Native Bristolian Alex Dodds joins Bright Sparks with an ND in Media from City of Bristol College and a year of travelling Australia under his belt. In his spare time he is honing his Final Cut Pro skills on small independent projects. His first placement will be with RDF Television West.
He says: 'I am overjoyed at being successful in getting a place on the Bright Sparks scheme, and I know what a huge opportunity it is, allowing me my first real break in the industry. I'm glad the programme is based in the South West and feel I can contribute to the already proven track record of the region. I'm looking forward to gaining valuable knowledge and experience during my time with the 3 companies and am optimistic that this will lead to a job at the end of the programme.'

Zoe Rippin says:
'After doing a science degree at The University of Bristol, having no experience in the visual media and with only a strong desire to work in the TV industry, I feel extremely privileged to be given the opportunity to take part in Bright Sparks. It is without doubt the most beneficial thing a new entrant could get involved in and I can't wait to start!'

Matt Stimpson is Stroud-based and has just gained a degree in 'Professional Media; Video Production' from the University of Gloucestershire.
He says: 'Getting onto the scheme means the world to me, it's the perfect next step for me to begin my career in the industry and offers the exact training and experience I'm looking for. The fact that it's South West based as well is awesome - a country boy at heart I was not looking forward to having to move to London.'

Samantha Pearl graduated from Bristol University with a 2.1 in English and Drama, in July 2007.
She says: 'Getting onto the scheme means that I can get to grips with television from the inside (away from the theory!) I see it as an excellent opportunity to meet the people behind the programming and hopefully help develop exciting new projects. I feel extremely privileged that I am being given this chance learn first-hand from the experts.'

Naomi French graduated from University College Falmouth in 2006 with a degree in Broadcasting.
She says: 'Bright Sparks is a brilliant idea as it allows us to gain a wide and varied experience of the television community in the South West by working with 3 of the top television production companies in the industry. I'm thrilled to be accepted onto this scheme, as there was a lot of tough competition at the Talent Day. It will allow me to get my foot on the ladder and emerge at the end with valuable skills and knowledge to help further my career.'

Alice Bennett-West has a Zoology degree from the University of Bristol.
She says: 'In the past, I have spent months volunteering, sending off letters and emails and trying to get a foot in the door. It is always difficult to be in the right place at the right time, but this time I was and I intend to make the most of it! This is such an incredible opportunity; I will get to see a wide variety of all aspects of the TV industry and learn from inspirational people. What could be better?'