Careers in Creative
Hear from current Channel 4 employees
Find out what they do and how it relates to their favourite subjects and the skills they learnt in school!
Discover the wide variety of creative careers that are available within a television company like Channel 4. Take a look at different employee’s stories and download an informational activity sheet to find out more about the many different career paths available to young people in the world of TV and media.
James Brown - Senior Promotions Director
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I create trailers for different shows. I handle the editing, script writing, graphics, voice-overs, and sometimes shoot interviews and other content. I start by diving into the programme or film, then brainstorm for an idea, find the right music, and edit it all together.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I initially thought I wanted to be a journalist or work in film, but as I wasn't entirely sure, I decided to do a Media Studies degree. This enabled me to try out a range of different media disciplines and see what I liked the best.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Art & Design, English Language, Music
Kelly Russell - Talent Team Apprentice
Job Summary: I manage a team of 8 duty editors who look after linear transmission across Channel 4, E4, More4, Film 4, 4/Seven and E4 Extra.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
My role involves handling admin tasks mainly involving reviewing schedules and leading meetings to address content gaps for TV broadcasts. As a Channel 4 Staff Representative, I meet weekly with Human Resources to address staff matters too. My role involves a lot of meetings but the rewards drive positive changes for my team. Regular one-on-ones with team members are essential for staying updated on their progress, ideas, career goals, and personal concerns.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I began at BBC at 16, choosing not to study A Levels due to family finances. Initially in World Service Radio, I enjoyed roles like live pop music coverage and festival coverage. Shifting to TV, I joined BBC Presentation as a Transmission Vision Mixer. At the same time I freelanced as Network Director for TV3, and showcased equipment at expos. Meeting Rachel Street, Channel 4's head of presentation was pivotal for my career. Following her encouragement, I pursued the Network Director role at Channel 4, progressing to Duty Editor and subsequently managing Duty Editors.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Computer Science, Drama, English Literature, Maths.
Aneka Rai - Presentation Editor
Job Summary: I am part of the Content Management team, I provide a final checkpoint service for Channel 4 content before it transmits on air.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
A typical day involves me preparing the next day's schedules, as well as working ahead with future days, creating and preparing them in advance. This is done in collaboration with different departments such as the Channel teams, Media Planning and Sales in order to ensure that all items in the schedule are correct. This involves creating, prepping and checking schedules, answering queries from different departments across the company, reacting to last-minute changes in a live environment and being a source of support for the Playout team.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I went through school and university, graduating in Law. I entered the industry with an entry-level job at a Scandinavian broadcaster, working in scheduling for 6 years before coming to Channel 4. I started in Sales, then moved to Presentation, where I've been for over 5 years. Though I'm in a good career spot, I'm always seeking to learn and grow. I explored TV, radio, and print through work experience placements, finding TV most appealing. I discovered a knack for live operations and high-pressure situations, leading me to the C4 Presentation team. I'm content yet curious about what more I can achieve.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Design & Technology, English Language, Mathematics
James Scanlan - Quality Assurance Delivery Manager
What does a typical day in your role look like?
As streaming gains popularity over traditional methods we are continually improving the Channel 4 apps that people have on their phones, tablets, televisions, set top boxes, games consoles and computers. My role involves overseeing testing to catch issues before viewers encounter them, managing a small team to ensure we’re testing the right things to get better quality streaming. My days involve collaborating with colleagues across the UK and Europe, troubleshooting and enhancing our work. I'm a data-driven person, often found digging into spreadsheets, Python scripts, and APIs to ensure we have accurate insights for informed decisions.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I went to university but studied something completely unrelated to my role now! After starting work I realised I had many years ahead of me, and so I switched to an area they I enjoyed, which was computers and IT. Through changing roles, gaining experience and training, I have built a career in a field I remain passionate in. I've worked in different sectors, media being the latest. Working in TV and broadcasting sounded like an interesting place to work and I expected there to be a positive organisation culture too, and I was right!
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Computer Science, Design & Tech, English
Rose Pickering - Social Strategist
What does a typical day in your role look like?
