As part of our series of blogs from the mentees on 2024's Learning the Ropes programme, we're sharing a piece by Isaac Phelan on session three.
On Wednesday, September 18th, the mentees once again gathered at Fremantle’s London office for the third session of the Learning the Ropes mentoring programme. This event promised a rich evening of connection, insights, and inspiration, and it did not disappoint.
Before the start of the official session, a few of the mentees were able to participate in CV workshops and interviews with the Fremantle Hiring Team for The Rap Game series 6 finale. This was an invaluable opportunity to practice interview etiquette as well as polishing up the all important CV’s.
The evening kicked off at 6 PM, with attendees arriving and settling in. This was a perfect opportunity for us to mingle and reconnect, as well as sneak in a few slices of pizza.
It was then time for one-on-one catch ups between mentors and mentees.These personalized discussions are at the heart of the Learning the Ropes programme, allowing participants to explore their goals, challenges, and aspirations under the supervision of a professional in that field. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, as it had been a while since we had last seen each other.
After the intensive mentoring sessions, a much-needed break was called. Attendees were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and strike up conversations with someone they hadn’t yet spoken to. This mini networking session was a fantastic opportunity to expand professional circles and forge new relationships.
Post-break, the evening continued with a check-in session where a few mentor/mentee pairs shared their experiences. Hearing firsthand accounts of the impact of mentoring highlighted the program's value and left everyone feeling motivated. It is truly incredible how far the mentees have come over the course of the program.
The highlight of the evening was found in the captivating conversation between Dermot and Hector Dockrill, a distinguished director and writer known for his impactful work in music videos and film. Hector, whose credits include collaborations with artists like Stormzy and Jorja Smith, shared his creative journey and insights into the industry.
Hector discussed the challenges and rewards of pursuing freelance filmmaking, presenting us with a truly inspiring story forged over years of hard work and dedication. He also offered a great deal of relatability, as despite his impressive resume, there were occasions where work was thin. His solution was to encourage us to be proactive, and constantly seeking new opportunities. His recent projects, including the Runaway documentary and his upcoming feature film, GOLDFISH, demonstrate his commitment to continuously furthering his horizons.
As the evening drew to a close, participants left with newfound inspiration and connections.
The Learning the Ropes mentoring programme continues to foster a community of creatives who support and uplift one another, making it an invaluable resource for those looking to take their first steps into the industry.
Comments