TV Insider

Find out who's joined the team of experts, which experts have caught the eye of the TV industry, how to increase your chances of getting on TV, etc by signing up to the findaTVexpert updates. Just add your email to box on the right.

Success stories: experts being seen, heard and read about!

TV&Media companies find experts for their shows and articles in lots of different ways: via google, University websites, TV agents, associations, word of mouth, contacts - and findaTVexpert of course! Here are some of the latest success stories.

Mike - Medical Historian, War Wounds & Trauma Surgeon: has just done some filming with Cloud One productions for a new BBC series called History of the World.
Deborah - Historian, Toys & Women Inventors: contacted by Lion TV re a new series and in discussions with enteraction TV re a history series.
Craig - Classical Historian: also in discussion with enteraction TV re a history series.
Hannah - Expat Money Expert: interviewed by BBC Radio Wales re the financial issues that have to be taken into account when retiring to the sunshine.
Jonathan - Freesourcing, How to start a business with no money: congratulations to Jonathan for making the final shortlist of a new BBC Business series. And commisserations for being pipped to the post.
Sue - Armchair to action, get out of your comfort zone: being featured in Essentials magazine in February.
Graham - Dog Trainer, the man who speaks dog: has been approached by TwoFour productions re a project and was on Talksport Radio.
Gina - private investigator: interviewed for TalkSport re private investigations in the workplace and in relationships.
David - vocal coach: has just done some filming for a new Biography Channel series which will TX in January. And still in discussions with Love Productions.
Bill - food critic, writer, broadcaster: contacted by Five News to be interviewed re making Christmas dinner on the cheap (but he was on holiday in the Philippines!)
Kirsty - consultant clinical and forensic psychologist: has been contacted by BBC1's The Big Questions team to discuss appearing on the show.
Dr Pete - scientist & author: interviewed for TalkSport re the vaccination programmme for Swine Flu.
Tara - Wine Expert: Tara wrote a treatment for a programme idea which I thought ticked the right boxes, so I discussed it in several of my meetings with TV companies and enteraction TV are interested in developing it further, which is great news. It's only the beginning of a long process (which is why patience is a virtue!) but it's a start.
Debi - Power of Positivity: interviewed on STV re how to manage your bank balance over the festive season. And has been booked back for the 4th january to do a session on unwanted christmas gifts, which is great news.
Keren - Relationship Expert & Midlife Muddles Guru: interviewed by Essential magazine for the March issue.
Jackie - Financial Lifecoach: interviewed by Top Sante magazine for a Career & Finance article.
Maggy - Priest, Prosperity is your birthright: interviewed by TalkSport Radio re forgiveness after the case of two bullies who drove Rosimeiri Boxall to kill herself.
Simon - Teacher, Youth & Familial Issues: interviewed by TalkSport re the link between divorced parents and poor adolescent behaviour.

Cash in on your career in the New Year!

Could you be the next Jamie Oliver, Jo Frost (SuperNanny) or Gok Wan (How to look good naked)? Are you working on any projects or research that might be of interest to the TV industry? Do you have the X-pert factor? If the answer’s yes, try and cash in on your career by promoting yourself to the TV industry in the New Year.

Factual entertainment and specialist factual programmes need experts. And broadcasters are keen to find them because they deliver passion, credibility and commitment. What’s more, if you combine the right expert with a great format, everyone’s a winner. Everyone cashes in.

Think of Dragon’s Den, Grand Designs, Strictly Come Dancing, Location, Location, Location, the Antiques Roadshow, Would Like to Meet, How Clean is Your House, You Are What You Eat, The Choir, Super Vets, Ladette to Lady, The Apprentice and the House of Tiny Tearaways. They all needed experts when they were devised – and so will many future shows.

Experts can be found in numerous ways: google searches, press coverage, word of mouth, connections, being heard on the radio and, if you’re lucky, being in the right place at the right time. Changing Room’s Handy Andy, for example, just happened to be doing some work for Linda Barker when the programme producers were looking for a cheeky chippy. And Jamie Oliver caught a producer’s eye when they were doing some filming at the River Café!

And, of course, they can also be found on findaTVexpert.com, the business I set up to give experts with the X-pert factor the chance to promote themselves to the industry and try and cash in on their expertise & passion. And it’s working!