My job is really fun and varied! It combines a mix of good organisational skills and creativity – you really have to think outside the box and problem solve. My day-to-day role involves deciding which Channel 4 shows we support online and how we give that support, based on data and insights as well as offering creative input. We also work on bigger show & brand campaigns with people from all areas of the business as well as external stakeholders, and directly with social media companies to understand how best to utilise the platforms to our advantage.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I studied Film & English at university, and then went travelling and worked in hospitality. After deciding I wanted to work in marketing in my late 20s, I did a six month grad scheme at a small agency and then two years in another agency specifically doing social media management. After spotting a role at Channel 4 on LinkedIn when their Leeds offices opened, my perspective was shifted and I decided to move away from agency marketing. Channel 4 sounded really fun and I saw it as a fantastic place to transition to in-house marketing.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Media.
Owen Cooper - Digital Producer
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I work primarily in comedy so an average day for me involves watching a lot of different comedy shows and picking out moments that our editors can turn into great social edits. It sounds pretty straight forward, which it is for the most part, but there's a lot of liasing with different departments such as marketing, legal, press and the commissioners. A lot of my role involves thinking of creative ways to promote a show such as creating games that can be posted as Instagram stories.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I have just always wanted to do something creative and TV production has been a passion of mine since I was a kid. I studied Media Production at University and then did work experience at a few different production companies which helped me get my first job in TV, working as a researcher on a clip show called 'Rude Tube'. From there, I was hired by LADbible to find viral videos for their social pages which gave me the experience I needed to land this job.
What GCSE subject best relates to your current role?
Art and Design, Drama and English Language, Media
Mollie Foskett - Learning & Development Assistant
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I work in Human Resources in our Learning and Development department. We provide learning opportunities for people across the organisation and look after their development. We help to create engaging and useful learning experiences. This ranges from improving communication and presentation skills, learning about each other's departments and hobbies to career development programmes to support our employees career journeys.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I always enjoyed roles that involved learning, but the industry I was in didn't spark my excitement. I knew I wanted something creative and thrilling. That's when I discovered Channel 4! The media field had a completely different vibe, full of exciting opportunities and great people. It was more accidental than planned—I just wanted to work somewhere that felt meaningful. Being a big TV and film buff, jumping into the industry was a no-brainer. Now that I've experienced the world of TV and broadcasting, going back to a non-creative environment isn't on my radar!
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
English Language, English Literature, Psychology
Lucy Stevens - Team Coordinator (Commissioning Operations)
Job Summary: Administrative assistance and project management
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I handle diary management for two senior team members, making sure their schedules run smoothly. Additionally, I organize events and keep a close watch on the progress of production companies and key talent, all to contribute to the commissioning team's success.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I've been interested in this industry since I was young, so chose to study Film & Television Production at University. While completing my degree, I interned at a film company, which later led to my first full-time industry job. I love how exciting and varied it can be, plus it doesn't feel super corporate.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
English Language, Business Studies, Media Studies
Mark Poole - Programme Information Manager
Job Summary: I lead the team at Channel 4 that provides all the descriptions of all of our programmes, that you can see on our streaming platforms and on the programme guide on tellies, and also the info that magazines like Radio Times print.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
It varies by day because we have quick weekly deadlines. Some days I'll be checking lots of programme descriptions for any mistakes and to see if I can make any improvements. On other days I'll be checking in with my team to check they've got everything they need. At other times I'll be finding out about things that are changing in the world and working out what we should do to make sure we're always providing the best possible service that we can.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
The opportunity to put my writing skills to good use. Coming from a struggling school in Scotland, I never thought the media industry was accessible to me. But I got in through a mixture of hard work, using my skills and making the most of any opportunities – as well as a bit of good timing. I moved to London, where I spotted a part-time gig at a football website, which was my first taste of media. With some twists and turns, I'm now at Channel 4.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
English Language
Shelley Nickels - E4 & More4 Scheduler
What does a typical day in your role look like?
With my team, we plan schedules across the portfolio to maximise performance, and manage the day to day output on the channels, my focus is on E4 and More4. We work on a weekly cycle to confirm the schedules to coincide with public release of TV listings. Working alongside other departments, we strategize for the long term, managing budgets and portfolio priorities and dodging big competition. The job is like a never-ending jigsaw puzzle, and we’re always on the ball and ready to make changes if big news events occur!
