Case studies : Interactive content coordinator: Stephanie

Stephanie is currently an interactive content coordinator at an education public broadcasting station in Brazil. Her university experience includes a BA in Sociocommunication in Radio and TV and an MA in Digital Television Management and Production.

My current role involves coordinating the interactive content of a live TV show for young people, producing social media content, monitoring live streaming and giving users support. At the same time, I analyse user behaviours and use this information to provide solutions and new ideas for multiplatform actions. I very much enjoy the direct and immediate contact with our audience. During the show we get quick feedback from the viewers who send in their opinions, ask questions, etc. It’s highly interactive!

The key skills which I use on a day to day basis are technical skills associated with digital media production particularly with respect to IT packages such as the Adobe suite, Sound Forge and Moyea FLV Editor. In addition to that, I enjoy organising and motivating the team which is responsible for the final production. I also enjoy communicating effectively with the range of professionals who contribute to media production. My role also requires a high level of professionalism, self control and composure under pressure. One of the most challenging aspects of my role is persuading TV producers that we need to innovate, to create new ways to interact with our audience in order to create new multiplatform projects so good communication, negotiation and persuasion are vital.

As part of my Masters programme, I enjoyed a work placement with MTV in London, but had also previously been an intern, production assistant, producer and production coordinator on a wide variety of TV shows in San Paulo, which gave me a great background knowledge and hands-on experience with television production. On graduation, I worked as a line producer in a special project with an international partner and through that was offered my current role in the same company.

Although I had some previous experience in the production of TV programmes, the Masters I took helped me to get my current position. On my integral placement I implemented MTV’s Best Show Ever interactive website, monitored regional sites, organised translations, converted and edited videos, which gave me great experience of the UK TV sector.

My best tip would be to try and get as much experience as possible. People with computer or web programming skills can have a great advantage entering my field but this is immeasurably enhanced by internet and TV production knowledge. Take every opportunity you can to get work experience, work on digital production by volunteering or doing work experience while at university and make contacts in the industry, even through some of the production registers that are available.