Gaby Gardner started her apprenticeship in 2013, on a level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. Gaby, 21 from Barry, worked as an Apprentice Casting Assistant for Cardiff-based casting agency, Regan Management (formerly known as Regan Rimmer Management).
Prior to the apprenticeship, Gaby attended Barry 6th Form where she studied Theatre Studies, Film and Music at AS Level. Throughout her time at school Gaby struggled with confidence. Having always had an interest in the creative industries, Gaby saw the apprenticeship as a great opportunity to build her confidence, meet new people and forge a career in an industry that is renowned for being difficult to break in to. After securing the job Gaby took the big step and decided to leave school.
As Apprentice Casting Assistant Gaby was responsible for booking actors for castings, maintaining databases, filming actors auditions and passing the footage onto Directors. It was crucial for Gaby to be in the loop with up and coming talent by visiting the theatre in the evenings as well as attending showcases. On top of this Gaby regularly worked out of the London office.
During her apprenticeship Gaby worked on the Theatr na nÓg production ‘Tom The Musical’, Kevin Allen’s (fFati fFilms) feature film ‘Under Milk Wood’ as well as many Clwyd Theatr Cymru productions. As a result of working on big projects and having to deal with a number of people on a daily basis, Gaby’s confidence grew significantly.
After completing her apprenticeship in 2014, Gaby was offered a full-time position as an Assistant Agent with Regan Management. Since then she has carried on working with the agency, and with her newly-found confidence Gaby is now heading up the new Regan Management Bristol office. She is currently in the middle of meeting with local actors and production companies in order to build up a Bristol client base.
Gaby said:
Sgil Cymru staff helped me to discover a different side to the industry. Completing my apprenticeship was the best thing I could have done. It’s opened so many doors and I’ve made so many contacts within the industry. I am very grateful to Sue and the team for their support throughout and the support they carry on to give. What I love most is that they’re still interested in what I’m doing and I know I can turn to Sgil Cymru at any time. I highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone who is keen to earn and learn on the job!
At Sgil Cymru’s Celebration in March 2017, Gaby was awarded the Creative Risk Solutions Ltd. Outstanding Achievement Award. This award was awarded to Gaby to mark her outstanding achievement in the industry following the completion of the apprenticeship.
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