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
During my Masters in Public History, I ventured into radio and TV production, which opened new horizons for me and gave me insight into jobs I didn’t know existed. After university, I applied across the media industry and landed at Channel 4 as a Team Assistant. While I don't use my love of history often, the transferable skills I developed help daily, and it helps with scheduling context and prominent anniversaries. TV and media careers had never crossed my mind before my Masters, but my degree sparked interest and led me to explore further.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
INo specific subjects are needed, but a good grasp of Mathematics and anything involving problem solving
Lewis Hayes - Software tester apprentice
Job Summary: As a software tester I am responsible for determining any flaws or defects that could negatively impact a software's performance or hurt user experience.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I start by logging in and checking emails, followed by our team's morning ‘stand-up’ meeting. Then, I review the work board to plan my tasks. I write detailed test cases that cover different situations, and once they're set, I put them into action by executing them. I also report bugs, making sure they get fixed ASAP. If new issues pop up, I dig in to find out what's going on and propose solutions. This cycle helps us make sure our products are in great shape before they're out the door.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
Studying Business, IT, and Media at A-Levels sparked my interest in combining these fields. This led me to an apprenticeship in the media industry which allowed me to merge my academic studies with real-world applications. The TV industry intrigued me, and my role ensures smooth software functioning crucial for media operations. I'm excited to contribute to an ever-evolving industry that shapes our culture and narratives through innovation and the magic of television.
Alexandra Archer - Promo Director
Job Summary: I create attention-grabbing trailers for TV shows and films shown on our channels.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I'm the creator and editor of trailers for various TV shows and films across our channels and social media. I've always loved watching trailers—it's a fun challenge to capture people's interest in just 40 seconds! I start by checking out the show or movie and picking out the coolest parts. Then, I draft a script, adding dialogue, action and voice-overs to tell a captivating story. As I put the edit together, I add in sound effects, graphics and music. Once I'm satisfied, it goes through feedback rounds until it's good to go.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I pursued a Film & TV Production degree at university, using it as a chance to explore various industry roles and find my niche. Post-graduation, I headed to Ireland for a Production Assistant internship, honing my editing skills. Film and TV have always been my passion; I dreamt of being part of this world. Sitting in the cinema, captivated by trailers, and enjoying TV show promos, it struck me—I wanted to create these myself. Channel 4's fantastic trailers and my favourite shows propelled my goal to work here.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Art & Design, Computer Science, English Language
Amelia Rothwell - Pictures Assistant
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I liaise with international distributors to obtain eye-catching program imagery which is used to market and publicise our acquired shows and films.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I worked my way through the education system, studying Art, Design, Photography and Media from school to degree level. I then worked in a few roles as a photographer and creative before joining Channel 4. I never thought a career in Broadcasting would be an option available to me, but the job advert drew me in, and the requirements seemed to fit well with my skillset. The thought of working on high profile Channel 4 shows was very exciting.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Art & Design, Design & Tech
Neal Wallace - Digital Video Producer
What does a typical day in your role look like?
My job can vary quite a lot. Sometimes I'm out on shoots, directing talent and interviewing contributors. Other times I work with editors to edit produce content. I also plan shoots, which includes coming up with ideas about how the final product will look, thinking about locations, the different beats in the video - lots of things. Ultimately, it's my job to make sure we produce the best content possible and deliver it on time and on budget.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I studied English Language at university, then did a Masters in journalism, where I learned how to shoot and edit. I worked in copywriting for year before moving into TV, working first as a Logger, then a Researcher, Assistant producer and finally a Producer. I spent around 7 years working on different productions at the BBC and for independent companies. I then moved into the charity sector as a film producer, before starting work at Channel 4 in 2022. I always wanted to make stuff. I love the process of taking footage and crafting it into something that people want to watch.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
esign & Tech, English Language Psychology
Thilini Gunaratna - Senior Digital Producer
Job Summary: I oversee the production of social media content for E4, TikTok, Snapchat and for any comedy, reality tv and entertainment shows on Channel 4.
