Monet Page
Monet is now working as a Talent and Contracting Assistant at ITV Studios.
What does your current role entail?
My role involves the facilitation of crewing, with my primary focus being the recruitment of staff for Emmerdale and Coronation Street. I organise and carry out interviews, assessment days and headhunt for a variety of roles across the two soaps. My role is people-facing and involves lots of networking which I love, and I often help out the other labels on our ITV Studios North team. I have a real passion for both Northern and entry-level talent, so being in this role is very rewarding.
Why did you originally choose to study at Manchester?
Firstly, the university's location was a major draw, placing me in the heart of a vibrant city I had always loved visiting. Beyond that, the University of Manchester boasts an excellent reputation, both for its overall academic standing and specifically for the quality of its Drama and Film Studies course and its past alumni.
My decision was further solidified after attending an open day; the staff were incredibly approachable and accommodating, and I was captivated by the facilities.
Did you always know what you wanted to do after graduating?
When I began my time at university, I initially harboured theatre and acting ambitions, but my time at the University of Manchester significantly influenced my career path towards filmmaking.
In my second year, I undertook my favourite course unit of the degree – Television Drama - and I joined the Filmmaking Society, where I participated in several short films before becoming Publicity Manager and eventually Co-President. Alongside my fellow committee members, I helped to grow and stabilise the society by recruiting more members and securing vital funding, which we won in the Masood Entrepreneurship Centre x SU Pitch It!
It was through these experiences that I discovered a love for production, ultimately leading me to pursue an MA in Production Management.
What skills from your degree do you most often use at work?
One of the most valuable skills I gained from my course was effective time management. Balancing lectures, seminars, essays, and my Filmmaking responsibilities required careful planning and discipline. These organisational abilities have been directly transferable to my current role at ITV Studios, where I juggle multiple tasks.
The research skills I honed during my course have also been incredibly beneficial in my career. Whether it was delving into academic texts or analysing scenes from films, I learned to systematically gather, evaluate, and synthesise information. These abilities are directly applicable to my role.
The research skills I honed during my course have also been incredibly beneficial in my career. Whether it was delving into academic texts or analysing scenes from films, I learned to systematically gather, evaluate, and synthesise information. These abilities are directly applicable to my role.
What advice would you give someone applying to university now?
Make the most of every opportunity! Societies, work experience, networking - imposter syndrome can sometimes stand in the way but fake it until you make it!
Don’t compare yourself to anyone – make those uni years what you want them to be and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing.