Creative Lives: Jan Genesis, multi-camera director

In this week’s podcast we go behind the camera and into the world of broadcasting, to find out what it’s like to work in big TV studios. Throughout his time as a freelancer, multi-camera director Jan Genesis has worked with companies including Channel 4, Sky, BBC and ITV. His work can range from directing studio-based programmes such as news, chat or games shows, to on-location shoots for sports coverage and reality TV – recently completing the latest season of Love Island.

Jan reflects on the ways that industry has changed in the years since he was just starting out, both in terms of access into entry-level work and emerging roles. Plus, he considers the ways new talent can contact and stand out to employers, and shares why building resilience in the face of rejection will be your most powerful asset for a career in TV and broadcasting: “In my experience you have to be thick-skinned. You’ve got to ask yourself: What’s the worst that can happen? [...] If you’re always worried about annoying someone, your probably not going to get too far.”

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This episode of Creative Lives was brought to you by Lecture in Progress. It was presented by Indi Davies and the editor was Ivor Manly.

Lecture in Progress is made possible with the support of a number of brand patrons – they include ustwo, GF Smith and The Paul Smith Foundation.