By Rachel Peters

As an Assistant Producer, I wear a lot of hats. From pre-production planning and client liaison to the hands-on coordination of shoots and post-production delivery, it’s a role that demands sharp organisation, clear communication, and a calm head under pressure – plus a good instinct for people and storytelling.

One of the best parts about working at ITN is the variety. Projects range from fast-paced news segments and political documentaries, to true crime podcasts and networking events. And because of that, I often get the chance to step beyond my day-to-day and support other teams.

I’ve found that this broader experience across the business has sharpened my skills in some of the most valuable ways. From the intense environment of live news to the careful planning of internal events, each experience has given me tools I now rely on – often without realising.

Thinking on your feet: lessons from the News studio

Shadowing Floor Managers at Channel 4 News and ITV News has given me a front-row view of how fast-paced live production works. Watching how calmly floor managers communicate with the gallery team, work with presenters and adapt to last-minute changes is really quite unique. The fact is there is no option to pause live TV – everything keeps moving, whether it’s going to plan or not.

These lessons have stayed with me. At ITN Business, whilst we don’t go live on air, the stakes can still feel high; clients are investing time and budget – and their trust in us – into each project. Whether we’re racing to reset a location, juggling schedules or solving last-minute edit changes, I’ve learned to keep things moving smoothly, communicate clearly and stay composed.

My experience was magnified during the 2024 Channel 4 Election Programme, where I was part of the team delivering through-the-night, real-time coverage. The sheer scale of coordination, the unpredictability of delivering election results, and the need to be ready for anything, taught me how to stay focused and contribute effectively – even under pressure.

Behind the scenes at C4’s Britain Decides.

Event production with purpose

My involvement with the ITN Social Mobility Network has also given me a set of skills that influence how I work. Helping to organise internal panel events, from sourcing speakers to managing logistics, has been a different kind of production challenge – though just as rewarding.

These events are about creating space for change, to make people think, and to spark conversations on why and how we can create a more equal and equitable media industry. As with my day job and approach to branded content, achieving impact comes down to understanding the audience, the environment, and how best to present relevant stories. These experiences complement each other; exploring in different mediums can ignite new ways of getting to these success factors.

The behind-the-scenes organisation involved in panel events has also sharpened my attention to detail. When planning client shoots, I’m always thinking a few steps ahead, whether considering the flow of the day, the needs of the crew, and how to make the process smooth for everyone involved.

I’ve found that being hands-on in different contexts builds confidence – not in an obvious way, but by getting out of my comfort zone and in knowing that I can handle the unexpected. Whether that means troubleshooting on set, liaising with a client, or ensuring a smooth post-production process, I know I can approach each task with a clear sense of responsibility and calmness.

Whether you work in media, marketing or something totally different, there’s real value in stepping into other roles, even temporarily. It gives you a new appreciation of how different parts of a project connect, and makes you more adaptable, empathetic and solutions-focused – all qualities that make you better in your core role.

So if you ever get the chance to shadow a colleague, support another department, or volunteer for something outside your remit – my advice would always be: take it. It might challenge you, but that’s where the growth comes in.