I'm a Bristol-based experienced factual researcher/assisant producer and trained self-shooter (Develop Talent 'Step Up to Shooting AP') with a proven record finding and producing compelling stories on Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1), presenter-led specialist factual series such as Bettany Hughes' Treasures of the WorldRead More
I'm a Bristol-based experienced factual researcher/assisant producer and trained self-shooter (Develop Talent 'Step Up to Shooting AP') with a proven record finding and producing compelling stories on
Who Do You Think You Are? (BBC1), presenter-led specialist factual series such as
Bettany Hughes' Treasures of the World (C4),
Mysteries of the Pyramids with Dara ó Briain (C5), and the murky world of true crime where I was the researcher and AP on
Victorian Murder Files (Discovery +).
Shows like Who Do You Think You Are? made me a great problem solver when looking for stories, casting contributors and finding locations. Everything was meticulously researched and had to be tripple checked using a variety of online resources and primary sources in the National Archives, British Library, London Metropolitan Archives, and local archives. As well as pre-production I worked on location with talent and post-production factchecking drafts of the script, and sourcing and clearing documents under tight deadlines.
I'm also used to more responsibilities in setting up shoots, writing briefs, negotiating fees for contributors, and re-organizing locations and schedule. More recently on Victorian Murder Files (Plimsoll Productions) I stepped up to AP across two episodes, working closely with the PDs to cast actors, logging interviews on location, writing research briefs and being the point of contact with contributors, ordering GFX, backing up rushes, and assisting the DOP in setting up and breaking down all the kit.
Before working in TV I trained as a journalist. I passed all exams for the National Council for the Training of Journalists and my shorthand exam up to 60wpm. My takeaway skills useful for TV are fast and clean copy for writing development pitches, resourcefulness when developing stories and contacts, excellent interview technique for casting interviews and behind a camera, and a good understanding of current affairs, the criminal justice system, and media law. A busy newsroom with tough daily deadlines also gave me a strong work ethic, to focus under pressure, and to multi-task and prioritize different workloads.
I look forward to hearing about any exciting projects in the future!
Sid
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