Mentoring, Talks & Workshops

I am passionate about making this industry accessible, particularly to those from under-represented groups and backgrounds, so I mentor new entrants to the industry and those climbing the ladder behind me. I also run and participate in talks, panels and workshops at universities and schools, and I’m proud to have recently run a workshop for Underscore Studios that broke their record for the highest number of attendees at a session.

If you think you might be interested in a career in television and are looking for advice and/or someone to review your CV, feel free to contact me. If you work at a university or school and would like to discuss the possibility of working together, please do get in touch. 

“Melody spent hours of her time helping me tailor my CV, explaining different genres and departments I could work in, helping me with job applications, giving me constructive feedback and advice, and even showing me how to use certain camera equipment, in such a gentle manner yet professional tone. I could not have asked for a more understanding mentor.

I am now confident in my ability to network and apply for different roles all thanks to the education, guidance and belief Melody gave me. Simply put, I would not be in the position I am now without her time, effort and patience. Even though our official mentoring period is over, I know Melody will still always try and help me if she can. I will always be forever grateful for all the support Melody has put into me.”

FionnualaFreelance Runner

“I was lucky enough to be mentored by Melody in the first stages of my career, and she supported me through identifying my career goals, applying for jobs, and understanding how the industry works more broadly. She met monthly with me and taught me about different aspects of the industry as well as answering all my questions thoroughly.

Melody is warm, compassionate, and extremely knowledgeable. Melody’s support and encouragement not only taught me the skills I needed, but gave me the confidence to take chances and pursue new opportunities. Without her support, I would never have found the job I am in now, and I am exceptionally grateful.”

SophieDevelopment and Production Assistant, Zodiak Kids Studios

“As someone who had the camera skills and work ethic for TV, I didn't have the media experience or the know how to 'get my foot in the door'. Melody was able to guide me with enhancing my CV, how to search for the right people to contact in productions and what to actually say!

She was there for me as a fountain of knowledge and was able to give me advice and support every step of the way. With all of her help I was able to secure my first entry level TV role and I haven't looked back! Melody has definitely played a huge part in the beginning of my TV career and I can honestly say I wouldn't have been able to make those first steps without her.”

LauraResearcher, The One Show

Melody's talk was excellent. It had so much richness for students. It was perfect and has fed into other conversations I have had since then. Students were engaged and inspired.

The talk provided an extensive insight into behind-the-scenes of TV, from scripted to unscripted formats, and offered so much useful information regarding forging your career in the creative industries. The guidance for CV writing and resources provided enhance the students' employability skills and prepare them to venture into television, with an understanding of the expectations ahead of them.

Melody is very approachable and offers her contact details for future guidance and mentoring for the students, which is invaluable. We look forwards to inviting her back in the future.

Rachel ClarkSenior Lecturer, University of Bedfordshire

ScreenSkills is great for free, remote courses, so if you haven’t already checked out their website, please do. It’s also worth looking at the excellent work that Underscore Studios is doing to help more working class people get into (and stay in) the creative industries.

LinkedIn also has some great free courses applicable to entry level careers in TV, including THIS one about how to write a cover letter/email and THIS one about building professional relationships. The BBC is currently offering some exciting apprenticeships for those at entry level. 

Outside of my TV work, I tutor in English, Spanish and English as a foreign language. More information can be found HERE

Representation: info@saraputt.co.uk

General Enquiries: contact@melodyruiz.com