Dermot Philpot - Senior Media Librarian at ITV Carlton Archive
What does your job involve?
I run the combined Carlton archive which includes programmes from many of the ITV production companies like Central and Tyne Tees. My job mainly involves dealing with requests from the group, that's ITV 1, ITV 2, ITV 3 and ITV 4, to provide films or find clips from programmes. I research the Archive for footage which is provided for programme makers and clip sales both for ITV and external companies. The Archive has four databases that it operates to locate programmes. At the moment I am involved with providing programmes that are being digitised for on demand TV.
Is there such a thing as a typical day?
I am responsible for the registering new material across and meeting the requests for film and tapes. As the Senior Media Librarian I manage other members of staff, overseeing their work and generally supervising the archive.
What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?
I really like the research side, finding the footage. In the past the archive was not properly catalogued so sometimes it can be a real hunt to find the clip. The programme maker might know the approximate year and the subject matter but little else, so finding the right clip is a challenge.
I also like creating and developing projects and particularly enjoyed helping consolidate the ITV archives from all over the country. I really like being the caretaker of ITV's history.
Are there any aspects of the job you don't like?
No, this is one of those jobs where you really enjoy every day.
How did you get into the industry?
I used to work in front of camera as an actor. I worked in America and then worked on Emmerdale. But after a few years I grew tired of not having a regular income and I decided to move behind camera. I knew I had to sharpen my skills so I took a Business and Computing Degree at Sheffield and then got a short term contract helping catalogue programmes from London Weekend Television.
To read the full interview with Dermot, you can download the PDF below:
Dermot Philpot Archive Case Study 2009
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