Welcome To Screen Manchester: Where Creative Journeys Are Born

Welcome To Screen Manchester: Where Creative Journeys Are Born

Breaking into the Film & Television Industry has never been an easy journey except for a very lucky few who were born with the right connections.  Not everyone however is gifted a metaphoric silver spoon and a key to red carpets littered with award ceremonies and movie stars.  

Reality is somewhat less glamorous and as the Industry changes shape at breakneck speed it has never been more important for everyone and anyone working in Film and TV, from new entrants to seasoned professionals, to keep moving and reinventing themselves, building their personal brand along the way.  This is where Screen Manchester, the Film Office for Manchester, is taking positive strides to ensure that The Industry continues to attract the best, and crucially the most diverse talent pool it can muster.  The good news is that there is no shortage of creative and technical talent ready to be tapped.

For the last three years the team has been working as part of Screen Alliance North to welcome new talent to telly and the success stories are here for the telling.  Screen Alliance North is formed of Screen Manchester, Liverpool Film Office, North East Screen and Screen Yorkshire and with the support of the BFI with National Lottery Funding its aim is to bring more business to the North whilst nurturing indigenous talent and keeping the pipeline supplied.

Photo Credit:  Elli Metcalfe

Crew and Facilities Manager Elli Metcalfe who sits central to all training and skills opportunities says, "Creating employment opportunities and offering an unique type of hands-on training is one of our major driving forces at Screen Manchester.  We are about to welcome our sixth cohort of trainees to the set of Waterloo Road, the hit BBC One series with whom we have collaborated since filming began when the series returned.  It has been marvellous and has given all the team here a great sense of achievement to see our 'graduates' emerge from their six month traineeships and then to be welcomed into the industry, going on to other jobs and climbing the career ladder".

The trainees work across all manner of production departments and have direct access to the Heads of Department who fulfil the mentor role.  

Photo Credit: Cameron Roach

Cameron Roach who founded Rope Ladder Fiction and is the Executive Producer of Waterloo Road says of the training scheme he and his team have welcomed, "."From the get-go we have been on the same page as Screen Manchester when it comes to our desire to empower new entrants to the television industry whilst simultaneously ensuring that the North West’s talent pipeline is kept supplied future proofing the Industry and production in Manchester. 

It has been marvellous to watch as each cohort works alongside our production team and gains the skills and confidence to enable them to pursue career paths they may once have considered impossible

Darkus took the opportunity to meet with two young professionals, Eve Kelly and Oli Mortimer, both of whom went through the process on Waterloo Road and are now, like many others, enjoying lives on busy working sets, making content that will play out across the globe.

We met at Space Studios Manchester where Screen Manchester has its offices.  One of the largest studio facilities in the North, it has been home to the likes of Peaky Blinders, Morbius, The A Word, A Gentleman In Moscow and House of Guinness. 

Photo Credit: Eve Kelly

DARKUS - You were one of the first Waterloo Road trainees funded by Screen Manchester and Screen Alliance North - how did you find out about the opportunity on Waterloo Road?

EVE: I was researching online for trainee schemes for more technical roles in film and TV. I knew that if I wanted to work in a technical department, I’d need some specialist teaching aimed towards that area, as my degree in filmmaking was more umbrella (a bit of everything) rather than being taught a specific craft. I was also working part-time as FOH at a TV studio while finishing my degree and spoke to colleagues and visitors there about my possible options. This was the first time I heard of the Waterloo Road scheme.

DARKUS What was your first job on Waterloo Road?

EVE. My first job was to learn about and distribute IEMs (in-ear monitoring). It’s the job of the sound department to provide directors, producers and script supervisors with headsets and mic packs so they can hear what the booms hear during a take. This was a great way for me to be introduced to a lot of the crew for the first time and is something I have continued to do on every job since.

DARKUS Did you have a definite idea that sound was your thing and where had this ambition come from?

EVE  I did have a clear idea that sound was what I was most interested in, and although I had a basic understanding of what boom operators and sound recordists do from my studies, I really didn’t comprehend the extent of the responsibilities within the sound department until a few months in. There are so many small things that have to happen to help mitigate noise on set, and that requires collaboration between all cast and crew. I’ve always enjoyed the editorial side of film and TV - how we combine sound and picture to tell the story. Most departments don’t get to hear what is actually going on in a scene; they can read the scripts to help with their own roles, but I do feel very privileged sometimes to be able to sit in a room watching and listening to some of these performances take place in front of me.

