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Nicky Ball
HETV Senior New Entrant Manager at ScreenSkills
Professional Background
Nicky Ball is a highly experienced professional in the television and film industries with over 17 years dedicated to facilitating training and work opportunities for individuals at all levels of experience. Nicky's career has been marked by a passion for supporting the growth and development of talent within the media sector, and her current role at Creative Skillset exemplifies this commitment. As the overseer of Trainee Finder for High-End TV Drama, along with the Make a Move CPD scheme, Nicky actively champions the advancement of emerging talent while providing crucial resources and networking opportunities.
Nicky's extensive experience also includes a decade of working within both a national and regional screen agency environment. She specializes in offering bespoke crewing and recruitment advice tailored to industry professionals and production companies engaging in feature films, television, commercials, and corporate productions. Her background in television resources, amassed over five years at Yorkshire Television, further bolsters her expertise, particularly in casting and resource management.
Throughout her career, Nicky has taken on various challenging responsibilities. These have included managing an expansive crew database of over 6,500 personnel and facilities, orchestrating crew networking events across England, and engaging in ERDF-funded projects aimed at promoting business development in the film and TV sectors. Nicky's adeptness extends to collaborating with production companies to identify and recruit the right crew and production talent for diverse projects, which has significantly contributed to the industry’s growth and innovation.
Education and Achievements
Nicky Ball's educational background lays a solid foundation for her extensive career in the media sector. She holds a BA Hons in Drama, Film, and Television from Aberystwyth University, where she graduated with a 2.1. Her pursuit of knowledge continued with a Postgraduate Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Plymouth, strengthening her journalistic skills and understanding of the broadcast landscape. Additionally, Nicky has completed a Certificate in Training Practice at the University of Huddersfield, enhancing her abilities as a trainer and facilitator within the industry.
Over the years, Nicky's professional journey has allowed her to occupy significant positions within various organizations. She served as the HETV Senior New Entrant Manager at ScreenSkills, where she focused on fostering new talent and supporting career progression within the high-end television sector. Before that, she held a similar role at Creative Skillset, further emphasizing her dedication to empowering newcomers in the industry.
Nicky's previous roles have been equally impactful. As the Crew & Facilities Manager (National) at Creative England, she played a pivotal role in developing regional talent and resources. Before that, she served as the Crew & Freelance Development Manager at Screen Yorkshire, contributing to the local industry while managing various training initiatives. Her early experience at ITV Yorkshire as a Resource Administrator and Casting Assistant provided her with a detailed understanding of the casting process and resource allocation within a television environment.
Core Competencies and Specialties
Nicky's array of competencies makes her a standout figure in the media industry. She has established a rich network of local contacts and relationships with regional crew working across film, television, and commercial productions throughout England. Her ability to identify appropriately skilled and talented crew members allows her to effectively match professionals with projects, ensuring success for both parties.
Organizationally, Nicky excels in running events and conferences that engage hundreds of participants. Her grasp of the skills agenda within the television and film sectors allows her to adapt to industry needs and trends. Furthermore, her relationships with national industry guilds, unions, and associations position her as a critical liaison between different sector stakeholders. Nicky’s capabilities in training and development align firmly with her career mission to uplift and empower those in the media industry.
Personal Philosophy and Vision
With a genuine love for her work, Nicky Ball believes in the power of collaboration and networking to advance personal and professional growth in the TV and film industries. She is passionate about equipping individuals with the skills and connections they need to succeed in their careers. Her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment continues to inspire many within the creative communities. Nicky is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of industry developments and is enthusiastic about the potential for new entrants to make meaningful contributions to the world of television and film.
tags':['Creative Skillset','Training and Development','High-End TV Drama','Crew Management','Television Resources','Film Industry','Career Progression','Bespoke Recruitment','Networking Events','Media Sector','Skills Agenda','Production Talent','Industry Collaborations'],'questions':['How did Nicky Ball develop her extensive network within the film and TV industries?','What strategies does Nicky Ball use to identify and recruit new talent for high-end television?','In what ways has Nicky driven initiatives to enhance career opportunities in the film and TV sectors?','What insights can Nicky share about the evolution of training practices in the media industry over the past 17 years?','How does Nicky Ball engage with industry organizations and guilds to promote skills development?'],
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