Crista graduated from MA Television at London College of Communication in 2021.
Why did you decide to study MA Television?
I did my BA in Photography and wanted to broaden my knowledge on the media consumer. As a photographer, I was fascinated by the different viewer experiences and how imagery gains its representation. When it comes to television, everything is built around the viewer’s experience. In terms of practicality, I wanted to add movement and sound to my resume, as well as camera work.
Which project did you most enjoy working on?
The collaborative project was the most fun and beneficial. Collaboration is extremely important in any creative industry and I have made contacts that I not only used for other projects on the course, but also for my own independent work.
What was your highlight of the course?
Definitely the collaboration project, my group and I created a mini docuseries about sustainable fashion in London where we were able to work with the creative directors of Loanhood (Lucy, Jen, and Jade), as well as the founders of ONIMOS (Birgit) and NEVER FADE (Tee).
My role in the series was producer and thus I am really proud of the series and the connections I made with these creatives were vital. I received great feedback from employers and colleagues, and it has given me the professional look needed for applying to major broadcasters.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt on the course?
Finding the balance between group work and decisions as a leader. The television industry is extremely hierarchical, and within your group you will have to decide on a producer to lead your team. However, it is also important that a producer knows how to listen and take on advice as well as make executive decisions. This really is a balance and is not something you can learn overnight, but with each project I saw myself and my group improving (making decisions faster, getting more organised with documents, collectively making cohesive judgments, etc).
How did you find the facilities available to you at London College of Communication?
MA Television has a large studio space with highly professional equipment in and out of the gallery. We were in there several times each semester and the studio crew are very knowledgeable and go above and beyond to help the students. Furthermore, LCC’s Kit Room has specialised light, sound, and camera equipment for hire that has been vital to our location shoots.
Did the course provide opportunities to engage with industry?
Each term we had several speakers from the industry come in and lecture or lead workshops, for example we had Jonathan Levi (producer of the Broadmoor documentary series on ITV) and Sam Naz (Sky News presenter). Each fed into our modules and had a unique insight into their network. They are also reachable via email; during a sustainable fashion project I worked on, Sam was able to help us with sky news broadcasts on London fashion week.
Did you complete any work placements whilst studying on the course?
Through Susan, our course leader, I was able to get in contact with Rumpus Media (independent production company) and was offered work experience in the summer of 2020.
Name three things you couldn’t be creative without?
My camera, pencil, notebook and Netflix. If you want to work in Television, make sure you’re watching it.
What are you currently working on / what are your plans for the future?
I am currently building up the resume with work experience in various research and runner roles. I just finished some research experience with Rumpus Media, creators of BBC Two's "The Misadventures of Romesh Ranganathan". With Rumpus, I aided their editorial team in the development of a new programme about gardening.
My plans for the future are to secure a place within a production company and to one day write and produce my own shows. The TV and film industry can be a daunting and difficult place to crack, but I have discovered that you miss 100% of the shots you do not take, and so putting yourself out there and creating content is already the right steps forward. The rest will follow.
Why would you recommend MA Television to prospective students?
In the short duration of this course, you will learn several extremely practical and valuable skills in the studio and out on location, you will learn about how to take an idea for a programme and get it commissioned, you will learn about the details of production and how programmes get broadcasted onto our screens, you will learn about the future of television, you will learn about how to be critical of others and of one’s self, and you will have a better understanding of what role you can play in the industry. If that interests you then you’re in the right place.
Visit the MA Television course page.