What people have said about the work we do
Name: Carla Bartley
Position: Junior Researcher
Company: Twofour Broadcast (Production Company)
"Before I joined Mama I knew nothing about call sheets and proper procedures for filming television. It was the first time as a 16 year old that anyone has trusted me with proper responsibility. I not only felt like I was doing a real job, I also felt that I was a valued member of the team. I can't imagine another organisation giving young people like me a voice that can be heard within the work place by my peers and the big people. I would not be where I am today without the opportunity Mama gave me. Recently I have gone back to Mama to produce a Whats Up show. I was paid as a professional to produce the episode by taking charge of 12 young adults who were trainees and 4 professional television personnel. Its hard to believe that in August 2005 I was one of those trainees."
Position: Junior Researcher
Company: Twofour Broadcast (Production Company)
Name: Oliver Parker
Position: Studio Graphics Operator
Company: British Sky Broadcasting
"When I joined Mama Productions/MAMA Youth Project I had recently graduated in English Literature, and was facing the common struggle of trying to find work in the media without experience. When I started my work experience I didn't know what element of production I was most interested in, but this problem was solved as I quickly started working in every area possible! After a little time I started to get a better idea of what I enjoyed suited me most, and began to concentrate my training and experience on editing. The best thing about working at Mama was the quality and intensity of attention paid to me.
I very quickly started being given responsibilities, editing pieces myself - albeit with support always nearby when I needed it. The skills I gained during my time with Mama meant that not long after I left, I had got a job at Sky Television. I know for a fact that I wouldn't have even been given an interview if it wasn't for the experience I had thanks to Mama. If one thing in particular stuck out about what I took part in, it was the quality of the experience. Many companies offer work experience that amounts to little more than making tea, whereas at Mama you get first hand experience of every element of production, with the opportunity of more in-depth training by current industry experts in areas you are particularly good at, or interested in. With continued support the MAMA Youth Project can keep providing windows for young people into a growing industry."
Position: Studio Graphics Operator
Company: British Sky Broadcasting
I very quickly started being given responsibilities, editing pieces myself - albeit with support always nearby when I needed it. The skills I gained during my time with Mama meant that not long after I left, I had got a job at Sky Television. I know for a fact that I wouldn't have even been given an interview if it wasn't for the experience I had thanks to Mama. If one thing in particular stuck out about what I took part in, it was the quality of the experience. Many companies offer work experience that amounts to little more than making tea, whereas at Mama you get first hand experience of every element of production, with the opportunity of more in-depth training by current industry experts in areas you are particularly good at, or interested in. With continued support the MAMA Youth Project can keep providing windows for young people into a growing industry."
Name: Linda Maitland
Position: Warner Music UK
Company: Artist Relations Executive
"The experience at Mama helped me gain my job at Warner. I was given a high level of responsibility and gained confidence I didnt have prior to working there. I met inspirational people and made many contacts in the music industry which I still keep in contact with. Without Mama I couldnt be where I am today. Bob Clarke taught me about cameras, lighting, editing, preparing call sheets and various other production skills. Most of all I enjoyed every second of working at Mama!"
Position: Warner Music UK
Company: Artist Relations Executive
Name: Zyreeta Abadji
Position: Love Productions (Channel 4)
Company: Production Trainee
"I had been struggling to break into the media industry for a while, the only media experience that I had was gained from my work at my local community station and a bit of freelance writing here and there. I joined MAMA Youth Project in March and was given the opportunity to work on a TV project covering an important social issue that affects young people for the Princes Trust.
I had no previous television experience; however with the excellent guidance of Bob Clarke and Mama, I was able to acquire hands on experience in a short space of time.
I used this experience to apply for a Channel 4 Diversity Production Scheme in May and I was successful in obtaining a years paid placement with Love Productions.
I am now a Production Trainee with Love and will leave in a years time as a TV Researcher. The knowledge and skills I gained at Mama were invaluable and I have already been able to use some of it on the shoots that I have been on with Love. I would recommend MAMA Youth Project to anyone who needs help in breakinginto TV, they definitely helped me!"
Position: Love Productions (Channel 4)
Company: Production Trainee
I had no previous television experience; however with the excellent guidance of Bob Clarke and Mama, I was able to acquire hands on experience in a short space of time.
I used this experience to apply for a Channel 4 Diversity Production Scheme in May and I was successful in obtaining a years paid placement with Love Productions.
I am now a Production Trainee with Love and will leave in a years time as a TV Researcher. The knowledge and skills I gained at Mama were invaluable and I have already been able to use some of it on the shoots that I have been on with Love. I would recommend MAMA Youth Project to anyone who needs help in breakinginto TV, they definitely helped me!"
