Michelle Ackerley

Michelle Ackerley is an assistant producer on Blue Peter.

• What was your first job in the media and how did you get it?

I did a four week work experience placement with BBC Entertainment on a documentary called Secret Life of the Shop for BBC Three. I applied for the placement online and was called for an interview. Off the back of the interview I was offered the placement and carried on from there.

• How long did it take you from there to being doing your current job?

I started at the BBC in 2005 so a good few years!

• Did you do any formal media training?

No, I did a degree in psychology at Manchester University. In my spare time I presented on a community radio station in Manchester and did some work experience at a local television station called Channel M before applying to the BBC.

• Was there a formative person or programme which made you want to work in the media?

I had an interest in the media from being a child. My psychology tutor worked in television as a body language psychologist on Big Brother. He made me think more about working within the media. I went along to a television workshop at university and had the opportunity to speak to various people from ITV, BBC and radio. They all really inspired me to gain work experience within the media and work out what kind of path I wanted to take within television.

• What programmes are on your must-view or must-listen list now?
  

Frozen Planet. I think it’s incredible. I also like things like TOWIE and Big Brother. I think there is a lot to learn from programmes like these – in terms of new formats and re-shaping an already existing brand.

• Has there been a moment where you’ve thought, "I can’t believe I get paid to do this!"?

Yes. Plenty of times when working on Blue Peter. I’ve worked with Jack Black twice which was amazing. It’s great to work on a show where you can constantly be thinking of new weird and wonderful ideas for kids to enjoy – one being a guy trying to break the world record for the fastest hot water bottle burst.

• What’s been the proudest or most memorable moment of your career so far?

Being promoted to assistant producer on Blue Peter. Coming up with ideas for the show and being in control of developing them, scripting them and seeing them on television.

• What things do you always take on a shoot – physical objects and personal skills?

Consent forms, risk assessments, production mobile, schedule, scripts. All the necessary things you need for a shoot. And then add in confidence and a sense of fun.

• Most useful skill you’ve developed?

To not be afraid to talk to people no matter what their position is. It can be very beneficial. Also to not be scared of pitching new ideas. No idea is a bad one and they often lead to great items in studio.

• Hardest lesson learnt?

I’ve not really had really negative experiences within my career. My motto is if I don’t wake up in the morning looking forward to what I’m meant to be doing then I’m in the wrong job.

• Anything you know now that you wished you knew then?

Be confident in your ability. Don’t be afraid to ask.

• What three tips would you give someone wanting to do your job?

 - Passion and creativity are key. Always be thinking of new ideas.

 - Speak up and talk to new people.

 - Have an interest in stories. Storytelling is vital when writing a script.