Alumni spotlight on Jason Phillips
JP's journey from ALT student to working on some of the UK's most iconic TV shows
From Academy to Apollo: JP's Journey into Live Visual Design and TV Production
We recently caught up with Jason Phillips (JP), a 2024 graduate of the Live Visual Design and Production course at the Academy of Live Technology. Since finishing his studies, JP has gone on to work across some of the UK’s most high-profile TV shows and live events. In this Q&A, he reflects on his time at ALT, how it helped shape his creative and technical approach, and what life is really like behind the scenes in live production.
For those who don't know you, can you introduce yourself and what you do?
Hello I'm Jason (or JP), I am currently a Technician at Illuminate, working on TV, live events and interactive and immersive installations.
How did studying at ALT set you up for working in industry?
It helped me gain a rounded appreciation for the events industry as a whole as well as the technical specific knowledge of course. The LVDP course really helped me progress my existing background (in maths, coding and theatre) and shape it into a more creative and artistic skillset.
What skills did you learn at ALT that you still use on a daily basis in your work?
Hard to narrow this down to a one-liner, but probably the researching skills mainly (I know, boooring answer!) but being able to find solutions to problems quickly and from trusted sources is a great skill to have, and is really key when fixing problems in a live environment is and time is really coming down to the wire.
On the Britain's Got Talent set.
On the Britain's Got Talent set.
Britain's Got Talent servers
Britain's Got Talent servers
On the Britain's Got Talent set.
On the Britain's Got Talent set.
Britain's Got Talent servers
Britain's Got Talent servers
What have you been up to since graduating from ALT?
A variety of events, mostly TV including being media server technician for The Royal Variety Performance, Britain’s Got Talent, The Masked Singer and Dancing on Ice. Also some more general AV work, touring with Kylie last summer and working with Honda at Motorcycle Live, as well as a few other smaller shows and festivals here and there.
What type of tasks you were involved in?
Generally, I'm in charge of keeping things working, so monitoring servers and fixing any issues before they become an issue. Particularly in a live environment it is important to have a person dedicated to fault finding so that if an issue does arise, someone can be dedicated to fixing the issue while the operator can continue running the rest of the show. In this show specifically I also managed taking in tracking data to manipulate content on the main wall for The Blackouts semi-finals performance.
What was your favourite moment whilst working on the BGT series?
I think it had to be my first couple of days on site to be honest. BGT isn't like other tv shows. Being recorded in The Apollo, space is tight and all of backstage shows it. E2 and automation operating positions are on raised platforms over the wings, with stage managers and power racks below, it's certainly a tight fit. This continues outside where half of the yard is beautifully constructed into an art department tent and galleries made from two high cabins, leaving just enough room for deliveries and talent cars. It's quite a feat of planning!
"ALT helped me gain a rounded appreciation for the events industry as a whole as well as the technical specific knowledge of course."
What advice would you give someone who wants to work on TV shows like Britain's Got Talent?
If it's TV you're interested in the best way in is probably through production companies, if its technical you're looking for then maybe go my route through the hire-houses or if its more production management then through the production company is probably a better option. It always pays to watch the credits!
What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying at ALT?
Go for it, obviously it's not for everyone but there's a lot to be learnt and while I can't speak on behalf of all the courses, LVDP really had all of the elements that I was looking for of developing existing knowledge and building new skillsets.
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