‘Media and Communication Cultures gave me broad base of knowledge’

Reece graduated in 2016 with a BA (Hons) Media and Communication Cultures. Since then, he has embarked on a career in TV and film production working on projects for Netflix, ITV, the BBC, Disney+, AppleTV, and UKTV.

Why did you choose your course at Leeds Beckett?

I held a fascination and interest in learning about media from childhood. I knew I lacked the technical skills which I could learn on this course without much use of professional software.

Tell us about your current role and how you got here.

I currently work as a Location Assistant and occasional Location Scout/Manager in scripted TV drama and film. My role is focused on ensuring a film crew can shoot on location in the most efficient, creative, and safe way possible. I build trusting relationships with location owners by using soft skills and at times negotiation methods to ensure a director's brief and the needs of other creative specialists (Art/Design, Costume, Lighting etc.) are met.

For the first five years after I graduated, I worked on low-profile media assignments, typically on a voluntary basis. I enjoyed rewarding moments such as helping to launch a community radio station in the socially diverse and deprived area of Leeds I live in, and also did some work in sports media at radio stations and with professional football clubs.

I had always thought of TV as a technical pursuit, so I was surprised to learn there were roles matching my skills. After attending a networking event in late 2019, I managed to secure work experience and eventual paid work for a factual documentary TV production company.

This set me on my path as a freelance TV contractor. My initial roles were more admin-based. So I made use of my networking list to land a role 'on set' as a Runner/Driver in summer 2021 on a 'mockumentary' sitcom shot in Sheffield.

After doing some work Locations internationally, I was taken on as a Location Assistant on a sitcom in November 2021 and have since worked on a range of high-end drama and film shoots for broadcasters and streaming services including Netflix, ITV, the BBC, Disney+, AppleTV, and UKTV.

How did your course at Leeds Beckett help you?

I am a bit of a technophobe but have had a lifelong fascination with how the media world works, so it served my curiosity very well.

This made me confident to take the path I did, essentially trialling as many different media/media adjacent sectors as possible from the moment I completed my studies. I was able to take my exposure to sports media from my course into my work with sports clubs. Furthermore, I felt at ease around radio professionals thanks to my exposure to the radio sector via the likes of Neil Washbourne's modules at Leeds Beckett.

I would also credit the course's communication focus. I can write well and have been complimented for my email proficiency and ability to engage with a diverse range of people. 

What would you say is your proudest achievement to date?

Personally, I am proud of having gotten married in spring 2022.

In terms of my career, I am proud of achieving success and finding a specialism despite a few notable mental health challenges and my lack of technology competency.

What are some of your best memories of studying at Leeds Beckett?

I particularly enjoyed my third year. A module about America during the Vietnam War era taught by the late Matthew Caygill and the New Media Geographies module taught by Dr. Zoë Thompson-Tew's were true highlights. I loved them from start to finish.

What advice would you give to a student about to begin studying at Leeds Beckett?

I would advise they spend as much time exploring the city as possible and avoid living in high-rise tower block student accommodation for more than one year.

I would also recommend they acquire a bike and enjoy the city and its wider neighbourhoods as much as possible, and that they engage with and embrace the amazing academic culture of the institution.