MEDIA GUARDIAN EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION FESTIVAL: The Network 2009

Love television? The Network - creating the next generation of TV talent. TV's number one talent scheme.

WHO ARE WE?
The Network (formerly TVYP) is about making TV more accessible – getting a break isn’t easy, so by providing free workshops and career advice, The Network gives many a head start and gives young people a chance to see just how exciting working in TV really is.

WHAT DO WE DO?
We run an annual event, where 150 delegates aged 18+ are selected to attend five FREE days of masterclasses, workshops and career chats.  We work with the TV industry to increase awareness of the many jobs available in television, to give you a better sense of what role you could be suited to.

This includes:

• Learning the key ingredients for getting a start in TV
• Discovering just how huge and diverse television is
• Getting your hands dirty and finding out exactly how a camera works
• Meeting fantastically talented TV and showbiz types
• Understanding what all the people on a TV show’s end credits do
• Questioning TV execs who have the power to give you a job

The Network  is now in its 18th year,  Each year The Network delegates have the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from leading creative industry figures  ranging from scriptwriters to producers, presenters to publicists, programme schedulers to commissioning editors. Past contributors have included Chris Evans, Russell T Davies, Davina McCall, Jimmy Carr, Sir Trevor McDonald, Simon Amstell, Kirsty Young, Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, Tim Hincks, Chief Executive, Endemol and Jon Snow.

For more information, and to apply, go to www.mgeitf.co.uk/thenetwork.

"The quality of the industry speakers was exceptional, the generosity of your team and the sponsors was fantastic, you were all so helpful and informative.  The Network has provided me with the drive and knowledge to succeed in the TV industry." 
James Tomlinson, The Network delegate 2007

"I can simply not express to you what I  gained from the weekend. I was extremely unconfident about everything career related before arriving. On leaving I feel like I could approach anybody, no matter who they are and ask them questions about what I wish to do. I have recieved so much advice and feel I have a really good understanding of how to get on in the industry. I found everybody really encouraging." Kirstin Anderson, The Network delegate 2006

"The Network was honestly just amazing and overwhelming from start to finish. I met so many brilliant and interesting people who didn't mind talking about television 24-7! Being so busy the whole weekend with classes/workshops and all the social events really tested our commitment but was incredibly beneficial. I'm going to keep on watching loads of TV as always - only now I know a few secrets!"
Craig Orr, The Network delegate 2004