Another Successful STAN Mentoring Cohort

Another successful STAN mentoring cohort has come to an end, helping aspiring television professionals build their skills, confidence and industry knowledge through one-to-one guidance from experienced mentors. For students hoping to take their first steps into television, the scheme offers a valuable opportunity to gain honest career advice, develop practical skills, make industry connections and better understand how to transform their experience in student television into a long-term career.

STAN Mentee Profile – Emily Hine

This year, Emily, a former Head of Scripted at York Student Television Society, took part as one of the mentees and has written about her experiences, including some tips for anyone excited to apply for the next round of STAN Mentoring.

Emily was paired with her mentor, Adam James, a script editor at Wall to Wall North & writer who was part of the Channel 4 4Screenwriting programme and Soho Theatre’s Writer’s Lab.

What drew you to the STAN mentoring scheme, and what were you hoping to get out of it?

While I love sports, I knew that my true desire was to get into scripted tv. However, it’s been difficult finding the right opportunities to get my foot in the door and knowing how to develop my skills. I thought the STAN mentoring scheme would be a great opportunity to get a proper idea of how a job in scripted development works, as well as learn the skills I need to help me become a stronger candidate.

Was there a moment early on where you felt the relationship really clicked?

I think it was when Adam and I had a session just chatting about TV, what I liked, what I didn’t and why. I love any excuse to start talking about Doctor Who and Adam always showed up to a meeting warm and welcoming even when I was nervous.

Did your mentor ever challenge you in a way you weren't expecting?

Yes, I couldn't explain why I wasn't a fan of romance and so Adam set me the task of watching two TV romances - One Day and You & Me. I shocked myself by actually enjoying both more than I expected - in the case of One Day, crying my eyes out at the end. It was a really valuable learning experience, and taught me that I need to watch everything and be able to explain my thoughts about it.

What's the single most valuable thing your mentor taught you?

To just be myself. It’s something I’m still learning, I’m trying to untrain the way school/university expects you to follow their straightforward formula when it comes to writing and opinion. Scripted development wants your opinion and they want it to be you.

How has the experience changed the way you think about your career aspirations?

I feel more confident when applying for jobs, and think it’s made it more possible for me to get into scripted development. But I'm also confident that I’m capable of doing it more than ever.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering applying for the scheme today?

Whatever you aspire to do in the industry, especially if you’re struggling with contacts or don’t know how to find the path to that role, give it a go. Be curious and ask the questions you want to - no matter if you think they’re stupid!

Stay tuned for more info on applying to be a part of our next cohort of STAN Mentoring.