For this module, I was tasked with undergoing a mock interview in preparation for future employment within the film industry. The Job title being offered was an Assistant Producing position in the Bradford city of culture 2025 campaign. The responsibilities that were listed in the job description were as stated:
- To support the development, planning and delivery of a year-long programme of exceptional commissions, events, festivals, and projects across Bradford district.
- Undertake research tasks as required.
- Researching and booking travel, accommodation and itineraries for visiting artists and creative teams
- Drafting and supporting the development of contracts and agreements
- Developing contact sheets and schedules for productions and projects
- Updating databases for venues, promoters, producers, and funding bodies
- Supporting the coordination and administration of international travel permissions, including visas
- Being part of the team that generates and explores creative ideas.
- Sourcing props, materials, stationery and equipment for projects and activities
- Ensuring project information is up to date, using BD25’s project management software.
- Note-taking of various meetings.
- Operational activities on the ground for events at Bradford 2025
- Supporting the programme team with basic finance tasks, as required
- Supporting the programme team with general administration tasks as required for projects.
- Coordinating and contributing to meetings
- Undertaking other duties reasonably required by the programme team.
- Attending programme meetings, team meetings and other meetings as required.
I practiced and revised potential questions I may be asked by the interviewers. I felt I came across as very professional and confident during the interview process. I have always had a talent for public speaking and presenting since I was very young. I am also very keen to represent Bradford as a city, in a positive manor as it has gained a bad reputation in recent years.
When I was asked to introduce myself, I stated I am an independent filmmaker and currently studying for my degree in Film and Media production. I am passionate about representing people on screen via film and television. We discussed my current position with a growing production company based in Bradford who are gaining critical acclaim within the industry. They have recently obtained a TV commission. I also spoke about working as a production/sound assistant on 5 short films as part of previous experience in the film industry.
I spoke about my experiences with other filmmakers and how I interacted and worked out strategies to complete productions if original plans weren’t sufficient. I did feel nervous when being interviewed (which is apparently normal for many people). However, my confidence grew immensely as the interview progressed. I didn’t feel that this job opportunity held any relevance in the career path I desire to pursue. My area of expertise in the film industry is post-production, specifically editing.
As this was my first ever interview situation, I realise on reflection how much improvement is required in future. Time keeping is of paramount importance, I was 5 minutes late to the interview. This could make a bad impression. My answers could have been more sufficient, clear and concise (I’m sure I rambled a lot). More time needs to be spent researching job descriptions and organisations prior to interviews. I did not have a deep understanding of requirements for the position. I should have spoken more about personal strengths and positives and played down flaws, negatives and weaknesses.
Overall, I feel the mock interview went feasibly well. I still have areas to improve on. However, I am confident that I can improve on my communication skills such as making myself clearer on the subjects I am talking about. I look forward to improving and gaining opportunities within my chosen industry.