Case study

Emanuela Borruso — Assistant production office coordinator

Employer
National Film and Television School

While working in tourism, Emanuela decided to pursue a career in the film and television industry. After completing the Production Management for Film and Television Diploma at the National Film and Television School (NFTS), Emanuela's credits include The Sandman (Netflix), The Serpent (Apple TV), The Crown (Netflix) and Bridgerton (Netflix)

How did you get your first job after graduating?

I landed my first two jobs while I was still doing the course. They were short roles - as a production runner on Dracula (BBC/Netflix), and as an accounts assistant on Gangs of London Season 1 (Sky). They both resulted from the networking I had done during work experience on those jobs.

My real first job out of NFTS was on Bridgerton Season 1 (Netflix) as a travel and accommodation production assistant. I really wanted to get onto that specific show, so I contacted all the people working in that production office. It took a lot of research and emails bouncing back, but it was to no avail, as they were all crewed up. However, I then saw a post on a Facebook group for production crew advertising a job on that production. I immediately applied, interviewed and got the job.

What are you currently working on?

I'm working as an assistant production office coordinator (APOC) on Season 1 of Mary and George (Sky).

What is a typical working day like?

I'm covering travel and accommodation, as well as stunts contracts and the overall running of the production office since the coordinator and supervisors are with the shooting crew on set.

My day-to-day role involves making phone calls and sending emails, organising, planning, budgeting, creating purchase orders and overall banter.

Which part of your job gives you the most satisfaction?

The interaction with people and making everything fit and work like in a puzzle (balancing time, resources and money). And all the spreadsheets, of course.

What are the challenges?

Time constraints and sometimes limited resources make for the biggest challenges. Occasionally, people from other departments will not be the most collaborative, or have less experience, so you have got to be able to handle that too.

What qualities are important for a role in production?

Diplomacy, being a people-person, being tech-savvy and above all, extremely organised and demonstrating a high attention to detail.

What are your career ambitions?

I aim to become a producer, most likely a line producer and/or series producer. We will see if this changes, but I will work to become a unit production manager (UPM) and then will decide later on how to proceed.

How has the NFTS helped you in your career?

The NFTS has given me 90% of what I needed to launch my career, which was knowledge, training and a name on my CV - to enhance my chances of attracting employers. It continues to provide me with a good 25% of my success, which is its network.

The NFTS network is just a priceless lifelong benefit that you will have as a graduate. You will make friends for life, but also will become part of a group of people (across departments) who will instantly bond over the fact you have undergone the same training and experience at school.

What advice would you give to others looking to enter the film and television industry?

Make use of as many platforms as possible that provide training and networking opportunities, such as ScreenSkills, the British Film Institute (BFI), the Film & TV Charity etc.

You will need to be very proactive and reach out to people, and network as much as you can. The most important thing is you need passion and a good attitude. If you have these, people will tend to want to help and/or give you a chance.

What advice would you give to others considering applying to the NFTS?

The course involves a very intense year, but it will be worth it. The industry is very tough, so you really need to want to work in it and be passionate about the final product if you want a seat at its very privileged table.

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