Classical Historian and Actor Craig Henderson was found on findaTVexpert and is now a regular presenter on BBC’s Inside Out. “I have found findaTVexpert.com to be possibly the most effective website I've ever been on. I've been on the site for just over a year and have presented six features for BBC’s Inside Out. And I’m being paid to do what I love, which is fantastic.”

Doctor of Clinical Psychology Abigael San is also increasing her media profile and boosting her earnings as a result of being on findaTVexpert. “This site is a brilliant idea. I have contributed to several TV & Radio programmes since I registered and been interviewed for numerous press articles as a result of being found on findaTVexpert.”

Other experts who have recently been found on findaTVexpert and approached regarding interviews, screentests and other media opportunities include Stuarts, Marx & Witchcraft Historian John Callow (recently booked to do 8 days of filming for UK Living’s ‘Most Haunted Live’); Psychologist & Business Stress Expert Sue Firth; Expat Money Expert Hannah Beecham and Social Anthropologist & Flirtologist Jean Smith.

Everyone with the skills, training and qualification to prove they’re an expert in their field of business can register on findaTVexpert.com. From art therapists to zoologists and everyone in between - forensic scientists, vicars, bailiffs, embalmers, marine biologists, dentists, detectives, designers, personal finance advisors, architects, etc – because you never know what will catch a producer’s eye and ignite the creative process. There is a membership fee, but it could be your best investment yet!

So if you’ve got an expertise, try and cash in on it in the New Year. Let the TV industry know you exist - and if you're working on an exciting project or research that could make good TV, make sure you tell them about it. Joining findaTVexpert is obviously one way of doing this, but there are others. What's important is that you get on the TV industry's radar.

Other experts have done it, so why can't you?

The importance of experts on British TV

I've been asked to do a presentation to Chinese TV Executives in December about the importance and variety of experts on British TV - because that's what makes British TV unique.

Think about it.

Food, property & parenting shows; science, art & history shows; business & finance shows; health, fitness & education shows; animal, wildlife & natural history shows; news & breakfast TV shows; and even programmes on how to clean your house and tame teenage mums all have once thing in common: experts. Find the right one and combine it with a great format and you’ve got a TV hit on your hands.

Dragon’s Den, Grand Designs, Supernanny, the Antiques Roadshow, Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook, Would Like to Meet, Hairy Bikers, You Are What You Eat, The Choir, Ladette to Lady and The Apprentice all needed experts when they were devised -and so will many future shows.

Because successful, factual programmes need passionate and inspiring experts. And in Britain, they can come from everywhere and anywhere.

And that's what makes British TV unique.

Great start to the week

I've just heard that one of the experts on findaTVexpert - medical historial Mike Edwards - was found on findaTVexpert and booked to do some filming for a new BBC series. What a great start to the week! And here's hoping that another expert who was found on findaTVexpert and screentested for a new business series, makes the shortlist (he should find out this week.)

TV Tip #2

People often ask me what they should wear for a TV interview, screentest, etc. The best piece of advice I can give is this: switch on the TV and look at what other experts and presenters are wearing. What looks good and what doesn't? When there are several expert guests taking part in a studio interview, who stands out and why? On the whole though, keep the following in mind:

1. avoid black (very few people actually look good in black), stripes and dots.
2. cameras really do add 10lbs so choose clothes with neat, streamline cuts
3. think of colours that bring you to life and cuts that flatter your figure. Blocks of colour always look good.
4. avoid bulky fabrics and anything that's too fussy
5. remember that it can get very hot under studio lights so don't wear anything that's going to make you sweat

Don't forget the importance of hair & make-up - and remember to smile!

Getting on the TV industry's radar & the Media's map

In the past few weeks I've had meetings with Reef TV, Twenty Twenty, FIVE, Talkback Thames and Shiver Productions and have got meetings with Mentorn and etv lined up this week. Some experts receive phone calls as a result of these meetings, other receive phone calls because they're spotted in my weekly updates (see copies here) and many are found when researchers, journalists & producers search the site for specific areas of expertise. Below are some of the most recent experts who have been found on findaTVexpert - and who are now on the TV industry's radar and the media's map.

