14 January 2025

Creative Media Alumna Inspires the Next Generation in TV Production

Holly Hubble

East Sussex College alumna Holly Hubble has turned her passion for media into a successful career in television production.

As a Production Manager, Holly has worked on high-profile shows including Celebrity Race Across the World (2023), Mr Drew’s School for Boys (2014), Ibiza Weekender (2015),Take me Out (2017), Hunted S3 & Celebrity Hunted (2017), The Jump (2016/2017), Alan Carr Chatty Mann (2016), Geordie Shore (2016) and Celebrity Juice (2014). Holly is currently working as a Production Manager on Season 2 of Extreme Airport Africa for Rare TV.

Holly’s journey began at East Sussex College, where she was drawn to the practical approach to learning in the Media course. “At ESC, you learn the practical as well as the theory. They had a radio desk, we got hands-on with cameras, editing software, and had tutors with real industry experience. For me it was an absolute no-brainer this was the only college for studying media!” she said.

The College's emphasis on practical skills set her apart and helped her transition into the industry seamlessly. After starting in production as a runner, Holly’s natural organisational skills quickly led her to a promotion as a Production Secretary. “I learnt so much on the course that was transferable into the industry. I also learnt where my skills laid within a team, and that was being the organised one! This led to my natural progression to becoming a Production Manager,” she explained.

“These are crucial skills when working in production management, the editorial team come to us with amazing ideas and we make them happen!”

Holly’s career really took off with her role in Celebrity Race Across the World, where she was part of the recce team in Brazil, scouting travel routes and checkpoint locations. “Our job was to see if the route planned by our route producers was possible, and they would often send us on the roads less travelled… We also scouted all the checkpoint hotels and found contributors who would be interested in having the celebrities work with them… It was an incredible experience I’m very grateful to have been a part of,” she said.

Holly Hubble

“Working on big shows like this come with massive perks and can be such fun, however, they are not for the faint hearted! You will work long hours, sometimes we are working through the night waiting for the next team to come into the checkpoint - it’s definitely a passion!”

More recently, Holly spent five months in South Africa managing multiple crews on a production, where she found that creating a positive atmosphere was just as important as the production itself. “Having a happy crew is the biggest reward I could ever ask for,” she said.

Now, Holly is encouraging the next generation of media professionals. In November, Holly joined the ‘Meet the Media’ panel at Eastbourne Youth Radio, hosted at East Sussex College, where she shared insights about the industry with current students.

“Go after your dreams and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t do it! However, you will also have to work hard to get them,” said Holly. “Always ask the question, the worst someone will say is no! Has someone come in to give a talk? Ask if you can do work experience with them, can you send them your cv - this is how I got my first experience that led to my first job!

“Work hard on your course and ask all the questions. Your tutors are extremely knowledgeable and make sure you learn as much from them as you possibly can! Go to uni if you want the university experience but you do not need it to get into the industry.”

Holly’s journey shows how following your passion and getting the right education and experience can lead to success. Ready to follow in Holly’s footsteps? Explore our Creative Media courses here.