‘How I got my media break’

Philip Holmes - BBC Watchdog (Assistant Production Manager)

Young talent is out there somewhere and it is hard work and determination that gets some people to the stage where they want to be in life. I caught up with Philip Holmes - Assistant Production Manager of BBC's Watchdog with a passion for factual news and television - ''I started out really knowing I wanted to get into factual television, everyone knew about the BBC and it was one of those dream places you can work for'. Phil Holmes started his career at City University having studied Broadcast Journalist, he wasn't quite sure what he wanted to get in to as such but he know factual TV was one area he wanted to indulge in - ''Doing the course at City really envisaged my dream to wanting to become something in the future, to work for a huge TV corp.'' - Holmes later found out his dreams would be closer to reality when was accepted for a Crimewatch work experience placement - ''I really didn't expect it, I felt really positive that this could be the start of my career'' - he went on to say ''it was an unforgettable experience in which I strived to be the best so they could see that I'm serious about my career choice''. Shortly after, Holmes was eager to get back to the BBC and carry on doing more placements, his connections with the editor at Crimewatch landed him a placement at Watchdog - ''I was so happy, my life began to evolve greatly - I saw a light at the end of a very long tunnel'' - Holmes began to see his life unfold and at the age of just 19 he knew that his focus could lead him to long-term success in the future. Finally Holmes had his break - at the age of just 21 he applied for the BBC trainee pool scheme and was successful - He landed his first dream job ''I was so proud, my family couldn't believe it, I was happy - close to tears and really looking forward to becoming an assistant production manager at such a great show like Watchdog''. Holmes now lives in London and is still at the BBC envisaging his dream; he left me with his final comment saying ''I always know I was going to achieve good things as long as I tried my best in life''.