1. Psychologist & Business Stress Expert: Sue's been contacted by CBBC re possible involvement in a future programme.
2. Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist: Kirsty was interviewed for 'Live From Studio Five' re a girl gang that attacked a stranger in the street.
3. Historian - Stuarts, Marx, Witchcraft: John's just finished 8 days of filming for Living TV's 'Most Haunted Live'. John's also in discussions with Lime Pictures.
4. Leading UK Personal Trainer: Kim's been contacted by a freelance journalist for an article re how to be more confident for Essentials magazine (on sale Jan 2010)
5. Gardens - designer, writer and broadcaster: Caroline's been contacted by Tern TV to discuss a gardening programme idea.
6. Social Anthropologist & Flirtologist: Jean's doing some filming for OhTV.
7. Paranormal Experiences, Angels & Afterlife: Jacky was interviewed by The Western Mail (Wales) re her garden angels.
8. Journalist - technology & small business: Guy's also had a meeting with OhTV.
9. Historical Novelist - 17thC: Fiona was approached by VpointTV to present a programme for the BBC.
10. The Stress Doctor: Terri was contacted by BBC Radio Scotland and did an interview re stress at work.

findaTVexpert teams up with Talent TV to provide a new service for experts

findaTVexpert is delighted to announce that it has teamed up with Jonathan Glazier, Director of Entertainment at Talent TV (an independent television production company) to provide a new service for experts: short & succinct video pitches that can be embedded into the experts’ profile page and used to help sell themselves to the TV industry.

"The TV industry wants to know what experts look and sound like on camera. But they don’t want four minutes of random, homemade clips. They want short, well shot, well lit and well produced video pitches – and Jonathan can provide that. He’s got 25 years experience in the TV business and knows what the industry wants to see and hear, which is why I’m thrilled we’ve teamed up to offer the experts this service”, says founder of findaTVexpert.com, Claire Richmond.

Experts who want to take advantage of the service - and increase their chances of getting noticed by the TV industry - email their written pitches to Jonathan, who casts his editorial eye over them to make sure they’re TV relevant and provides suggestions if they’re not. A filming date is then set up at the Talent TV offices in London and Jonathan, who used to be a producer & director, films the 30-60 seconds video pitches which are then be embedded into the expert’s findaTVexpert profile page.

”Online videos are essential for anyone who has - or wants - an internet presence: from experts who are pitching themselves to the TV industry to businesses who want short narrative programmes or infommercials for their customers. So much so that Talent TV has set up a new division called Talent Digital to cater for this exploding market,” says Glazier. “And we’re delighted that findaTVexpert is one of our first customers because we understand their business. We often look for experts on findaTVexpert and know how beneficial these short videos will be to researchers, producers and execs like myself,” adds Glazier.

”findaTVexpert already works with Alfi Media to provide media training for experts. Video pitches are the next step up TV ladder for the experts – and a natural progression for the business,” added Richmond.

For more information, email claire@findatvexpert.com or Jonathan at experts@talentdigital.tv.

Unique Christmas Present: the chance to be a TV star

Forget sweaters, socks, perfume and aftershave this Christmas. Surprise your partner with a present that could change their life: a year’s membership on www.findaTVexpert.com.

”The TV industry is always on the lookout for new talent,” says founder and ex-TV producer Claire Richmond. “So if your partner is an expert in their field of business and oozes confidence, personality, energy and charisma, give them a present with a difference this year: the chance to catch the eye of a TV commissioner or Development Producer. The chance to be a TV star.”

findaTVexpert.com is an online database of experts to which TV&Media companies turn when they’re looking for experts to comment on a subject or when they’re brainstorming ideas for a new show.

It was set up by ex TV producer Claire Richmond because as a TV insider she knew this was a service the experts wanted and the industry needed. And she was right. Members of the media are registering to search the site and experts are being found and booked for TV, Radio & Press interviews, screentests, TV pilots and other media opportunities.

Membership costs £100 per year - plus a one off £50 joining fee - and includes consultancy advice from a TV professional who can help your partner create a profile that’s tailored to the TV industry; the chance to be featured in newsletters that get sent out to over 1500 researchers, development producers, commissioners and heads of factual programming each week (plus radio producers and journalists) and ongoing PR & Marketing.

