Apple TV Work Experience

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Lived Experiences: Film and TV Students past and present go behind-the-scenes of one of the UK's biggest TV shows

Tuesday, 5 May, 2026

University studies provide the vital groundwork for real-world, practical application. Taking lessons learned in the classroom into a real-world environment is at the heart of everything BSU promotes, with work experience opportunities being a key part of this.

Whether taking research into the field or applying skills in your desired area of work, work experience opportunities are perfect for development, networking and boosting confidence.

In the case of BSU third year Film and TV Production student Joanna Ruddock, and BSU Film and TV Production Graduate Holly Large, their recent work experience opportunity took them to the heart of one of the UK’s biggest TV shows and opened up a whole new world of networking opportunities.

Working as production assistants for a major Apple TV production, Holly and Joanna headed to London for a week they would never forget, all thanks to an email from one of their lecturers.

Speaking about how the opportunity came about, Joanna said:

“We got an e-mail saying there was an opportunity for two students to do work experience for an Apple TV production. We didn't know what production it was, only that it was in London, and it was a week long. We had to write a personal statement to get chosen and luckily, they picked us!”

The experience proved to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shadow some of the brightest names in British television production, learning the ropes and seeing first-hand how the sausage is made.

Being present on-set for big moments and getting a hands-on experience of the whole process, Holly and Joanna were in at the deep end and were as intensely involved as the drama unfolding on-screen before them.

Speaking about the experience, Joanna said:

“It was amazing. I asked so many questions and learned so much. Everyone was so helpful, giving me tips on where to start, who to contact and what I should be aiming for. It was amazing to meet people who were in my position that are now working on these amazing productions.”

Holly added:

“We were sort of adopted by a different team every day. Everyone was so welcoming and willing to give their knowledge and advice. The crew was almost a 50/50 split in gender balance as well, which was great for us both to see.

Coming away from it, I felt quite hopeful. Of course, it’s different seeing things come together in real life compared to being taught in the classroom, but it makes you realise that’s where you can get to. It makes you genuinely hopeful that you can do it, and being able to talk to those people and observe them in a real-world environment is just so useful.”

Since graduating from BSU in 2025, Holly joined the Catering team and can often be found in BSU’s General Store at Newton Park, when not behind the lens. Reflecting on balancing work life and this exciting opportunity, she said:

“It’s obviously something I had to work around but I just stressed how important it was to me. I think it’s so important to have that support around you and I’m lucky that I still see many of my lecturers and I still have access to the opportunities that come up for current students.

Some people think that once you leave, that support goes, but that’s not true. I’d say to anyone: keep your connections, stay in contact with your lecturers and utilise the support they continually offer. Don't feel like you're ever on your own, or that you can't ask for help when you graduate, because of course you can.

I’d also say it’s really important to stay motivated and keep a positive mindset after you graduate. Experiences like this one are so valuable, so try to make the most of every opportunity while you’re at university - and keep that same energy going afterwards! Those experiences and the connections you build can really make a difference.”

It proved to be an experience that neither would forget, with both emphasising its value and the importance of overcoming their own personal battles:

“I was scared going into it, but I still did it. If it’s scary, do it scared. Going up to these people you aspire to be one day can make you feel anxious, but I did it any way and learnt so much. They all seemed really impressed by our knowledge and they offered so much that I’m going to take into my work moving forward.”

Looking to call action on your new adventure in the production world? BSU’s range of Film and TV courses could be the perfect place to get started.