News

Students from Farnborough College of Technology who worked at the World Professional Darts Championships 2012, at the Lakeside Country Club in Frimley
advertisement

Students at forefront of Beeb's darts coverage

By Tim Harris
January 25, 2012

STUDENTS from a Farnborough college lent a helping hand at the World Darts Championships, after they landed jobs at the event in Frimley earlier this month.

Seven past and present students from Farnborough College of Technology (FCOT) worked with the production team at the BDO World Professional Darts Championships at the Lakeside Country Club.

The students were able to experience working with the production team for a major live television broadcast, including being camera assistants, technical assistants and general runners.

Three of the FCOT team were paid for their services, after impressing with their work at last year’s event.

Four other students were picked to be unpaid runners, to shadow staff, and generally help out at the major sporting competition.

Alex Shepherd, who studying a foundation degree in TV and radio at FCOT, worked on cameras at the world championships.

He said: “I was working with presenters Bobby George, Colin Murray and Ray Stubbs doing close ups. It was fantastic experience.

“Last year I applied through the college and was selected to be a runner, but I stayed in touch and this year I was paid.”

Jonathan Dorme, who also studies the TV and radio course, was invited to work at Lakeside again after he established a relationship with production company SIS last year.

He said: “Having the opportunity to work with these industry professionals has furthered my current understanding of how outside broadcasting is produced.

“This has confirmed the direction I would like my career to take.”

The FCOT team completed long days, from 11am to midnight, but said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“This was a fantastic opportunity,” added Peter Smith. “It is so important to get work experience in order to break into this industry.

The other students who worked at the World Darts Championships were Shane Green and Emily Cairncross, who both study the BSc in Media Production.

Former students Chris Philpot and Dom Rosetti, who both studied the Media Production course completed the team.

Lawrence Magee, head of media and creative arts at FCOT believes opportunities such as this give his students a headstart in a cut-throat industry.

He said: “This experience leads to students getting into a very competitive industry.

“We are so proud of our links and particularly the link with the BBC’s World Professional Darts.”

| Submit Comments | View Comments (1)