DARKUS What did you gain from the hands-on experience offered?

EVE  I gained so much from Waterloo Road. I’d had past experience on set working as a runner, so it meant I could really focus on sound-specific things to try and improve on the job every day. At first, I’d feel shy or embarrassed to do things to help my team (telling people to be quiet, for instance), but as time went on my confidence grew. I think, even more so than the technical skills I acquired. Learning to believe in my own decisions helped me grow massively. I think Waterloo Road is a unique environment in that sense, as you really do feel supported from all angles. Having other trainees in the same boat- not to mention that for many of the cast members it was their first TV role as well-  meant it really did feel like a little community of people just trying to be the best versions of themselves.

DARKUS Best Memories of Waterloo Road?  People you met and worked with? .

EVE The best part of the traineeship for me was working with my four-person team. The sound recordist, boom operator and 2nd assistant sound supported and taught me so much. I wanted to do well to prove to my team that their advice wasn’t being wasted and that we could work together again at some point in the future. My favourite memory was being surprised on my birthday with a cake, with all the cast and crew singing to me. It felt really special knowing it was pre-planned and that time had been taken out of the shoot schedule to celebrate, as we’re taught early on that time is a precious resource on set.

DARKUS At the end of the programme where did your career take you next?

EVE. After Waterloo Road, I was fortunate to work another six-month job as a sound trainee with a different production company responsible for a lot of Manchester-based productions. Although the principles I learned from my team at WR and the job itself were very much the same, being on location the whole time definitely taught me more about filming in difficult conditions, as well as the importance of investing in good winter wear!

DARKUS What has been your most recent job?

EVE Most recently, I have been working dailies, meaning I go onto multiple different productions for a couple of days or a week at a time to either cover somebody, work as an additional crew, join a second unit, or support big shooting days. 

This has been a new experience for me and difficult at points, as I’m working with different teams every couple of days where the jobs themselves and people’s workflows can be entirely different. I do enjoy being able to meet more people and grow my network, as well as the shows themselves being extremely varied- for example, going from a children’s TV show about superpowers to a hard-hitting crime drama aimed very much at adults.

DARKUS What are your ambitions for the future?

EVE. As I’ve recently been stepping up into the 2nd AS role, my ambition is to become the best at the craft I can be. Listening to the sound recordists and boom operators I’m working with and being open to different mic-ing and booming techniques is key. I’d love, at some point in the near future, to feel fully confident in my new role and continue building on the skills I’ve acquired over these past couple of years working in the sound department.

DARKUS Your Instagram and the way your brand yourself is imaginative and fun.  How will your brand evolve as you move forward?

EVE Early on in this industry, I felt it was important to have separation between personal and professional social media accounts. I knew I wanted to stay connected to many friends and colleagues I’ve met on set over the years, but with an account that’s tailored around my job. For example, my sound account on Instagram is called @5ft2boom. I enjoy posting pictures (mainly stories) of different kit I’m using, some of the incredible set builds, and also light-hearted things such as the crazy weather we’ve experienced. I’m very aware not to post anything that could contain spoilers or breach data protection. As much as I’d love to post more about what I do, being mindful of NDAs and safety really is more important to me. It’s always fun when the show airs and you finally get to see everybody’s BTS from the job.

DARKUS Has Social Media been instrumental in helping you take the next steps?

EVE  Although I’m cautious about what I post on social media, it has also been a great way to connect with people in my field. Even beyond connecting with people I already know, I’ve used platforms to stay up to date with job alerts posted by different productions, product releases from various sound companies, and in-person events. I attended an audio trade show recently, which I learned about through social media. I’ve also used the account to follow people in the industry and reach out to them with questions. I think I’ll continue using my account in the same way by posting and expanding my network. As someone who has grown up in the social media world, I’ve always enjoyed behind-the-scenes content. Watching BTS on YouTube growing up was one of the reasons I pursued this career in the first place. It would be amazing one day if somebody saw my posts and felt inspired by them, like I have in the past.

DARKUS What would your advice be to anyone coming into the Industry today?

EVE. It sounds cliché, but don’t give up easily. Working on set can be physically and mentally tough, with long hours, night shoots and sometimes weekends-  it’s not like working a 9–5. You are essentially your own boss in the sense that you get to choose when to work and when not to, but the moment you agree to a job you become a team player. Other than that, I’d say make sure you get your driving licence before you start applying for roles, as in many of the locations you’ll simply need a car to access them. Lastly, try to enjoy it as much as possible. A phrase I hear a lot when tensions are high or we’re behind schedule is, ‘We’re not saving lives.’ Not to discredit health and safety, but I still think to myself sometimes how lucky I am to have worked with some amazing actors and crews, seen some beautiful places, and been paid to do so. No two days look the same, and if that sounds like a good fit for you, then it’s definitely worth a shot.

