Recent graduate secures her first role in TV for Channel 4's sitcom Hullraisers

The job came about because of Libby’s connection with Film Buddy, a production company that has partnered with Leeds Beckett since 2016. The main aim of Film Buddy is to provide employability support to students and graduates through a series of bespoke services including recognised work experience and employment programmes.

Libby Hobson joined Film Buddy in May 2021, after the launch event held by Leeds Beckett's career consultant, Ben Robertson. Ben Sweet who works for Film Buddy immediately arranged a mentoring session with Libby to understand more about her and what her career ambitions were. Libby was focused from day one, explaining that she had ambitions to become a costume designer in the Film and TV Industry. Ben assisted her to write a CV and focused it on all of her relevant and transferable skills then focused on the actual role of a costume assistant and spoke to her at length about the realities of the role, what to expect, the demands of the industry and making sure Libby understood on and off set etiquette.

Once Libby was in a place where she felt confident and ready to go, Ben introduced Libby to the experienced costume designer Rebecca Mitchell. Libby was then given advice on how to create a striking covering letter to secure an interview with Rebecca.

Within the hour of sending the email, Libby was offered a zoom interview with Rebecca. Two hours after the interview Libby secured her first role in TV for Channel 4’s sitcom ‘Hullraisers’ working within the costume department for seven weeks.

Hullraisers is a six-part television series set in Hull which celebrates female talent, in a funny and chaotic comedy that expresses the ups and downs of life, friendship, and family. 

As a Costume Trainee, Libby has a few different responsibilities such as buying and returning clothes for the show (with the help of the designer) and has also been on set doing continuity of the supporting actors (SA’s). Libby says, “Being on set is fun as you get to see how it is all put together and how much work goes into making a film or tv show. I have an amazing little team in the Costume department, and we all work together really well which also makes the job fun.”

When asked about her experience with Film Buddy she said, “Film Buddy has been so much help with getting me started in the Costume Department of the Film and TV industry. Film Buddy is easy to use, and you can book one-to-one sessions to discuss what you are wanting to do and how they can help. There are also industry talks with professionals that are very helpful too as it gives you the chance to ask questions to individuals in the industry.”

Ben Sweet commented on Libby’s work so far and said, "The experience as a whole was excellent for Libby, I know that Rebecca was very impressed by her and will continue to support her in her career as will, Film Buddy."

Commenting on her recent success, Libby added, “Always follow your dreams, completing a Fashion Marketing Course I didn’t know whether it would be possible to go into costume as a design degree would have been more relevant. But with hard work, the help of Film Buddy and Ben Sweet, I have got myself into the career I wanted to be in!”