And as its Christmas, all the experts who are given a year’s membership on findaTVexpert.com as a Christmas present will also receive a surprise gift in the post.

You know they’re worth it!

Catching the Eye of a TV Producer

The TV industry is always on the lookout for new people, new ideas and the next 'big thing'. That's why I send out details of new experts to over 1500 researchers, producers, creative directors, heads of development, heads of factual and TV commissioners each week. To try and bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers and help ignite the creative process. (Use this link and click on a date to see this year's newsletters.) It's obviously impossible to know who's going to catch the eye of a producer, but the TV industry likes visual stimulation and findaTVexpert gives it to them!

Meeting the Media

Although findaTVexpert is set up so members of the media can search the site and contact the experts directly, there's nothing quite like a face-to-face meeting. That's why I try to meet as many development producers and creative directors as I can. It gives me a chance to find out what they're working on, to suggest relevant experts and to brainstorm new ideas with experts. And the next two weeks are looking good: Twenty Twenty TV, Reef TV, Talkback Thames, etv and Channel Five.

My TV Tip

When you go for a meeting or a screentest with a TV producer, make sure you look like the photo they’ve seen of you (on your website, facebook, twitter, etc) because that's the look that caught their eye. There's nothing worse - as a TV producer - than walking into reception to meet someone who looks completely different to the person they had in mind. And smile!

Recent Success Stories

When I quit my job as a TV producer after 15 years in the industry to set up findaTVexpert last year, my aim was to help bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers. To give experts who want to be considered for TV&Media opportunities the chance to showcase their skills and passion to the industry. And it's working. Which makes it all worthwhile. Here are some of the recent success stories:

1. Classical Historian: Craig is filming another episode for BBC's Inside Out. (Craig has filmed several of these since being found on findaTVexpert last year).
2. Psychologist & Business Stress Expert: Sue's been screentested by Shine TV and is on the shortlist of experts for a new Virgin 1 series. Sue was also interviewed by BBC Radio Kent re good/bad children and is being featured in the 'Ask the Expert' column for Zest Magazine in Dec/Jan.
3. Confidence Coach: Sean is also on Shine TV's shortlist for the Virgin 1 series.
4. Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist: Kirsty has been approached by TwoFour re a programme they're pitching to BBC3.
5. TV & Radio Youth Expert and Teen/Parent Coach: Sarah's done some work for The Broadcasters, a company that does mixed media PR campaigns for a variety of clients.
6. Singing Teacher & Vocal Coach: David's been approached by Daisybeck Productions re a makeover show for the Biography Channel.
7. The Family Communication Diva Duo: Lisa was featured in Essential Magazine in an article re how to talk to your parents.
8. Wedding Planner & Top Selling Bridal Author: Sarah was contacted by the Sunday Times for a feature on at-home marquee weddings.
9. Positive Psychology, Confidence & Change: Chris was featured in Bliss Magazine in an article re what makes someone a bad influence/how to stand up to someone who's a bad influence, etc.
10. Life Strategist & Psychic: Susie's been contacted by Flame TV re a new series they're developing.
11. Environmental Journalist & Radio Owner: Chantal was interviewed on BBC Radio Kent re the UK's energy consumption and possibility of power cuts by 2017.
12. Priest & Author: Robin was spotted in one of my recent updates to the industry and contacted by Flame TV.

Be a TV expert

I've just got back from a meeting with the website designers - Zero One Design. Following the suggestion of an expert who joined findaTVexpert.com recently (Rebecca Page from www.skinaid.org.uk) I'm going to create a landing/home page that is aimed at experts and spells out the benefits of joining findaTVexpert: how it works, the fact that it's run by a TV producer with 15 years experience who understands the needs of the industry, what I do to promote it to the industry (weekly mtgs with TV production companies and updates that get sent out to over 1500 TV researchers, producers, commissioning editors, etc), online PR and marketing, TV tips, links to showreel makers and media training companies, etc. In keep with findaTVexpert.com it will be called beaTVexpert.com. Watch this space!

