How to get into live broadcast: you may have more experience than you think

Speculation may have been at fever pitch among those who care about Ryan Tubridy’s replacement at the Late Late Show, but there’s a lot going on behind the cameras too. A wide team of talents is called for when it comes to making live studio broadcasts happen. It even has its glamorous moments, so where do you start? Ronan MacDonald, head of production support at RTÉ, says there are up to 13 core roles to cover.

I love TV, but it looks very complicated. Don’t I need an advanced degree?

Like most things, it gets simpler when you break it down. MacDonald started in theatre, first as a sound engineer then in lighting. He later added a college course in management, and when RTÉ were advertising for technicians, he applied. Core roles, he says, include “lighting, cameras, sound, floor manager, stage manager, broadcasting co-ordinator, autocue operator, lighting technician ...” and that’s not including the researchers and producers, bookers, hair and make-up artists, and more.

Hang on, do I have to be able to do all of them?

No, but a new course put together by the Creative Futures Academy and IADT with RTÉ and Virgin Media aims to give you a step up, and a way in. There are also media courses at Ballyfermot, and a growing number of people are also gaining their experience via content creation for their own social media channels. “It’s a seductive business,” says MacDonald, who clearly loves his job. From political stories, to the latest sports stars or singing sensations, they’re going to turn up on live TV. He recalls opening a side door at RTÉ to discover Rod Stewart serenading one of the cleaners. “If you’re into showbusiness, there’s no better place to work.”

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Okay, what about the downside?

“Long hours and anti-social hours,” says MacDonald, promptly. But if you’re good at collaborating, have good attention to detail, and don’t mind a bit of pressure, it could well be for you. Áine Ní Chaoindealbháin, deputy managing director at Virgin Media, agrees. She came to her role via a variety of roles in the industry, having started on Ros na Rún. “Given our ever evolving industry, people who succeed are usually those who embrace change opportunities and believe in continuous development,” she adds.

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Sounds like me. Can I make a living at it?

Broadcasting offers a multitude of options, says Ní Chaoindealbháin, who recommends staying connected via networks including Creative Futures Academy, Cultural & Creative Industries Skillnet, Screen Ireland, Screen Producers Ireland – all of whom run training programmes. And “reach out to broadcasters and production companies to gain experience, you will never know what it will lead to”.

It still sounds like one of those things you need experience to get into, but how do I get that experience?

MacDonald says you may have more experience than you think. Do you do lighting for your Am Dram society? That’s experience. Ditto stage management, or doing the sound for pop-up gigs. We’ve already mentioned all those home-grown content creators, honing their skills, and MacDonald adds that we may well be coming into the first generation where those long in the industry tooth have as much to learn from the new people coming in as they do from the (for want of a better word) establishment. The three-week CFA course includes a week’s placement with either RTÉ or Virgin Media, so lights, camera action it is.

Apply by May 5th, for more information see Professional Training for Live Studio Broadcasts at creativefuturesacademy.ie