How do you get your name out there?

Student Jago Pheonix Robbins emailed me to say:

I’m an English literature and creative writing student at Cardiff University, and my dream is to write my own TV series. What advice would you give to get my name out there for recognition in the industry? 

Thanks for the question, Jago. Here are a few things I wish I'd understood earlier:

1. Focus on the work first and foremost.

Getting your name out there only really matters once you’ve got something to share. If you want to make a name for yourself in TV, concentrate on writing scripts: shorts, pilots, even feature films if the mood takes you. 

You can go one step further and make something. It's never been easier to pull together a short film. Most phones have everything you need, and you don't need anyone's permission to get started.

But above all, make sure you finish what you start. That’s what people are looking for in a collaborator — a person who can see a project through from beginning to end. One finished script will do more for your career than ten half-started projects and ideas.

2. Learn how TV works.

Writing for TV has its own rhythms and rules. Read as many scripts as you can get your hands on and watch TV with a notebook. Pay attention to how the writer has structured the story or a character arc. Note how many scenes there are, how characters are introduced, how much information is given to the viewer, and how much they have to work out for themselves, pulling together the clues.

Scour the internet for behind-the-scenes featurettes. Watch them not to learn about writing, but to understand how TV shows are put together, and to find out about the different roles in a production, from runners and best boys to directors and producers. DVDs and Blu-rays are full of gems like this, so dig 'em out whenever you can.

Man alive, I miss DVD extras.

Oh, and I'm sure you've heard this at uni, but check out the BBC Writer's website. It's a treasure trove.

3. Be visible, but not noisy.

You don’t need a huge social media following. What matters more is being professional, curious, and engaged. Go to talks, festivals, student screenings, and industry events whenever you can. Talk to people and absorb knowledge like a sponge, asking them how they got started in the industry. Be interested – and always thank them for their time.

Oh, and remember that most of these industries are smaller than you think, even in these days of fragmented social media. Don't make a nuisance of yourself online and always think before you post – especially if you want to have a pop about something publicly. This doesn't mean you can't be critical or that you have to like everything. Far from it. Having an opinion is great, just consider how you express it, especially online.

Ask yourself: would I say this to an actor/writer/director/producer's face? And is my comment contributing something to the conversation, or just adding to the noise? A day may come when you're standing in front of someone you've bad-mouthed online, and your words bite you on the bum.

Be genuine but professional, critical but kind.

Basically, don't be a prat, and when you are – as we all have been from time to time – front up and own it. Everyone makes mistakes. Be the person who admits to them, learns from them, and tries not to make them again. That people will notice!

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4. Be a cheerleader.

Celebrate the achievements of others. Shout them from the rooftops. If one of your friends lands a great gig, has a breakthrough in their career, or meets one of your heroes, never ever say 'I'm jealous'. That makes it about you. Make it about them!

Tell them how pleased you are for their success – even if you're seething with envy inside. That's not being disingenuous, it's being supportive. And after a while, you might find your green-eyed monster starts to subside – or at least can guide you in the direction you should be travelling. As Mel Robbins, author of The Let Them Theory says: "jealousy is a clue," and has nothing to do with the person who's achieved something and everything to do with you. Give them their moment.

5. Play the long game – and enjoy it for what it is!

Most creative careers are built over years, not months. The world sees 'overnight success', but it's usually the result of a long, hard slog. And along the way, there will be rejections galore and long bouts of silence when you can't get an answer from anyone.

I know that sounds hard – and maybe even a little discouraging – but the truth is, it's not always easy. There will be times when it all seems too much, or that you're banging your head against a brick wall. The trick is to notice where you are, not just where you're heading, where you want to be.

It's so easy to miss the good things by always looking ahead. Look at what you're achieving now, what you've learned, and how you've moved on from where you were last week, last month, last year. Celebrate the small wins. Take pleasure in the process itself. Have fun.

I hope some of that helps, Jago. Best of luck with your studies and career. And keep asking questions!

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