Success Stories

findaTVexpert continues to do what it set out to do: help experts get onto the industry's radar and the media's map. Below are some of the most recent success stories:
1. Stephanie Moore - Nutritionist, Health & Stress Coach: has done a screentest for Endemol (for a C4 show) and is doing a screentest for Flame TV.
2. Sue Hayward - Money, Consumer, Shopping & Property: has just done some filming for BBC Watchdog for the new series.
3. Dr Abigael San - Doctor of Clinical Psychology: interviewed by Daily Telegraph journalist re Jaycee Lee Dugard case - read article here - and contacted by Endemol to assess suitability of two contributors who want to appear on a show about food addiction.
4. Hannah Beecham - The Expat Money Expert: booked as a guest on BBC's Working Lunch last week.
5. Rowan Black - Hands on Property Development & Mortgages: has done a screentest for the BBC.
6. Agnes Chii - Science & Technology: is meeting a development producer at the BBC next week.
7. John Gregory Smith - Cook, food prep & recipe writing: has done some filming for UKTV's Market Kitchen and is doing a 'viral' Bacardi Mojito ad.
8. Sarah Pennells - TV&Radio Money & Consumer Expert: interview with Glamour re Credit Crunch.
9. Richard Fenton - Debt Doctor: interview with Glamour (as above).
10. Jean Smith - Social Anthropologist & Flirtologist: did a piece with Bliss magazine re celebrity body language.

New TV Experts, New TV Ideas

I can't believe it's been over a month since I last blogged. August came and went in a busy flash and brought a lot of new experts and ideas - all of which I'm passing on to the industry. To see a copy of my most recent updates, click here.

The Key to a Successful TV format

As I speak to experts everyday, I have more programme ideas now than I did when I was working in production. And if you want to know what the key to a successful, re-commissionable TV format is, I'll tell you. In a word: simplicity. Think of Property Ladder, Escape to the Country, Cash in the Attic, 60 Minute Makeover, Changing Rooms, Wife Swap, Would Like To Meet, How Clean is Your House, etc. The format is so straightforward that you could almost watch it without volume. Because the pictures do the talking and engage you. So if you've got an idea for a TV series, think about whether it would pass the 'low volume' test. And good luck!

The Expert Academy Media Training Day

It's great to see another part of my business plan taking shape. Teaming up with Media Trainers was always part of the plan - and it's happened. Today's the first Expert Academy Media training day with Alfi Media. It's designed to help prepare experts for TV&Media interviews and develop their x-pert factor - and is packed with practical exercises, tips, mock interviews, etc.

The best thing about running your own business

There are so many great things about running your business but one of them has to be this: at the end of a long day you can walk out of the office and go for a long run - instead of a long commute home on a crowded tube.

And you don't have to take a day off work to wait for the delivery man who can only narrow it down to 'between 8am and 5pm'!

Meet the TV Experts

I've just got back from a meeting with the head of development at a TV production company. We're going to organise a 'meet the experts' day - speed dating style. Each expert will have 15 minutes to pitch themselves/their programme idea. Watch this space.

findaTVexpert shortlisted for the 2009 Nectar Small Business Awards

I've just heard that findaTVexpert has been shortlisted for the Nectar Small Business Awards. I've never run a business before - and I've only been going for just over a year - so to have impressed the judges enough to make the shortlist is very exciting. It's good for business - and the publicity will also be good for the experts. The winners will be announced later in July. Here's hoping!

Moving findaTVexpert forwards

TV is a visual medium and, understandably, development producers want to know what people look & sound like on camera. Which is why showreels and clips are so important. I’ve been looking for the right person to make 30-40 seconds 'pitches' for the past six months. Someone who understands how the industry works and who can produce well shot, well lit and well directed pitches at an affordable cost. And I think I've found him! We're filming 3 'trial' pitches in 2 weeks time. Needless to say, I'm very excited because if it works it will benefit the experts and continue to move the business forwards.

Time flies when you're busy

I can't believe it's been almost a month since I last wrote. But it's been a good month. And a busy one. I've met lots of development producers and have many more meetings lined up. What's great about meeting DPs is that I can suggest experts for programmes they're developing or producing - and go through their details there and then (I always take my mini laptop with me). I've also been busy putting the final touches on a tailor made media training workshop that's designed to help experts develop their x-pert factor - and if all goes to plan I'll be able to offer tailor made showreels soon as well. Watch this space!

