Putney resident Louis Alexandre recently had the opportunity to learn some insider presenting skills from industry professional Jodie McCallum at DLD College London.

Louis, (17), from Blade Mews, took some tips from Channel 4 presenter Jodie during an in-depth workshop held at the Westminster Bridge-based college.

The BTEC Creative Media student benefited from a full day working alongside Jodie, who is giving up her time to work with students at the college on an ongoing project which will culminate in a live broadcast at the end of the academic year.

Louis is working with his classmates to create an entertainment programme based around music. It will incorporate a music video, studio pieces to camera and interviews, as a way of demonstrating their multi-camera skills. Jodie will also revisit the college to do a piece to camera for the project and offer any final words of advice before the piece is complete.

During the workshop, Jodie explained her background, having come through the 4Talent scheme, she has now come full circle and works with the team to hold presenting workshops for future hopefuls.

She is a well-known Channel 4 presenter with an abundance of skills from presenting to production. She gave an insight into inspirations, how she likes to present, what it is like working in a studio and following her recent appointment on ITV’s Good Morning Britain – what it is like working with Piers Morgan.

Jodie focussed on the importance of script writing with the students and opened their eyes to the complexity of the skill. They practised with a script she kindly prepared before presenting to camera and the group was then tasked with writing their own.

The practical workshop continued with Jodie teaching the students how to use autocue, she worked with them on interview and presentation techniques as well as offering advice for breaking into the industry in a variety of capacities such as production.

BTEC Media teacher, John Branney, organised the workshop. He commented: “Louis thrived during the workshop with Jodie and took her tips on board which is really showing in his presenting abilities.

“We were so grateful Jodie gave her time to come and mentor the students and it is fantastic that she is willing to come back and help ahead of their final presentation.”
To find out more about DLD College London go to www.dldcollege.co.uk

Article supplied by Kirsty-Ann Hewson