Why did you choose to get into television and programming?
I moved to London when I was 19 and, the next year, I heard there were jobs going at MTV. I grew up watching MTV, and jumped at the chance. I thought it would be a cool company to work for, and the people who worked there were always hanging at the pub having what seemed like an amazing time.
How did you get to where you are today?
I started in the transmission library at MTV in London - back in the days when every programme, ad, promo and music video was held on individual tapes.
I had to match up the viewing schedule with what was in the library, ensuring everything was available for transmission. That's how I learned about what makes up a channel, the principles behind programming, what's popular in all countries versus what's specific to Germany or Italy or Scandinavia.
It truly was a case of right place at the right time, knowing someone at the company who introduced me to the right person definitely helped, too. It started off as a six-week contract, but I ended up staying in that position for over a year before moving on to the next one. From there, I went on to programme the MTV Scandinavian channels.
I met my future Kiwi husband in London and, after moving to New Zealand, I became the programming manager for Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central, then channel manager at TVNZ.
What does your typical day entail?
If you'd asked me a few weeks ago, it would've been meeting with various high-powered studio execs in Cannes to discuss cool upcoming shows and having delicious dinners in fancy restaurants. I would love people (including my parents and my high school crush), to think my job was like that all year round. This week, though, it's more about internal meetings, putting together Excel spreadsheets - following up on all the boring, but crucial, details.
Best and worst parts about your job?
Being a new venture in a newish industry. Lightbox has attracted smart, passionate, fun-loving people, and the TV industry itself is quite vibrant, so every day there are amazing new opportunities to chase. And the geek in me loves that I get to see so many shows before most. The worst part is turning people away, especially when all they have is one show they have poured their life into and it just isn't a good fit for the brand. Breaks my heart.
Your best advice for young people wanting to break into your field?
Take every opportunity to learn more about as many aspects of the company as you can. Everything is interlinked. Nothing you learn is a wasted experience, even if it's not directly related to programming.
What is your take on internships: are they worthwhile in your field?
They can be. The tricky thing about programming is that much of it happens so far in advance, so, during an internship you might work on implementation of something that was decided months earlier. Or you might work on something that you never get to see come into being. Not many places offer courses/education in programming, so learning on the job is often the only way to do it.
What do you wish someone had told you when you were first starting out on your career?
It's important to know what happens everywhere in the business and how your decisions affect others. Maybe it is a small change you decide to make on a Friday afternoon that turns someone's weekend upside down completely. I am lucky I got to work in many different departments, at many levels, although it didn't always feel that way at the time.
What's one mistake you would want to erase in regards to your career?
Jake Gyllenhaal once walked past me in the MTV office in London. My colleague and I just stood and stared at him as he walked past. Missed opportunity.
Resumé tips?
Your resumé is often your chance to make a first impression and sell yourself, but do so with humility. And don't be afraid to use your network of contacts to "put in a good word".
Top three tips for success in your industry?
1. Look at ratings and reviews, but dare to believe in your gut feel.
2. Know what is trending, both locally and internationally.
3. Remember, you are not the customer. Make sure you know your demographic and create the product for them.
- VIVA
