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James Mitchell

At South Essex Colleges Group, we take pride in helping students unlock their potential and build careers that can take them anywhere. With industry-focused courses, expert teaching and strong support, our learners gain the confidence and skills to succeed at the highest level. James’ journey shows how starting with a passion and the right foundation can lead to outstanding achievements on a global stage.

My name is James Mitchell, I am 38 years old, and I studied at South Essex Colleges Group from 2002 to 2007. This is my story.

I began my journey studying Moving Image before progressing onto a BSc in Television Production and Screen Theory. I chose South Essex Colleges Group because it was local, offered the course I wanted and allowed me to stay close to home while working in a local theatre alongside my studies.

Studying at college gave me a strong foundation in television production. While technology in the industry continues to evolve, having that early experience with industry-standard equipment was incredibly valuable. More importantly, the course helped me understand the fundamentals of television production and gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions.

One of the most important parts of my time at college was the support from my lecturers. The relationships I built with them gave me the encouragement I needed to believe in my abilities and push myself further. That confidence played a key role in shaping my future.

After completing my studies, I began building my career across a range of roles within the industry. I worked in theatre, including with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon and at the National Theatre in London. I also returned to South Essex College for a period, working as both a lecturer and technician, supporting the next generation of students.

James Mitchell

From there, I moved into television, gaining experience in shopping TV before progressing into broadcast production. Today, I work at MediaCityUK in Manchester for ITV News as a Lead Production Specialist.

In my current role, I manage a team of 15 production specialists and work across a wide range of television production areas. These include lighting design, sound mixing, directing, floor management and weather recordings. I started as a trainee production specialist in 2013 and worked my way up through dedication and experience to my current leadership position.

One of my proudest achievements has been winning two BAFTA awards as part of a team, as well as being recognised as Production Specialist of the Year in 2017. These milestones reflect not only my personal journey but also the importance of teamwork and collaboration within the industry.

Looking ahead, my ambition is to continue progressing into an Operations Manager role, building on my experience and leadership within television production.

My journey shows how education can provide the foundation for a long and successful career, even in highly competitive industries. With the right support, determination and willingness to keep learning, anything is possible.

If James’ story has inspired you, our Film and Television Production courses are designed to help you develop the skills, confidence and industry knowledge needed to succeed. Take your first step towards a career in media with South Essex Colleges Group today.