Less