A media-fest!

I re-issued my 'case studies' press release yesterday (but with a different distribution service) and it's been all systems go ever since! Feature writers from national and local papers, freelance journalists and magazine editors have registered to search the site, requests have been made for stories and experts have been contacted for interviews. And TV&Radio researchers, development producers and MDs keep registering too, which is great news for everyone.

The Media's a Hungry Beast

Broadcasters, TV productions companies and members of the media are always hungry for new stories, twists & angles. So I feed it with weekly updates, press releases, etc which are designed to spark off creative ideas. For a copy of this week's update, use this link and click on today's date. And to see a copy of my 'case studies' press release, click here.

Every expert has a story

I let the TV industry know about back stories last week. Today, it's the media's turn. I've just issued a press release to feature/consumer/lifestyle journalists highlighting the fact that most experts have interesting back stories which could be used as case studies. Read press release here.

Back Stories: You Couldn't Make it Up!

Every expert has a back story, a turning point or something that's a bit quirky about their life. And as back stories can spark off programme and feature ideas, I'm going to start highlighting them to the industry. Read yesterday's 'You Couldn't Make It Up' stories here: http://tinyurl.com/ckwrkk

John Rennie's debut on the BBC

I'm looking forward to watching John Rennie's debut on the BBC today: The Unsellables (BBC1, 11am). He was spotted on findaTVexpert and signed up as the co-host.

Challenges of running a new business

First 6 months: the focus is on sales, PR & Mktg. Months 6-12: admin creeps in. Year 2: make sure admin doesn't take over and eat up all the sales, PR & Mktg time!

Best Job in the World

Ben Southall has won the 'best job in the world' as an island caretaker in Australia - and congratulations to him. To be honest though, I think I have the best job in the world. I speak to amazingly inspiring people every day, I feel very happy when an expert emails me to say they've had a call from a TV company or member of the media (which happens quite a lot) and I work from home. Yes, life is very good. Ok, so I don't live in an oceanfront villa with a private pool, but Chiswick isn't too bad.

Great start to the week

Delighted to welcome new experts Matthew Jackson (estate agent/riverside properties), Nicolas Aujula (Astrologer) and Neil Mullarkey (improv genius and comedy lifecaoch). And good to see that more researchers and producers from Objective Productions, Epiphany Productions and Dragonfly TV have registered to search the site.

And the winner is ...

Congratulations to Juliet Hutton-Squire, designer goldsmith and winner of a year's free membership on findaTVexpert.com.

WIN A YEAR’S FREE MEMBERSHIP

To celebrate the start of a second successful year in business, www.findatvexpert.com is giving experts who want to be considered for TV&Media opportunities the chance to win a year’s free membership worth £100.

”Britain’s Got Experts and I want to help promote them to TV researchers, development producers and commissioners who are hungry for ideas, inspiration and the next ‘big thing’,” says Claire Richmond, ex TV producer and founder of findaTVexpert.com.

Everyone with the skills, training and qualifications to prove they’re an expert in their field of business can enter the competition, from architects to zoologists and all the experts in between - handymen & historians; wildlife, survival & adventure experts; sportsmen, business men & tradesmen; dentists & designers; scientists, sociologists, etc – because you never know what the industry will be looking for next.

So if you think you could be the next Hairy Biker, Kim or Aggie, Handy Andy, Jamie Oliver, David Attenborough, Jo Frost, Tanya Bryon, Lawrence Llewellyn Bowen, etc, here’s what you have to do for your chance to win a year’s free membership on www.findaTVexpert.com.

Email the following to info@findatvexpert.com by 6.00pm on Monday, 27th of April, 2009:
1. A paragraph of no more than 100 words explaining who you are, what you do and why you’d be a great TV Expert.
2. A current photo and contact number (daytime & evening).
3. A copy of your CV (or similar) outlining your employment history and the training/qualifications that prove you’re an expert in your field of business.

