Deputy Chairman, Associated British Picture Corporation
substantially unchanged. They demand a natural talent, determination and the realisation that success in any one of them can only be earned through dedication and endeavour.
If my own children had decided to enter any of these professions, I should have given them every encouragement. This is the question any parent might ask and my answer is given unequivocably.
NATURAL TREND WHAT more natural than that young people looking for a worthwhile career should be attracted to the youngest, and possibly one of the most exciting of all industries— television.
Although only 25 years old, television has established itself as one of the world's greatest and most popular art, entertainment and information media. To the adventurous—and the young are adventurous—it offers splendid prospects of a career that is wellpaid, creative, and above all, progressive. Unlike most industries, television provides opportunities in many directions: technical, journalistic, administrative, creative.
ENTHUSIASM ESSENTIAL WHICHEVER sphere appears the most attractive, the young man or woman entering television must realise that the industry is a demanding one calling for enthusiasm and a willingness to apply oneself to the task in hand at all hours of the day and night, and often away from the home.
I cannot stress this point too strongly.
To take an example. Television is proving a force in picturing major events and activities throughout the world for a public that is becoming ever more receptive. The creation of these programmes cannot be accomplished unless those who prepare and produce them apply themselves regardless of time or effort.
As TV progresses, the qualifications of those who serve it must, of necessity, become higher. It is rapidly becoming an industry in which too many people are chasing too few jobs. The result is that television stations are becoming more selective in their choice
towards the public. It must, therefore, be operated by responsible people. Its propaganda potential is enormous. I believe that in Britain, the public has been fortunate in being served by people who are conscious of the power of their medium.
TV has also proved to be a valuable factor in the field of education and religion. I have often considered the satisfaction of those engaged on television religious programmes. I, myself, have been associated with the ABC Sunday Break, and recently designed and supervised a series of 15 minute programmes produced in the Holy Lend.
The subject matter inspired the production team to genuine enthusiasm. From script writer to technician and artistes, the unit clearly felt they were creating something of true spiritual value for millions of viewers. To be engaged on the creation of such significant work might well inspire many young people contemplating a career in television.
RAVENOUS APPETITE IHAVE observed at .I. first hand a similar spirit among personnel when engaged on dramatic, musical and general entertainment projects. It is, by the way, an interesting observation that two of the world's oldest art forms, drama and music, should be so well served by the new medium of TV. I believe that both these arts have been stimulated by their projection through television.
Very few people realise the ravenous appetite of television. A huge amount of diversified material is required each day to maintain television output to the public at its present rate. The bigger the demand the greater the need for experienced technicians, artists, writers and administrators.
It is interesting to note that many of those who began their careers in television have gone on to make their mark in the cinema and the theatre.
CONSTANT PROGRESS
▪ HAVE concentrated ▪ mainly on the artistic aspect of television. On the technical side, television is constantly advancing and will continue to do so. Today, the impending advent of colour television is making newspaper headlines. There is, however, the prospect of technical advancement on all fronts and to those with a scientific bent, the opportunities are literally endless.
Television is a business. It requires administrators of the same ability and acumen as any other industrial or commercial enter