End of Pathfinders- Catching up with Ella Stockton
Six months after it began, Cignpost’s Pathfinders programme has now reached its conclusion.
The programme supported five people to undertake a paid placement in television production with the BBC. Read more about the launch in the British Cinematographer.
We recently caught up with Ella Stockton, who spent time on placement with Hartswood Films and BBC Casualty, to find out more about her experience of the scheme, and how it’s shaped her expectations for the future.
What were your thoughts and expectations upon starting the programme?
I honestly didn't know what to expect, but I knew my life was definitely going to change by being placed exactly where I knew I needed to be - on a film set working on something that I am extremely passionate about. I was nervous I was going to be out of my depth, but from the onboarding week in London with the series of masterclasses and teachings from Steve Rehman and our guest speakers from within the industry, I felt more confident than ever. Upon entering my placement, I learned so much so quickly, and by halfway through the placement, I was fully confident that I could go into a job as an Assistant Director after it ended.
What has been your experience of the programme? Has it changed your perceptions of the industry at all?
It's been an amazing experience. I was able to see the side of a high end limited series in Wolf, as well as that of a continuing drama on Casualty. I learned a lot from the vast amount of cast and crew I've worked with. My perception of the industry was always that it takes a lot of great communication & organisational thinking to make it work, and being on set has proven that. No matter which role you're in, being able to build up your confidence to communicate effectively and efficiently is beyond valuable. Each individual within a film crew is a cog, big or small within a massive machine, and each one needs to communicate with other cogs in many different departments to keep the machine running smoothly.
Ella and two of our other trainees, Favour & Andre recently spoke to us on set at BBC Casualty about their experiences on the Pathfinders programme.
What are your plans for the future? Has this changed from your plans before you started the programme?
I plan to continue working, and building up through the AD Department. I've been fortunate in being offered multiple jobs as an AD for after my placement through the Pathfinders Placement Programme ended. I've done dailies on multiple high end series, along with a Welsh film for Sky Arts. I'm now full time on Casualty, booked on a minimum of six episodes, which takes me up until Christmas. Before the placement I was convinced that I would work up through the AD Department, and possibly look into being a director in the long run. I'm still definitely aiming for that, although since working on set and seeing the role of the producer and learning what they do to keep the production running smoothly, I'm also interested in straying from the Assistant Director route and giving that a go, should the opportunity present itself.