What does a typical day in your role look like
Each day we start with a team meeting where we discuss any funny things we've seen on our own social accounts. We have another session that plots out the workflow for the week. Then my day is a mixture of talking to production companies, commissioning editors, and the team about new shows, or upcoming shows. I plan out campaigns with the strategists and organise creative sessions to look at how we can take our work forward.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I went to university to study Psychology and I spent a lot of time on Student Radio and putting on live events. From there I wrote for music publications. On work experience at a magazine someone suggested I apply for a postgraduate diploma; I did this and then stayed on to convert it to a Masters. I did lots of work experience during my Masters, and afterwards got my first job at Global radio. I love hearing people's stories and finding new stories with new ways of telling them.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
English Language, English Literature, Psychology
Megan Beattie - Shooter and Editor
Job Summary: Camera operator on shoots, and video editor.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I travel to shoots, in studios, on location or at events. I arrive and set up kit which includes camera operating, setting up lights, tripods, sound, go pros, iPhone footage – you name it. We then shoot the TV show! Then after shoot is finished, I ingest all footage into computer, then I start editing. I work with producers to complete the edit, to how they see fit.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I studied for a long time as I didn’t know anyone in the industry so I stayed in education for as long as I could. I did a degree in Fine Art, then a Masters in Filmmaking for 5 years. After that, I worked for free on lots of projects and festivals to boost my portfolio, but never got paid! I then went into digital marketing until finally after three interview attempts, I got into Channel 4. I took a junior role to get my foot in the door, as my experience was not technically TV experience. I was super creative, so I always knew I wanted to be somewhere that focused on style and the arts.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Art & Design, Computer Science, Design & Tech
Amber Trott - Senior Research Executive
What does a typical day in your role look like?
My role is very varied! Day to day I support the sales team in producing research for briefs to advertisers this varies from looking at how many people have watched Bake Off in a week to researching whether people are fans of a new advert! I also work on award winning projects showing the impact of advertising with Channel 4 which could be exploring how diverse are TV adverts to how do people feel about product placement in shows.
hat made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I studied Marketing at university and afterwards I secured a position on a graduate scheme in food and drink market research company. After 3 years there I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to apply my market research skills to a new industry. I was then fortunate to gain a role at Channel 4!I've always been an avid TV watcher but also I love the power TV has to change people's perceptions, educate and open their eyes to different points of view. So, I wanted to be in a research role at a company like Channel 4 as we are really trying to make a difference.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Business Studies, English Language, Mathematics
Jon Carthew- Commercial Business Manager, 4Sales
Job Summary: Helping coordinate teams and projects to make as much revenue as possible, today and going forwards
What does a typical day in your role look like?
As part of Channel 4's Commercial Senior Leadership Team, I work with colleagues to maximise our business revenue. My days range from troubleshooting project issues to presenting new revenue stream ideas to Channel 4’s management. I love the diversity and collaborating with specialists across the organisation. My role heavily involves analysing facts and figures—be it financial data or simplifying complex project details for clarity. Ultimately, I focus on uniting the team to drive sales growth, by supporting the development of initiatives.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I love TV, especially Channel 4's shows – but surprisingly, this is my first media job. I studied Industrial Economics at university, giving me insights into various businesses. Since then, I’ve worked in lots of different settings and developed a broad skill set, including experience within supermarket, department stores, and sport event industries. I love working in TV, not just for the shows, but also for understanding the revenue dynamics they bring. Channel 4's appeal extends beyond entertainment; our profits drive meaningful social goals, making it a great workplace.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Business Studies, Economics, Psychology
Georgia Carroll- Assistant Digital Producer
Job Summary: Creating social media videos, posts and memes from a range of TV shows.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I watch a lot of TV for my job, which is pretty cool. I'm responsible for crafting social media videos for your favourite TV shows, along with attention-grabbing captions. I collaborate with an editor, strategist, and social media manager to ensure our content calendar is packed and people are tuning in. A strategist gives me a brief outlining the show and our goals After watching the show, I decide what clips I want to use, and an editor puts them together and adds subtitles. It's then reviewed by another producer for errors and approved by the legal team. Once everyone's happy, I hand it to social media managers for posting.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I didn't study Media in school; instead, I did A Levels in English Language, English Literature, and Law. At college, I dove into journalism, editing the college magazine and writing for online publications. My time at Leeds University studying Broadcast Journalism coincided with Channel 4's move to Leeds. Exploring TV, Radio, and Digital, I leaned towards Channel 4 due to their creativity and reputation. With my passion for media, jumping into the industry felt like a natural fit, especially with the array of opportunities it offered.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
English Language, English Literature and Computer Science.
