Development Executive at Renegade Pictures (UK) Maeve McLoughlin gives her advice on how to get started in the creative industries.
Read how she became a Development Executive at Renegade Pictures (UK)
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I studied a Masters in TV production in 2007/2008 and after graduation began working for an online music channel as a researcher. I then went on to start my own fitness company which I ran with a business partner for almost four years. A lot of my job involved the creation of content for social media and YouTube. I eventually realised I would always be drawn to the creative industries and to work to my strengths.
In 2015 I was accepted on Aim High, a producer trainee scheme created in partnership by Northern Ireland Screen and BBC Northern Ireland. For 18 months I was able to gain invaluable experience and contacts with a range of independent production companies (indies) in Northern Ireland.
After Aim High I was offered a full-time contract with Stellify Media who were one of my placement providers. I worked first within Development and then Production and progressed over the three years at the company to the role of Producer.
Last year after a rigorous application and interview process, I was delighted to be offered the new one year role of Youth Executive for BBC Three, BBC NI and Northern Ireland Screen. My role sat within the Commissioning department and I worked closely with the Northern Ireland independent sector to encourage more Northern Ireland commissions for BBC Three.
I have since started a new role as Development Executive for Renegade Pictures. This is an exciting role working on the development and execution of unscripted productions.
Creative thinking is key to this role by finding the right projects for the right platforms in the UK and abroad and getting them through to commission.
What was your favourite subject at school?
From a young age I always had a love of performance, so Drama was always my favourite subject.
Did you go on to further/ higher education, if so what did you study and where?
Yes I did a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies and a masters in TV Production at the University of Chester.
How did you get into your area of work?
I hold Aim High as the main reason I hold my current position.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I always wanted to work within the screen industries. At a young age I wrote a letter to Stephen Spielberg asking for advice on how to be a director. I still have the reply DreamWorks sent to me.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
There are no particular qualifications you need for my job, but a great knowledge of the TV sector and experience as a producer is a great background. I feel education is a really important part of any role as you must be able to write coherently, be confident at public speaking and overall be well read in news and current affairs. A little education can go a long way.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Not everyone takes the same route into this industry, but hard work and dedication are key in order to succeed. I would say the people you meet along the way who recognise a passion and dedication within you and who will help you progress are the most valuable allies to getting into this job.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
I have to be organised, I feel that if you are late for people it is a sign of disrespect, so I always like to turn up on time and be prepared for every meeting, even the most relaxed coffee chats. My current job is a remote role, I work from home in Belfast but the rest of my team is based in London. This requires a lot of attention to detail and being connected on projects and plans. It’s an interesting way to work, but something the majority of us has experienced due to Covid. It’s great to be able to continue to work but be at home with my family.
What does a typical day entail?
My days can be very varied, but currently it’s a lot of zoom meetings with members of my team, creative chats with Executives from different broadcasters and on demand video service companies. I spend a lot of time thinking creatively, writing script for pitches and presentation documents, deciding on images and graphics to best sell a show idea to a buyer.
I am also Chair for the RTS NI Awards 2020 and Vice Chair of the RTS NI Committee, so a lot of my spare time goes into different events and those all-important networking opportunities.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
The best part of the job is the variety of people and projects I get to work on. The most challenging part is making sure we ultimately come up with fresh original concepts which will captivate audiences and win us commissions, but that also keeps the competitive edge to the job.
Why is what you do important?
It’s so important to continue to grow the TV sector here in Northern Ireland and to continue to produce high quality content which is tapping into the global market.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Be determined. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have the opportunities I have been granted, but if you are hardworking and ambitious there are opportunities out there.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
In a way it has made it a lot easier to do business across the whole of the UK as everyone is now connected online rather than commuting to London or further for meetings. I really miss working face to face with people and being in a team environment, but I am grateful our industry has adapted so well and continued to thrive.
What adjustments have you had to make?
Working from home now means there are no hard starts or stops to my day, so I have to be disciplined with my working schedule, making sure to get out for some air in the middle of the day, and also finishing at a point in the evening.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I love making shows, TV is my passion but if I wasn’t doing this, I would probably start a business of some description.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Be patient. You will get the chance to do all that you hope to do. Pay attention and stay grateful.
Describe your ideal day off.
A big family brunch followed by coffee with my friends, an afternoon ride on the beach on my horse (my imaginary one), then an evening of dinner and wine whilst watching a movie with my husband. Pure bliss.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Research is key. Scour the opportunities out there and find a way to put yourself in the best placed scenario for people of influence to know who you are and learn that you are passionate and ready. Never give up. Dreams are made not given.
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