Steve Crabtree || Ladder Approach || Module 13 Day 3 || FEA || Video 2 ||

Summary

Steve Crabtree's journey to becoming an executive producer of BBC's 'Horizon' is a testament to hard work and passion. Starting as a runner, he climbed the industry ladder, mastering each role along the way. His advice for career progression includes showing passion in interviews, doing homework, and bringing fresh ideas. Crabtree emphasizes the clarity of the career structure in television and the importance of aiming for the next rung with determination and authenticity.

Takeaways

• 📺 Passion for Television: Steve Crabtree had a clear passion for working in television from an early stage in his career.
• 🔑 Starting from the Bottom: He began his career with work experience at the BBC and worked his way up from the ground level.
• 🔑 Networking: A friend's recommendation led to an opportunity as a runner for an independent production company, highlighting the importance of networking.
• 🔑 Quick Transition: After his interview with the independent company, he started working immediately, showing the fast-paced nature of the industry.
• 💼 Financial Stability: The job as a runner provided financial stability, allowing him to pay rent and establish himself.
• 📞 Opportunity Call: A call from the BBC's Horizon team later offered him a chance to return to the BBC, indicating the importance of keeping in touch with industry contacts.
• 🔑 Career Ladder: The script outlines a clear career progression path in television, starting from a junior role to an executive producer.
• 💡 Becoming Excellent: Crabtree advises to excel at each stage of the career ladder rather than skipping steps.
• 🔑 Clear Structure: The script emphasizes the clarity of the career structure in television, which helps in setting clear goals and expectations.
• 🔑 Preparation for Interviews: Passion, enthusiasm, and thorough preparation are key to succeeding in job interviews.
• 💡 Bringing Ideas: Bringing ideas to the table is crucial for career advancement and standing out in interviews.
• 🔑 Learning from Stories: Listening to the career stories of others is an excellent way to gain insights and learn about different career paths.
• 🔑 No One-Size-Fits-All: The script reminds us that there is no single correct approach to a career and that it's important to find what works best for the individual.
• 🔑 Adaptability: It's essential to be adaptable and willing to change your approach as you progress in your career.

Q & A

What was Steve Crabtree's initial goal in his career?

Steve Crabtree's initial goal was to work in television.

How did Steve Crabtree start his career in television?

He started by doing work experience for the BBC and proved his potential to climb the career ladder.

What was the first job Steve Crabtree got after his work experience at the BBC?

He got a job as a runner for an independent production company after a friend recommended him.

How long did Steve Crabtree work as a runner for the independent production company?

He worked as a runner for a few months, approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

What was the significance of the job as a runner for Steve's career?

The job as a runner was significant because it provided him with income to pay rent and get established, and it led to a call from the BBC's Horizon team.

What is the typical career progression in television according to the script?

The typical career progression starts as a runner or junior researcher, then moves up to researcher, assistant producer, producer, producer director, series producer, and finally executive producer.

Why is it important to excel at each stage of the career ladder in television?

It is important to excel at each stage to clearly understand the responsibilities of the next job and to be prepared for the challenges of the higher positions.

What advice does Steve Crabtree give for career progression in television?

Steve advises to go into any interview with passion and enthusiasm, prepare by doing homework, and bring ideas to the table.

What are the three big ideas mentioned in the script for progressing through the career ladder?

The three big ideas are to have passion and enthusiasm, prepare for interviews by doing homework, and bring ideas to the table.

How does Steve Crabtree describe the structure of the career ladder in factual television production?

Steve describes the structure as clear and well-defined, with a set of criteria to aim for and hit in order to move up to the next rung of the ladder.

What is the importance of hearing people's stories in understanding different career paths?

Hearing people's stories is an excellent way to learn and gain insight into what one can do and how to do it in their career, providing a more authentic understanding of different career approaches.

What does the script suggest about the flexibility of career approaches?

The script suggests that there is no right or wrong approach to a career, and that individuals can always change their approach as they go, experimenting to find what works best for them.