Harriet Gribbin

Education

Equipment

My Equipment/Kit:

I can use:

About me

Television is one of the most integral parts of modern day society, both for its ability to educate masses with information and multiple perspectives on topical issues as well as providing us with necessary entertainment and relaxation. I have been fortunate enough to experience the fast-paced, adrenaline rush of making a TV programme, as Studio Lambert filmed me in August and October 2017 for ‘Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge’, which aired on BBC 2 earlier this year. It is safe to say the experience confirmed my enthusiasm for the television industry as well as bolstering my confidence that it was an environment in which I will be able to work in tirelessly and passionately.

Aside from this, I have no in-depth experience working in the television industry aside from what I filmed with Studio Lambert for ‘Top of the Shop…’, however I am a highly confident individual and work at my best when my mind and body are busy; therefore juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities is more of an exciting challenge rather than a prospect to be feared. It will be extremely fulfilling to work with such a renowned studio where I know I will be able to further develop the interpersonal skills I have already acquired throughout my years of working as well as to gain new ones.

Organisation is a must for me, as I firmly believe that being half an hour early for any occasion is much more preferable than being even two minutes late. Checklists and diaries are necessities when it comes to ensuring I remember everything that needs to be done and also for optimal time management.

I enjoy taking the time to do puzzle books, a hobby I picked up on my long 5+ hour train journeys to and from my university and my home. When not having a lot of university work to complete or other jobs to do, I found it was a great way to keep my mind busy and pass the time. Keeping my brain active and thinking is something I pride myself on, as this is the only way to ensure I keep achieving my best and working more efficiently.

I have a lot of voluntary work that involved interacting with a broad range of individuals and working alongside new groups, such as at Bolton Central Library, Beechville Residential Home and Bolton FM. Earning lots of money and being dreadfully rich has never been a passion of mine, as I feel like this is a superficial form of contentment. I didn't mind working these jobs for no pay, as I was actively communicating with others and providing assistance - two things that give me much more joy than being handed a cheque. Working voluntarily gave me a love of responsibility and tasks because it allowed me to see a broader picture rather than focusing on personal, superficial reward.

Furthermore, when competing in the Young Enterprise Competition, my team and I created an illustrated children's book called 'Tweega' (meaning 'Giraffe' in Swahili - chosen for its culturally educational ties as well as sounding playful and being easily spoken for younger audiences). The finished product could be considered at the mid to low end for overall quality but that doesn't detract from the fact we wrote, illustrated and pitched it to companies (such as ASDA) and in front of judges ourselves. Being the project manager was at first daunting but eventually I settled into my role, considering that I had been voted into it and therefore had the confidence of my team behind me. This made me much more able to speak my mind and pitch my own ideas without fearing criticism or sounding foolish. It also allowed me to let go of my worry that I may sound overbearing when it came to delegating and managing my team's organisation.
Additional information:
I believe that being filmed for 'Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge' was a perfect eye-opener and a fun first real experience of working in television. I was able to observe the crew and make friends with some of them, too. As a result, I took the time to ask questions about the reality of working behind the scenes of producing TV, so that I am under no illusions and could decide whether it was really the career for me. Strangely, I found that rather than revelling in being in front of the camera, I spent a lot of time pining for being a part of producing a programme like that. Despite the obvious hectic nature of the set, it was clear that each member of the crew completely enjoyed what they were doing.

Skills

Secondary Job Title	Production Assistant
Job Titles	Production Assistant (PA)
Years in industry	less than a year