Last December I applied for the Hiive Trainee Finder. I heard about the scheme earlier on in the year and have been keeping a close eye on the trainee finder swarm on Hiive for any updates. As soon as the date came that I was able to apply I set to work on my application and sent it in straight away. Its been a long  wait since then and  felt even  longer as I desperately want to be a HETV Trainee - I'm not the only one though as thousands have applied. Last week I  received an email notifying me that I have an interview for the trainee finder!!! I can't tell you how  relieved, thrilled, excited I am to get this far! My interview is tomorrow in Birmingham with Alyn Waterman and Nicky Ball at Alyns studio. I'm nervous and excited all rolled up into one. Fingers crossed!!! 

Today I was privileged to have my first ever HETV Drama work experience. I spent the day with the hair & makeup team on Ackley Bridge watching how its done.

My day started at 4am as I had a long drive from Manchester to Halifax. I was due in at 6:45am and I didn't want to be late. I (thankfully) wasn't and arrived 45 minutes early. Zoe (the hair and makeup trainee) came to meet me and I would be spending the day with her learning the ropes and taking in as much as I possibly could. 

We went straight to the makeup room where I was introduced to the lovely team who made me feel extremely welcome. It was going to be a very busy day for them as they had a lot of cast and SA's (Supporting Artists) to get through and make sure everyone was accounted for and set ready. I made sure not to get in the way and didn't bother anyone whilst they were working. I helped make hot drinks and went for the breakfast run and cleaned brushes.

At first Zoe had a few mens haircuts to do and then we went to the rooms where the SA's were waiting to check them off the list and take photographs to add to the files. As they are supposed to be school children any of the boys with facial hair were asked to shave and make sure they were clean shaven next time they arrived. We also had to ask new SA's to make sure that they styled their hair the same way next time and changed any coloured hair accessories to black.

We then went outside under the crew tent so that we were away from the cameras but could watch the monitors. I was glad that I brought warm clothes and a big coat as it was really cold and raining. We were out there for hours and it was great to see what the team were watching for on the monitors and then see them in action doing the checks. Again, as before, I made sure I wasn't in the way and just watched. I helped make more hot drinks and fetched anything that they needed. I'd learnt a lot by this point, especially that I needed warmer footwear as I couldn't feel my feet. I've since rectified this as I now own Snow Boots.

We then had lunch back in the makeup room. Afterwards we cleaned the makeup room and made sure it was nice and tidy. Zoe then showed me the break downs and character continuity. She was really amazing as she taught me so much and gave me lots of helpful advice. We checked in a delivery of stock and put it away. Lisa (the Hair & Makeup Designer) came back to the makeup room and whilst she was waiting for her next actor she also gave me lots of helpful advice that I'll be able to use in the future. 

The day was long, but honestly didn't feel like it. You're busy all the time and rarely sat down so my step count was amazing by the end of the day. I was sad to leave as I felt so at home and wanted to learn more. I am thrilled to say that I've been told that I'm welcome back anytime for more work experience. That's   made me so happy I could burst. 

In summary, this day certainly didn't put me off at all, its made me want this more. A massive thank you to all the team; Lisa, Joanne, Gillian, Zoe, Vivian & Stephanie! See you soon! x

Today I joined my friend Rebecca to work on the commercial for the Crystal Maze Live Experience in Manchester. This commercial will not be on TV, it will be at the cinema before the trailers. If you see it, think of us as we worked hard doing the hair & makeup. 

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I'm thrilled to tell you that I've been chosen as Hiive's 'One to Watch'.  They liked my profile and work experience so much that they chosen to publish an article about me. This is amazing! You can read the article by following this link: 

app.hiive.co.uk/knowledge/blogs/ones-to-watch-hayley-tracey/5640/

Last week was lots of fun. I was lucky enough to be asked to work on a short film for Penny Productions called 'Transition'. I'm not at liberty to go into detail but as and when I can I will post an update with links to the film. The cast and crew were lovely and it was one of the best experiences I've had in film so far. Here are some of the images of my work from the film...