Where can I get work experience in the Television Industry?

I'm a first year student at the moment, studying for a degree in Television Production, and specialising in editing.

I'd really like to do some work experience in the industry over the summer; and I've applied to all the major terrestrial channels (not expecting to hear back), and also Channel M in Manchester, who I also haven't heard back from.

I'm living and studying in Preston, and due to my student budget it wouldn't be possible for me to commute any further than Manchester (I won't be able to afford accommodation further afield either).

Does anyone have any other suggestions for where I could apply to please? I'd be happy with experience for any company in the industry; and although I'm specialising in editing I'd be happy to try out any production work as my course covers all aspects of production.

Thanks for any help!

Not sure about your location, I work at a TV station in the midwest. Your school should be able to help you find places to get an internship, which is, most likely the only thing you'll find with only one year down in school. And a lot of them will be unpaid.

But at the station where I work, we often hire the standout summer interns for further work, like weekends or holidays when you are not in school. Regardless, it's a good networking experience. Make sure you have a great attitude and are motivated without complaints. Seriously, some of the interns we remember the most, were the worst to work with. Don't be that person. And be nice to everybody, you never know who someone is or if you might end up working with them someday.

Check out your local chapter of International Television Association ( itva.org ) and get a listing of all production houses and distributing companies in your area. Then start sending resumes.

Tip: Keep in mind ratings periods--Feb, May, July, Nov--these are very busy times for TV stations, they won't be able to get back to you right away, and they probably aren't focusing on finding a summer intern for a few months. For example, there's a guy calling several times a week right now for summer intern. Bad timing during February book, and even more so that he won't stop calling. All this does is make him memorable in a bad way.

Good luck!

well I'm sure you have thought of this but you have to keep contacting company's telling them that your willing to work for nothing making tea, sweeping up painting sets, being a go for, tell them you will do anything, even if its just for a week.

once you get in make friends *** lick creep do anything you can to make producers remember you.

good luck..xx