Ultimately it is down to you to move your own creative mountain. In this series I will be exploring what it’s like to weather the storms of the creative industries such as TV drama, whilst balancing your own writing dreams.
Writing is a lonely experience. It’s strange to think how not many people quite realise the extent to the creative process, the long hours where it’s just you vs your notebook/laptop. To new writers it can be a shock to the system. I blame a lot of the romanticism of writing we have seen countless times repeatedly throughout our culture, again no-one sees the ‘before’ journey. Yet it was not until I moved to London that I realised the importance of ‘networking’ – a magical term that can both unlock new connections and doors. Your network is your currency.
Having entered the Big Smoke in 2022 as a fresh faced and naïve Creative Writing graduate (I’m removing the 2-years from covid since this had a knock-on effect) I was blind to the whole ‘networking’ business. No one at university had really emphasised the importance of this social skill as TV drama had not been on my career agenda. As with many things in life, it was a gamble I took. Even before entering I was hastily contacting and cold-emailing and messaging people to try and get the right person etc. Working as an Office Runner for Moonage Pictures for 12 months certainly unlocked a lot of doors for me. Randomly before I moved into the world of TV I had a friend from Camp America five years prior who happened to have a family friend who was an Executive Producer on the hit show, Killing Eve, who was kind enough read my writing. Further down the line I ended up meeting them during an interview and though I was unsuccessful, they complimented me on my writing. Funny how life works. Sliding door moments happen unexpectedly and when they do the sensation is beyond strange. I look back now in my career and see how people I’ve met during certain seasons e.g. at BBC or Channel 4 Screenwriting have all helped me get to the next pit stop in my journey and build new skills and even creative collaborations.
There has been talk of people in TV getting jobs because they know person A, B and C or elements of nepotism. Though this is more prominent in the Hollywood side I’m sure it is applicable to any industry, but may I remind you that it a lot of it comes down to talent and showing them, you can do the job. Maybe that’s my own personal experience, as I had a connection prior to BBC but they didn’t ‘hand’ me the job – I proved to them what I could offer etc. Saying that I have heard tales of people who are given senior roles because their parents are friends with the exec or director etc. and as aggravating as it can be, it’s one of the unfortunate parts of this long life you live.
The most important part of utilising your circle is to grow the one you currently have, even if it’s one person. And even if you have zero contacts, think outside the box, do your research. Don’t be afraid to email and get in touch with people (yes they are strangers but they are also human beings). Now it can be scary to put yourself out there (we writers are sensitive enough as it is) but the payoff does help in the long run. I have forced myself to go to various networking events in London – so much so that I put together a Hit List for my Substack. When you’re on the creative ladder, no one often asks what you’re doing or the plans are for the future.
Everyone is too focused on themselves, which is the harsh truth. Creative industries are tough and you have to ‘fight’ to be seen. I get it though, it’s hard and exhausting to wear the mask of ‘people pleasing’ to be recognised. I had that the whole of my first year in TV in the hopes of being taken on and when it doesn’t it can be a blow to both ego and your economic security. FTCs and short-term contracts are the norm in the TV world but there are a few in other creative realms such as publishing, theatre and radio. Perhaps it’s the ‘norm’ nowadays but it does emphasise the importance of nurturing those connections.
How do I ‘make friends/connections’ I hear you introverts and ambiverts ask. Well, the first thing is to go to events, be proactive and take the initiative. Talk to people and don’t be afraid to share your dreams, your projects and what you’re working on, where you’d like to get to. See it an investment in yourself and your social circle, your creative career. If you don’t ask, you won’t get. Throughout any customer service job, I have told people I’m a writer and what I’m working on. Don’t be afraid to promote yourself, because you never know who you will meet or even serve at the coffee shop counter. I once met a Literary Agent at a BBC Danke event in 2024 and whilst she wasn’t taking clients on, she reached out to me 12 months later and asked for a meeting. Although this meeting did not go anywhere, nor was I signed, it shows that people remember you and it can give your life and professional experience. I have also been fortunate enough to meet some wonderful creatives and even speak to Oscar winning screenwriters such as Pixar's Meg LeFauve (Inside Out 1 and 2). The networking events can educate you on so much and I would encourage anyone to try one. There might be a small fee but it's worth the hype and the experience. Many offer panels of guests and Q+A style scripts.
So please, don’t burn your bridges. Having friends in high places can help. And being kind? It goes a long way and could even catch your break.
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