Meet Louise White, renowned journalist, presenter, and producer. Throughout her career, which spans almost twenty years she has seen many changes such as the presentation of women within the industry and as of recently, how the current Covid Situation has affected the TV/film industry. Adam Humphries reports.
Before she got herself a gig as a presenter for Walks Around Britain she worked in the media for publishing giant, IPC Media before bagging herself a job as a journalist for some of the UK’s best-known publications, Now magazine. Since then, she has worked for numerous publications and even interviewed the stars such as Harriet Thorpe, Ben Adams, Scott Atkins, Hayley Tamaddon, Carrie Grant, Sinetta Malone, and more. You can catch Louise later this year on Sky TV on Walks Around Britain.
“This industry is tough and very competitive, but work experience is the best way forward to build up contacts, meet people within your desired field and focus on your passion and diversify yourself”
Adam Humphries: You’ve been working in the publishing and media industry now for almost twenty years, how did you start?
Louise White: My career started at Warner Brothers back then IPC media after completing a degree within magazine publishing at LCC (London College of Communication) I did a lot of work experience within the media industry to get hands-on experience and build up a portfolio of work. Luckily one of the publications I worked with saw my potential and gave me a full-time job at Now magazine working on the editorial team and it escalated from there.
AH: As many people know there are many presenters who began their careers in publishing and journalism before embarking onto TV, how did you make that transition?
LW: Yes, the more work I’ve done over the years has helped me build upon that transition. I actually had the urge to do something outside my comfort zone and when the director of a production company approached me to do an online TV show I jumped at the chance but never did I realize I would be given an opportunity to be on national TV to contribute to a commercial influence platform, you’re going to meet new people writes, directors, editors who might remember you later on and give you the challenge, but if you get accolades for something enjoy it but remember its pure determination and will that gets you there.
AH: What advice would you give to someone who wants to embark on a career in journalism, publishing, and/or presenting?
LW: This industry is tough and very competitive, but work experience is the best way forward to build up contacts, meet people within your desired field and focus on your passion and diversify yourself. Whatever you do whether it’s in print or tv you can be certain at some point you will be influencing, engaging, persuading, or even inspiring someone you work with, which could lead to a new career path.
AH: Now, you’ve been working in the industry for almost two decades now, would you say that there has been a change, if any, in regards to the representation of women?
LW: Definitely, women have historically been underrepresented and misrepresented in stereotypical roles within mainstream media. it’s always been the ideology of women linked to gender stereotypes particularly those related to housework and motherhood, however, the TV industry are notoriously male-dominated the lack roles of female writers, directors, producers and this is where I feel there should be more open opportunities for women to get their voices heard. We give significant value to the industry and to our audiences Its about having the strong characters as role models
AH: And do you think that more needs to be done, if any?
LW: Yes, I feel more needs to be done to get the right balance within the industry we have some fantastic writers, producers, and directors, one, for example, is Sally Wainwright a TV writer who has produced some outstanding TV which includes Last Tango in Halifax and Happy Valley so yes us women can do as just as a good job as our male counterparts.
AH: You’ve recently began a new addition to your skillset by becoming a Producer, how will approach that responsibility bearing in mind it’s one of the top jobs in production?
LW: Producing is great fun. I have only been doing this since March but learned so much within that short space of time. It’s been easy to adapt to because I’ve known producers who have produced Hollywood films and Tv shows across the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 so I’ve had a lot of help, experience, and input, But the most important is adapting to your aimed audience, getting the established writers on board and making sure ideas are creative and innovative, the key is communication.
Now since March and December of last year, 2020, we’ve been in lockdown due to the current Covid 19 situation, has that affected how you carry out your job as a presenter? Yes, it’s been very tough and even more difficult with all the rules and regulations. However, to accomplish the Walks Around Britain TV series we had to develop a new strategy of cutting down production, filming once a month, and getting tested, what should have taken six months to film has taken us over a year.
AH: At the moment you currently present a program called Walks Around Britain, what can we expect from this upcoming series?
LW: This series is all about getting individuals out walking around their local areas and getting the passion to go walking alongside all the benefits of keeping healthy. The documentary series sees me adventuring around the UK with a few guest surprises and some faces you will be familiar with. There is a story told behind every episode and on the walk, we will show the history of where we are. The TV series has over 50 million viewers so come and join, discover and explore inspirational walks across the beautiful UK countryside.
AH: And what can we expect from you for the rest of this year?
LW: More and more filming hopefully LOL yes have a few projects I’m working on for 2021, but if I told you I’d have to kill you lol I’ve already been approached for another TV opportunity, but my lips are sealed.
