Louie Parker BA (Hons)

Can you tell us about your career journey since graduating from Ravensbourne, including any roles you secured while studying?

Since graduating from Ravensbourne I have had the pleasure of working on a whole range of TV shows. From Come Dine With Me, You Bet! and new reality show called The Neighbourhood, all for major broadcasters such as ITV and Channel 4. I have gone down the production route, beginning as a Production Secretary on The Martin Lewis Money Show at ITV, to more recently starting as a Production Coordinator on a new Celebrity Charity Golf Event in Thailand for a major sports broadcaster. Whilst studying, I was lucky enough to get various runner jobs, starting out on Love Island Aftersun and moving onto Celebrity Big Brother and a pilot series for Netflix. 

What initially attracted you to study BA (Hons) Digital Television Production at Ravensbourne, and how did the university support your development?

I wanted to join Ravensbourne because of the industry connections, and the variety of skills you learn on the TV course - from dramas to studios shows, as well as working in an industry standard studio and gallery. I was fully supported throughout my journey at Ravensbourne, allowing to take industry work alongside my studies.

What types of projects did you work on during your course, and is there one experience that particularly stands out?

One of my favourite experiences/projects at Ravensbourne was the unit about development. This was where we used a live channel 4 pitch, and created our own shows - some of which we went to channel 4 and pitched them to one of the comissioning editors. We also learnt various of genres, such as:live studio shows, multi-cam drama and short form content.

How did Ravensbourne’s industry links and live briefs help you build professional connections and gain real-world experience?

It made me realise what the outside world is like and what they are looking for. It helped me decide what I wanted to go into once I left university and how I get to that place.

What advice would you give to current students hoping to work in television and live broadcast production?

I would definitely learn as many skills as you can, as the industry is ever-changing and having various skills makes you more employable! Be open into other things, even if that career path or opportunity isn’t what you initially are looking for - take every opportunity you can as you never know what you will learn or who you will meet.