24 year old Hayden Stevens, graduated from MAMA Youth in June 2016. He writes about his journey & personal challenges to becoming a Tech Runner at Run VT.
"Before the MAMA Youth Project I had been trying to get into film and TV since I graduated from university. It was incredibly difficult going as I was only getting expenses only work and averaging around one job a month and felt like I was going nowhere.
I applied for the role of Trainee Sound Operator for What's Up TV training and the experience was just incredible! I had limited experience in professional work environments and throughout it all MAMA Youth Project was there to guide me through and teach me how to improve. As someone with Asperger’s Syndrome, I was more often than not well out of my comfort zone but with all the training and support I was given, I never felt out of my depth and was given the confidence to tackle anything.
After MYP I had a 13 weeks paid placement at Procam TV, where I learned a lot more about all the various equipment used in film and TV. After finishing my placement, I spent 6 months doing a mixture of job searching, expanding my skillset by working on a YouTube channel and volunteering with MYP before successfully interviewing for my current job as a runner with Run VT.
In my role as a Tech Runner at Run VT I am learning more about the technical side of post-production and further improving my interpersonal skills by assisting clients with their needs.
For anyone starting off at MYP you have to be determined to get where you want to be and willing to throw yourself into the training completely. While MAMA Youth will arm you with the skills you need to work in the industry, it is entirely down to you to master them and make yourself indispensable anywhere you go. You should never be afraid to ask for help as MYP will stand by you through thick and thin to help you succeed and excel. Applying for What's Up TV training was one of the best and most life changing decisions I’ve ever made and maybe it can be for you too.” - May 2017