Robyn Ward - Social Video Editor
What does a typical day in your role look like?
I team up with a Producer to create social cut downs of TV shows. I use Adobe Premiere Pro to make videos, memes, compilations and reels, anywhere between 10 seconds and 10 minutes. I work on shows such as: The Great British Bake Off, Married At First Sight, The Inbetweeners, Taskmaster and many more!
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
I have always had an interest in the creative industry, starting in school, where I decided to study GCSE Media and Photography. I went on to study Media Production at University with a focus on Film. I gained experience as a Runner and Assistant, both during and after my studies. I had an opportunity to be a Runner on ITV's Dickinson's Real Deal, handling paperwork, antique wrapping, and communicating with potential participants. Post-Covid, I transitioned into a role as a Videographer/Editor in Teleshopping. After being made redundant, I applied to Channel 4 and realised my long-held aspiration of working in TV and Film.
GCSE Subjects that best relate to your role:
Art & Design (Photography), Media Studies, English Language
Amy Hill - Senior Digital Producer
Job Summary: I’m a Senior Digital Producer in 4Studio at Channel 4, which basically means I oversee the creation of content for our social channels. I work across Channel 4.0 and Film4 as well as Branded Content, Specials and Features (everything from Pride to Crufts) and our Digital Original programmes.
TWhat does a typical day in your role look like?
No day is typical for me! I might host a creative ideation for a project one day, collaborate with other senior 4Studio members to solve issues another day, then dedicate the following day to supporting my team. It all depends on what the business – and people – priorities are on the day.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
he digital media industry was only a few years old when I graduated with a Media Production degree; my current job didn’t exist when I left University. I got into the industry in a unique way thanks to my prior experience as a fashion and beauty copywriter when a TV show Exec headhunted me to create digital content for their sponsors. The job focused on storytelling and understanding entertainment and brands more than the TV side of things, so my limited experience didn’t hinder the opportunity.
My journey to where I am now was anything but straightforward! I’ve done everything from covering London Fashion Week, to spending time on a pirate ship in Portugal, to launching Love Island’s podcast, The Morning After.
GCSE Subjects that best relate to your role:
Media Studies, Art & Design, English Literature.
Bethh Oliver - Digital Producer
What does a typical day in your role look like?
A typical day as a producer for Channel 4’s Snapchat channel varies depending on the projects I’m working on. I handle end-to-end content production for the channel, essentially creating short 3–5-minute cutdowns of both original and linear Channel 4 shows. My daily tasks involve collaborating with various people, including Social Media Strategists, Managers, Video Editors, and Designers. Focusing on a specific platform means I'm always tracking trends and app features we can use. My role is very creative, but also relies on a lot of project managing, working across several projects at the same time. Seeing the final edits going live and watching how people respond through the analytics is the best part. I do a mix of different things in my role, some of which include creating copy, briefing designers for Snapchat tiles, and generating subtitle files for the editors which requires strong English and grammar skills.
What made you choose a career in TV and Broadcasting?
After graduating in 2017 with a Film Production degree, I explored Marketing through volunteer work, which sparked an interest in Video Production. My first role in 2017 was a Digital Marketing Officer at a local college. It was a varied role. Everything from website management, social media, events and due to my video specialism, I was the sole person in the team who created all the video content across the company. I then moved to UK Locations, in 2021 which was my first TV industry role. This role included helping find and organise the locations for TV shows, Photoshoots and Commercials. From there, I moved to Digital Producer for ASDA, where I created social media content across their organic social platforms. I joined Channel 4 in 2022, starting as an Assistant Producer and now promoted to Digital Producer within the same team.
What GCSE-level subjects best relate to your current role?
Design & Tech, English Language, English Literature