At TCC, we believe in the power of nurturing emerging talent to create a more inclusive, skilled, and innovative media industry. That’s why we launched the Rising Talent Programme—an 8-month initiative designed to bridge the skills gap and empower the next generation of freelancers.

This year, we’re thrilled to be halfway through the third edition of the programme, and the progress has been nothing short of inspiring! With 10 talented participants diving into their chosen career paths, the programme has been a hub of mentorship, skill-building, and meaningful connections. Here’s an update on how things are shaping up.

Workshops, mentorship & hands-on experience

This week, we hosted a dynamic workshop led by Laura Davis, TCC’s Managing Director, focusing on experience exchange, applying for jobs, and networking strategies.

Our participants have also been working closely with mentors, shadowing them on sets, and engaging in hands-on learning. The opportunity to ask industry-specific questions and receive real-time guidance has been a game-changer for many.

George Hristov, one of this year’s participants, shared his excitement:

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Matt Gathercole on a sitcom pilot for two days, and he’s offered me my first paid credit next Wednesday, camera assisting at a Man City match! Overall, I’d say the programme has helped me make the much-needed push for paid work, which I probably would’ve still struggled to get on my own.

Similarly, Molly Herbert another participant, highlighted the value of mentorship:

My mentor Philipp Zakrzewski has been brilliant and has so many interesting post-production skills. He’s slowly teaching me to create a video project, and I’m learning so much along the way!

Building confidence & networking skills

Networking is an essential skill in this industry, and our Rising Talents have embraced it wholeheartedly. During a recent discussion, George Wells emphasised the importance of preparation: “I always do my research before meeting people and feel confident asking for relevant introductions.” It’s important to connect with people at the right time and to ask for introductions that align with your career goals. Adella Demou also shared her tips on staying organised: “I use Google Calendar to keep track of my correspondence.” By applying these strategies, participants are building their professional confidence and developing meaningful connections with industry experts.

Learning on set

For emerging freelancers like Nitzan Baybus, shadowing experienced camera assistants has been a great lesson:

I’m trying to gain as much experience on set as possible, and I’m confident talking about my projects, skills, and even negotiating with clients. It’s been such an empowering journey! Nitzan also stressed the importance of being proactive: Having your CV ready and applying quickly when job opportunities arise is crucial. In this industry, you need to act fast.

At TCC, we couldn’t agree more! A strong CV paired with a short, well-crafted cover letter can make all the difference in standing out in a competitive industry.

Reflecting on progress

It’s been truly inspiring to see this year’s Rising Talents share resources, experience and support one another. They discussed technical challenges, shared insights from the field, and celebrated each other’s successes.

As Adella Demou beautifully summed up:

The online workshops TCC provides are so informative, accessible, and helpful. They’ve even helped me gain paid work in commercial settings that I wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. The TCC team is so communicative and supportive—always welcoming questions and passionate about helping us grow. I’m super grateful to navigate my runner/camera assistant career with TCC!

Looking ahead

The enthusiasm, collaboration, and the confidence of some of the Rising Talent are truly amazing! As we continue into the second half of the programme, we’re excited to see how these talented individuals shape their careers, contribute to the industry, and inspire others.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to celebrate the success of the TCC Rising Talent Programme—a project that not only supports emerging talent but also helps build a more diverse and reflective industry for the future.

Here you can find out more about TCC Rising Talent, and please let us know if you would like to book these great freelancers for your next project!