Have you ever been interested in finding out what it takes to get a job in TV? Would you like to work alongside production teams from Big Brother, Sky News, MTV and Coronation Street? Well 2009 see the highly acclaimed talent scheme The Network once again shows how passion and originality can find the next generation of TV talent.

The Network closed for applications on Friday April 17th. And the FREE Four Day Event, to be held in Edinburgh in August 2009, gives successful delegates the opportunity to meet the best TV talent from behind and in front of the cameras. They will receive talks from TV giants and come away buzzing with new skills, contacts and advice. No previous experience is needed, just a passion for TV.

The Network, part of the Edinburgh International Television Festival, has helped launch hundreds of TV careers. Past delegates include Newsround presenter Ore Oduba, the Executive Producer of BBC Two’s hit Dragons Den, the director of Blue Peter and a presenter on XFM.

Producer of Channel Four tean drama Hollyoaks, Bryan Kirkwood, opened last years’ event with Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby (who plays Hannah). Other highlights included a special masterclass with Sharon Osbourne, a surprise visit from N.E.R.D’s lead singer Pharrell Williams and TV forecasts from ITV’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham.

Sharon Osbourne says of the scheme:

`I think The Network is really important so young people can see how there are ways to get into the TV industry, because so many young people want to be in TV but don’t quite know how to get a break or what area they really want to work in. Whether it’s presenting or producing or editing, The Network will give them a better idea of where they want to go in this industry.’

Past speakers at The Network have ranged from celebrities such as Vernon Kay, Kate Garraway, Graham Norton, Simon Amstell & Sir Trevor McDonald as well as leading industry figures including Dr Who writer Russell T Davies and newscaster Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Thousands of applicants each year are whittled down to a lucky 150 delegates who get the chance to attend the FREE event, which this year takes place between 27 and 30 August.

Delegates who have attended The Network are also given the opportunity to apply for a six month paid work placement at some of the most prestigious TV companies in the UK through The Network at Work programme.

Television is one of the hardest media platforms to break into, if not the hardest, but The Network offers people with passion and heart one of the best opportunities you will ever get.  These four days are going to life changing for the lucky 150 people who get to take part an ask all the questions that need answering.

Sound too good to be true? This August, the UK’s premier TV event, the Edinburgh International Television Festival, is offering full time students and graduates the chance to attend this three day schmooze fest for just £212.75.

Many of us try and work as hard as we can to gain this type of opportunity to meet industry leaders, creators, actors and presenters.  Few festivals offer this type of life line for students who want to break it into to television and the roster of people MGEITF has on its slate this year will make this a festival you can’t miss. 

Over three days, you’ll get access to over 50 sessions, including creative masterclasses, keynote speeches, social events & parties. You’ll get a special invitation to the Channel of the Year Awards, hosted by BBC One’s ‘Comedy Roadshow’ Michael McIntyre and the live stage show of TV’s Got Talent, hosted by Ant & Dec. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have equal access to over 2000 industry execs ready to hand you that next dream job, on or off the screen.

Take a look at some of the highlights:

Ant & Dec / Ross Kemp / Jeremy Clarkson / David Simon / James Murdoch / Robert Peston / Jeremy Clarkson / Peter Andre / 10 Years of Big Brother / Davina McCall / Amanda Holden / Outnumbered’s Guy Jenkin and Andy Hamilton / Michael McIntyre / Frank Skinner / Amanda Holden / Charlie Brooker and many more…

Do something different this summer – ditch the wellies and head for the capital of fun and festivities, Edinburgh. For details on how to register for this rate, please visit our website.