AUNTIE SAM! - December 2007

Sam writes: "I was thrilled to be offered a position on the BBC Learning mentor project 2008.

22 applied - I was one of 17 shortlisted and 12 of us were successful - apparently, I'm the most technically adept person in my group! The project so far has enabled me to understand how ideas get turned into comissioned programmes, and how the BBC as a business works. I have a mentor called Christine Kenrick who is a talent manager on programs such as Dragon's Den!

The aim is to complete a five minute radio programme and direct a five minute BBC TV programme.....and get paid for the privilege as part of a four week placenment in the summer (until when I have to attend training sessions at BBC Manchester every other Friday).

I have also undergone an intensIVE 10 hour health-and-safety training course which has made me aware of the legal implications of filming both in the studio and on location. The project is still ongoing and I will have many more opportunities to further my knowledge of how the BBC makes programmes."