Photo Credit: Oli Mortimer

OLI MORTIMER - AD

DARKUS You were one of the first Waterloo Road trainees funded by Screen Manchester and Screen Alliance North - how did you find out about the opportunity on Waterloo Road?

OLI Before getting into the wider TV industry, I researched as many pathways into the industry as possible including various TV production companies and places like Screen Manchester and Screen Skills that support entry into TV, through my research into Screen Manchester, I came across the Waterloo Road Trainee Scheme on their website, after having a deeper look into the scheme, I realised that it would align perfectly with me finishing college at the time and felt like it was the right pathway into the industry for me with enough support to make reaching a job in TV achievable. I also knew that even if I didn't get the job in the end, the layered application process would make for a great experience in terms of learning how recruitment processes work and to boost my confidence as well as hearing from industry professionals if I made it further through the application process. 

DARKUS What was your first job on Waterloo Road?

OLI - My first job on Waterloo Road was as an AD Floor Runner Trainee in 2023. Before starting the job, I researched into what AD's and productions look for in runners to help give myself an idea of what to expect but also what would help me to know people look out for and what they wouldn't necessarily look for in a runner. Although, I don't think anything can really prepare you fully until you step foot on set and see the working day to day responsibilities for yourself, when I eventually did, I realised there was much more to being a runner than I initially thought and that the runner role was a great starting point for my career as an AD and beyond.

DARKUS Did you have a definite idea that sound was your thing and where had this ambition come from?

OLI Originally, I wanted to work in post production, but after working on the post production side of a smaller production company for over a year, I realised that wasn't for me and that I wanted to be on set. I'd never heard of the AD department before seeing them listed on the choice of departments on the Waterloo Road Trainee Scheme, and I didn't know that runners were classed as AD's in scripted TV and Film. I knew that I didn't want to work in a technical or crafty department and yet I wanted to be on set with the shooting crew. Looking into the AD department further, I realised that they were the perfect department for me, an involvement in all areas of filming from base to the set and on set helping to manage different people and ensuring that each day runs smoothly. I always viewed being an AD as having a 'triple A pass' to a set, being able to observe, talk to and work with every member of a filming crew to learn from different people's experiences to make your own experience and journey, this really appealed to me and is still something I love on set now, being an integral part to everyone's day and someone that people can come to on or off set.

DARKUS What did you gain from the hands-on experience offered?

OLI From the hands on experience offered from the trainee scheme, I was able to develop myself professionally enough to launch straight into work on a variety of other shows and films based on everything I had learnt. Initially, during the first month of my time as a trainee, I really focussed on trying to build my skills as a runner, learning as much as I could from all corners of the job role asking as many questions as I could and trying to put myself in as many different scenarios as I could to build my foundational skills, once I felt confident enough in the day to day responsibilities as a runner, I used the trainee position to speak and learn from as many different crew as possible, observing what they did in their job roles and also trying to learn more about the other roles in the AD department which helped my understanding as a runner but would also help me in the future when I eventually wanted to progress to the next role.

DARKUS Best Memories of Waterloo Road?  People you met and worked with? etc...

OLI I've now worked across 5 series over the course of 3 years on Waterloo Road so I've made a lot of memories over the course of my time there. It's been great to work closely with the cast as well as the many conversations had with various crew members each day on set. One of my favourite sequences we've filmed have been the murder of Boz, despite the weather being awful, this was my biggest early set of days filming out of the studio on location, seeing a variety of stunts as well as how appearance of the set can change overnight to support the different scenes was something I'll treasure just taking everything in from the early stages of my career.

Through Waterloo Road, I've also started learning BSL which has helped me in other jobs and in everyday life, I've loved working with deaf and hard-of-hearing cast and crew, feeling more confident in communicating with them has been really rewarding. Another great memory of mine at Waterloo Road was towards the end of filming series 17, I decided to make a small video to be played at the wrap party which consisted of most of the cast and crew doing fun, random things on camera that I put together for everyone to enjoy, filming each clip, having a laugh with everyone and bringing some more fun to everyone's day and then watching it on the big screen at the wrap party was something I'll never forget.

DARKUS At the end of the programme where did your career take you next?

