Anna Bonaddio

The talent manager for Expectation Factual explains the entry-level roles in documentary-making and how to get into them.

How do you get work as a runner, a researcher and an assistant producer (AP) in TV documentaries? Find out from someone who recruits into those roles. Anna Bonaddio explains what she looks for.

Questions she answers include: 

  • 23:18 - Do you think it's more challenging for mature students to enter the industry after graduation?
  • 24:05 - Do you have any advice for those wanting to move from camera assisting to more editorial roles?
  • 24:53 - How do you avoid getting cornered into one specific genre?
  • 26:30 - Researcher job descriptions often ask for data wrangling experience. If you don't have this already as a researcher, how do you get this experience?
  • 31:43 - Is it a good idea to send treatments to companies?
  • 32:26 - Would you recommend doing a masters' degree in TV production to people who want to work in documentary making but have a completely different background?
  • 34:11 - Do you have any tips for finding jobs in these difficult times?
  • 35:16 - How do you get more camera equipment when you don't have access to equipment or funds to afford a course?
  • 36:23 - Tips for working in Leeds, Manchester and Bristol

About Anna Bonaddio

Anna is talent manager in the factual department of Expectation Entertainment. Expectation Entertainment is an award-winning multi-genre independent production company specialising in entertainment, comedy entertainment, scripted comedy, drama and factual programming.

About the event

This is a recording of an online event that took place on 9 November 2020, introduced by Philip McCreery, ScreenSkills training producer. It's supported by the ScreenSkills Television Skills Fund which invests in training for the freelance television workforce thanks to contributions from the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It's part of a ScreenSkills programme managed by the Indie Training Fund to support freelancers to upskill and stay connected, helping keep the industry resilient during Covid-19.

Further careers information

Check out our unscripted TV job profiles.