Student Spotlight: Behind the Scenes with Katie Wyles – A MetFilm School Leeds Graduate Making Her Mark in TV

When Katie Wyles joined the very first cohort of BA Content Media and Film Production students at MetFilm School Leeds in 2022, she wasn’t entirely sure what her path in television would look like. What she did know was that she wanted to work in TV, and MetFilm School offered the perfect combination of creative exploration and industry experience to help her get there.

“I had never really intended to go to university,” Katie explains. “After balancing five A-Levels, hobbies, and work, I thought I’d go straight into a job. But when I saw the advert for MetFilm School Leeds, I realised it was exactly what I needed – the perfect balance between supported study and real industry learning.”

Within days, she had written her personal statement, attended an interview, and accepted her place.

Learning across disciplines

Over the three-year degree, Katie found the flexibility to explore every side of production – from scriptwriting and cinematography to producing and editing.

“Throughout the course, I got to experience working in multiple departments to find where I best fit,” she says. “From writing a comedy script about a holiday gone wrong to the semester where I focused on cinematography, I was able to experiment and build my ambitions.”

It was during this process that Katie discovered her passion for production management.

“The course really helped me see how all the moving parts of a production come together,” she continues. “It’s given me such a good understanding of what each department does, which has been so useful on set. When you’re out working, you know exactly who to go to for what – and that makes everything run smoother.”

From classroom to set

Since graduating, Katie has already built up an impressive portfolio of credits, working as a runner on BBC’s Stacey Solomon: Sort Your Life Out, Homes Under the Hammer, and ITV’s Dickinson’s Real Deal.

“All of these jobs came through Facebook groups – it’s really about being proactive and getting your CV out there as soon as you see a post,” she says. “I always make sure to follow up with coordinators, letting them know I’m available to return, and that’s already led to repeat opportunities.”

The practical training she received during her degree has also helped her hit the ground running.

“The biggest thing that helped me was being trained to read production documents,” Katie explains. “The first time I got an industry call sheet, it was overwhelming – there’s so much information! But because of what I’d learned at MetFilm School, I knew what was relevant to my role. It gave me confidence from day one.”

Her days on set can range from short half-day shoots to 12-hour filming schedules, with a mix of hands-on work and coordination. “It’s fast-paced and unpredictable, but so rewarding. Every project is different, and you’re constantly learning.”

Taking every opportunity

Katie’s time at MetFilm School also encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone – including spending a summer as Co-Head of Media at an all-girls camp in Quebec, Canada.

“It really helped me learn about adventure and doing things that scare you,” she says. “At the camp, one of the girls told me she wanted to get into media after seeing the work I’d been doing – that meant a lot.”

Now focused on production management, Katie is taking as many ScreenSkills and industry short courses as she can to keep building her expertise.

Her advice for current and future students?

“Be proactive and stay visible. On set, offer to help wherever you can – even with small things like making coffee or tidying up. Those moments show initiative and help you build a reputation. Outside of work, keep networking. Post on LinkedIn, contact production companies, and keep showing up – that’s how you get remembered. And don’t forget to make time for yourself too; having hobbies and a life outside of film keeps you motivated and creative.”

Today, Katie is continuing to work in TV across the UK and is already building a name for herself as a reliable, motivated member of any production team. Looking back, she credits her MetFilm School experience for giving her the confidence to pursue every opportunity that comes her way.

“The course gave me the freedom to try everything, make mistakes, and figure out what I really wanted to do. It gave me the confidence to say yes to every opportunity – and that’s what’s got me where I am now.”

Ready to follow in Katie’s footsteps and start your own journey into film, media, and television production?

Join us at one of our MetFilm School Open Days to discover more about the BA (Hons) Content, Media & Film Production degree and how it can help you turn your creative ambitions into a real career.

We offer this course at the following campuses:

• Birmingham Open Day Sat 8 Nov
• Leeds Open Day Sat 6 Dec
• London Open Day Sat 13 Dec

Find out more and book your place at an upcoming Open Day here.