OLI After my first series on Waterloo Road (S14) I started 'dailying' which is when you could work from 1 - 5 days a week on a variety of projects depending on which project needs additional crew. Waterloo Road called me back for S15 as a daily - so only a week after leaving, I had already returned! This was a great period of time to learn about being a runner on different shows, meet different crew and help solidify my position in the industry. At first, I worked across shows like 'Everyone Else Burns S2' for Channel 4 and 'Reunion' for BBC before landing my next contract on 'Sister Boniface Mysteries 4' for BBC in the Cotswolds which gave me the opportunity to work away from home for around 5 months which was something I'll never forget. Post Sister Boniface, I was offered to work on Waterloo Road S17 as their Key Runner where I would train the next AD trainee, which seemed like a no brainer to me, and so I went back for series 17.

DARKUS What has been your most recent job?

OLI Over the course of the Summer of 2025, I got to work on a variety of shows and films both as a runner and as a 3rd Assistant Director that have helped build my skills as an AD further. Some of my favourite projects that I worked across projects during this time were 'Wind of Change' a Warner Bros film, 'Brassic' for Sky, 'Runaway' for Netflix, 'Love of Your Life' for Amazon Prime and on an Avengers project for Marvel. It was a truly amazing Summer that I'll never forget, after moving to London for some of these projects, I was ready to return home, and was offered to work on series 18 on Waterloo Road which is where I'm working now, full time as their Key Floor Runner and part time as a daily 3rd Assistant Director which has been an amazing experience in moving my career as an AD forward.

DARKUS What are your ambitions for the future?

OLI I'm loving my time working as an AD and am hoping to move to the next role as a 3rd Assistant Director full time towards the end of this year. I hope to work my way up in the Assistant Directors department, working on a variety of shows, genres and crews to make myself the best AD that I can be. Through doing this, I'll work more with different producers and directors which will help me to decide what my job beyond the 1st AD role will be in the future. I've also started producing short films and other projects alongside my full time role on Waterloo Road which will hopefully help to provide me with more options in the future but also keep my passion and drive burning in the present! I'm looking forward to directing my first short film in the coming months which will be an amazing experience.

DARKUS How will your brand evolve do you think as you move forward?

OLI Being a freelancer, you are your own brand, the work you do, the people you meet and the experiences you gain all help to build who you are and what your brand is. Every day I spend time on a set, I learn new things from different people that I hope to take with me and help spread what I've learnt to other people that I work with. I think that naturally I'll evolve as an AD and within the industry through my full time work projects but also in the additional projects I take on out of the bigger industry projects in the hope to one day be able to produce or direct my own bigger projects, starting smaller now through short film projects will help me get there. I hope to always keep smiling and continue to add to people's days, always being someone they can approach for anything.

DARKUS Has Social Media been instrumental in helping you take the next steps? 

OLI Social Media has been very helpful in helping me progress through my career and in taking the next steps. 

I like to post as much as I can on my professional Instagram accounts to show people what I've been up to and remind them that I'm still working! I don't use social media as much as a networking tool as I build on my contacts in my working days, but social media is a nice tool to keep people in the loop with my current position and role in the industry. It's also been quite instrumental in helping to promote short films that I've produced/am producing and to allow for them to get the reach that they deserve. In the future, I'm sure It'll not only be useful but nice for me to look back on the various projects that I've been a part of in my early career.

DARKUS What would your advice be to anyone coming into the Industry today?

OLI My advice for anyone coming into the industry today would be not to give up, while it may seem like a hard wall to climb, it is more than possible and once you've climbed that wall, it's a smoother horizon. It came very useful for me to do initial research on the production companies who make both scripted and unscripted shows in my area and looking into what Screen Manchester and what Screen Skills have to offer as even if you are unsuccessful in one specific scheme, there are always more to come and you'll learn a variety of different things about yourself and about the industry through putting your self out there and applying/meeting people.

Being persistent and following up with people every so often is another key part to solidifying yourself in the industry, while it may feel daunting at first, industry professionals can be busy and with no malicious intent forget to respond, but following up and checking in again even if you didn't receive a response only shows that you care and are determined to make it into the industry, so don't feel bad for following up! You've got to push yourself to get into the industry and it's not an easy road, but if you do and keep going, it'll be worth it for you in the end and you'll be one step closer to achieving your dream career.

To learn more about the work being done by Screen Manchester and Screen Alliance North and forthcoming opportunities visit www.screenmanchester.com and www.screenalliancenorth.co.uk 

Article By Iain McCallum