Graduate Spotlight: Toby Talbot on finding his path into TV Casting

Toby Talbot is a graduate of our BA Film Business & Production course. Now working in the television industry, Toby’s journey highlights how industry-focused teaching, persistence, and a willingness to explore new directions can lead to real opportunities. We spoke to Toby about his current role, his time at MetFilm School, and the advice he’d offer to students hoping to follow a similar path.

From graduation to the industry: What Toby is working on now

Toby is currently building his career in television casting, working behind the scenes on some of the UK’s most recognisable programmes.

“I’m currently working with a casting agency in Manchester called ‘Industry Casting’, finding supporting artists for programs based primarily in the North, such as Coronation Street, Sherwood, and many other great programmes run by ITV, The BBC and other large production companies.”

Reflecting on how his studies supported this transition, Toby credits the practical, industry-led approach at MetFilm School.

“MetFilm School gave me the opportunity to learn from real industry practitioners, experts who could answer questions based on their real experiences rather than examples from a textbook, this really helped me get to this point as I could build my skills with the backing of advice from lecturers I trusted completely.”

Breaking in: Toby’s first professional step

Like many graduates, Toby’s first industry role came through persistence and daily effort rather than a single breakthrough moment.

“My first professional step into this industry was acquiring this job at Industry Casting. To put it simply, I found this job on a Facebook group for those looking to get into TV work. After university, I would spend 1 hour each day browsing LinkedIn, Facebook and sites like TalentManager to search for opportunities.”

He’s candid about the emotional reality of that process.

“It’s a long, arduous process that makes you feel like you’re getting nowhere, but if you push through all the boredom and monotony, you can eventually strike gold.”

Skills that still matter every day

Toby explains that many of the skills he relies on now were developed over several years, particularly through producing short films during his course.

“So many of the skills that I use now have been picked up over my 5 years of being in Film Production, and the majority of that comes from being a Producer creating short films at Metfilm School, working in teams, managing crews and getting on the ground with real production techniques has been extremely beneficial moving forward into the industry.”

Equally important were the people he met along the way.

“I worked with a lot of talented, amazing people at Metfilm School, and those contacts are so incredibly valuable as you move forward in the industry, as you will have the opportunity to work together and create great projects together.”

The module that changed everything

One particular module proved pivotal in shaping Toby’s career direction.

“Arguably, the most important catalyst of my current career path is when Metfilm School introduced the Factual Entertainment Module while I was studying. I hadn’t originally considered the possibility of working in factual Entertainment or TV, but once I heard about the Industry, I was absolutely hooked.”

He’s clear about how influential this experience was.

“Without that Module, I would likely not be in the job I am now, as it introduced me to Casting, working in TV and gave me the opportunity to get advice from an expert in the industry who had real experience.”

This led directly to valuable experience with a major production company.

“Leading from that, the most important experience I had while at Metfilm School was my work experience with Studio Lambert in their Manchester office.”

“Studio Lambert is one of the leading production companies for factual Entertainment worldwide, who create amazing programmes such as Traitors, Race Across the World and Squid Game: The Challenge.”

“Metfilm School gave me the opportunity to work alongside them, and that opened the opportunity for me to meet some fantastic people that I can use as contacts within the industry. It also gave me direct industry experience that I could utilise now that I’ve started this new position.”

Advice for current students

Looking back, Toby emphasises the importance of having direction – even if that direction evolves.

“If I had to give any advice to people following a similar path to mine – it would be to have a direction.  If you have a direction and have an idea where you’re going, you will learn and absorb so much more information.”

He highlights how transferable skills continue to support his work today.

“I have studied and worked in film for 5 years, and even though I work in TV, the skills I learned for film help me every single day.”

Toby’s journey hasn’t been linear – and he sees that as a strength.

“I’ve changed directions several times. I wanted to be a screenwriter and a voice actor. After college, I wanted to be a film producer and then a casting director.”

“Finally, I landed on the career path I’m on now, but none of that would have been possible without direction. I was focused, I absorbed as much useful information as I could, and I would urge anyone else to do the same.”

Inspired by Toby’s story?

Discover more about the BA Film Business & Production course, offered in London, Brighton and Manchester, and take your first step towards a career in the creative industries.
Apply before the UCAS Equal Consideration Deadline on 14 January to be guaranteed consideration for your chosen course.

If you have any questions, our friendly Admissions team are here to help:

Admissions Team: +44 (0)20 8832 1933
Email: admissions@metfilm.ac.uk