CAREER INFORMATION DAY OVERRUN

OVER 150 runners have attended a careers information and training day organised by the TV and film industries.
The event was aimed at ensuring that London based runners had access to careers and training information to help them progress. It was developed by a cross industry partnership including BBC, BECTU, LWT, PACT, The Production Guild and Skillset.
The event, the first of its kind, was held at the BBC conference centre on April 24 2001. Runners could attend advice sessions on post production, feature films, independent production, training and CV development amongst others. Due to the enormous demand for the event with many applicants failing to secure one of the coveted places it is likely another such day will be held in the near future.
Kate O`Connor, Director of Development, said: "We knew there was demand for such an event as runners really need all the support they can get at the beginning of their careers so they don`t get trapped. However, we couldn`t have predicted the popularity of the event with nearly double the capacity of venue wanting to attend. All those attending the event whether as participants or contributors agreed the day was a huge success and of real benefit to runners."
Jane Foston, Training Officer at LWT and Head of Skillset`s London Forum who developed the event, said: " The Runner`s event was a ground-breaking one as it provided practical and realistic careers advice to people who were looking for their next career move. We tried to give advice on all aspects of the industry, from working in small independents, to the broadcasters and film industry. Judging by the take-up on the day, the event was held not before time, and we are all keen to run another one as soon as is feasible. It was a great example of people across the industry working together to support a crucial role, which has not had the benefit of sound career advice in the past."