AS a teenager, Nathan Palmer was 'obsessed by TV'.
A week after completing a media course, he landed his dream job on Big Brother.
Since then, he has gone on to work on The X Factor, Real Housewives, Made in Chelsea, TOWIE, The Only Way is Essex and America’s Got Talent.
Now living in New York and working as a reality TV producer, the 36-year-old returned to his former school at Knutsford Academy to inspire students to follow their passions.
Nathan said: “It doesn’t matter how small a town you live in, there’s a chance to you to go wherever you want.
“I love making shows that get people talking.
“Reality TV is a big part of who I am.
“After 16 years, I want to give back and be a resource for these kids.
“I know how difficult it is to get work experience. I want them to feel they can reach out to me for advice.
“I want to be a guiding light to help them on their first steps.”
Nathan was determined to turn his passion for TV and film into a career.
“I started as a runner, making teas, getting lunches and doing odd jobs,” he said.
“I believe to become the best producer you have to experience what it’s like to be at each level.
“I started from the bottom and took my time.
“I was obsessed with Big Brother and hooked on TV.
“It was a dream come true when I got my first job.”
Patience paid off and Nathan became a researcher on The X Factor, working alongside judges Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Simon Cowell and tasked with looking after contestant Rylan Clark, now a media celebrity.
“I lived in hotels with all the contestants during the live shows,” said Nathan.
“It propelled my career.”
Hungry for the next adventure, after eight years, Nathan emigrated to America.
“Reality TV gets a bad reputation but I’ve learnt a lot from it,” said Nathan, who has worked on six different Real Housewives franchises in the States and recently, in Dubai.
“My job is to keep everyone grounded,” he said.
“They put their personal lives out there to millions.
“I build up trust so they can open up to me.
“A big part of me getting into this industry is to get them to tell personal stories in depth.”
Rubbing shoulders with stars led to an interview with Sting and working alongside Lionel Ritchie, Nicole Scherzinger and Davina McCall.
But it’s not all glitz and glamour.
“Each show is four months long,” said Nathan. “You work 20-hour days.
“I was filming all over Christmas and New Year. You don’t get to see your family.
“You give your social life up to put all your energy into this.
“It takes its toll, there’s a lot of high pressure.
“I’m freelance so I constantly have to find myself new jobs.
“It’s a very competitive industry.
“I work really hard. It’s all about networking, building up relationships.
“I want people to remember me. Politeness goes a long way.”
Nathan is about to start a new job in Salt Lake City.
“I don’t know anyone there, you’re constantly making new friends.,” said Nathan.
“I was never the most confident kid in school or top of my class.
“In the early days, I used moments making tea to chat to people.
“It took me a long time to give ideas but I’ve learnt along the way.
“Take as much as you can from each job, enjoy the process, the climb, don’t rush it.
“Reality TV is in my blood.
“I’ll find a way to keep doing this until retirement.”
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