The competition opens on Friday, 17th of April and closes at 6.00pm on Monday, 27th April 2009. Completed entries will go into a draw and one winner will be picked at random and announced here and on the findaTVexpert twitter page on Tuesday, 28th April 2009 – the start of findaTVexpert’s second year in business.

”If you’re an expert and you want to get on the industry’s radar, this is the competition for you,” says Richmond. “In the 12 months since findaTVexpert launched last year, experts with a wide range of skills have been found and booked for TV&Media interviews, screentests and appearances including Doctors of Clinical Psychology, Pharmacists, Personal Finance experts, Property Developers, Debt Doctors, Fashion Stylists, Stockbrokers, Career Strategists, Scientists, Historians, Online Shopping Experts, Horticulturalists, etc – and you could be next,” added Richmond.

Terms and conditions apply:
1. The competition opens on Friday, 17th April and closes at 6.00pm on Monday, 27th April 2009. Entries received after that time will not be considered.
2. To be eligible you must be an expert in your field of business with the skills, training and qualifications to prove it; over 18 and a UK resident. And you must not have any previous criminal convictions.
3. Proof of age and eligibility may be required.
4. By entering this competition you agree to comply with these terms and conditions and you agree that your entry may published in all media, adapted, in whole or in part at the Promoter’s sole discretion.
5. All eligible entries must be received via email and contain a paragraph of no more than 100 words explaining who you are, what you do and why you’d be a great TV Expert; a current photo & contact number and a CV (or similar) outlining your employment history and the training/qualifications that prove you’re an expert in your field of business.
6. All eligible entries will be entered into a draw on the 27th of April 2009 after the closing time. One winner will be picked at random and announced on the 28th of April on the findaTVexpert twitter page (http://twitter.com/findatvexpert) and the findaTVexpert blog
7. findaTVexpert bears no responsibility for entries which don’t make it into the draw because they’ve been blocked or identified as junk email, spam, etc.
8. findaTVexpert will not acknowledge receipt of any entry that is sent in.
9. Entries that fail to meet the eligibility criteria or otherwise fail to meet these terms and conditions will not be entered into the draw.
10. The prize is a year’s free membership on findaTVexpert.com, which gives experts the chance to create a searchable Profile & CV and be promoted to the TV industry.
11. The winner will have until the 15th of May to register their details on www.findaTVexpert.com. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize and findaTVexpert reserves the right to award the prize to the next eligible entry picked at random.
12. There is no alternative prize or cash equivalent and the prize is non-changeable and non-transferable.
13. The winner may be required to participate in publicity relating to the competition.

Britain's Got Experts - the results

Broadcast is going to publish my 'article' in this week's issue, which is great news. Ok, so it's not the two page spread I was hoping for, but since they only asked me for 400 words that was never going to be the case anyway. My thoughts are going in as a Letter on the Comment page - but all publicity is good publicity, right? I'm being featured and more members of the media will register as a result, which will benefit the experts. I just know it!

Britain's Got Experts

I've just sent Broadcast magazine my promised 400 words re Britain's Got Experts. I don't know what will happen next - if anything - but I said I'd do it, so I did. Dream outcome? I get featured in Broadcast, more members of the industry register on findaTVexpert and more experts get contacted and booked for interviews, screentests, etc. In other words, we all win!

Britain's Got (deluded) Talent - but is that a bad thing?

I absolutely loved the start of Britain's Got Talent on Saturday - what a great show. But I can't decide whether to admire the deluded talent or question their state of mind. Articles in newspapers and glossy magazines are always encouraging us to 'give it a go', 'break out of our comfort zones' and 'go after our dreams'. President Obama is a big fan of the 'Yes We Can' club and Nike believes we should 'Just Do It'.

But should we? Really? Even when all the odds are against us? Even when we want to break the record held for the number of Ferrero Rocher chocolates eaten in a minute knowing we can't manage more than 5? (The record's 7, by the way.) Or when we want to be the next Fred Astaire even though we can't lift our feet off the ground?

I wouldn't have the courage to do what some of the talent did on Saturday (and would like to think my friends and family would prevent me from getting anywhere near an audition) but here's to all the people out there who throw caution to the wind and go ahead regardless. Because they enjoy it and as a viewer, so do we!

More success stories

Exciting to see that findaTVexpert is helping to bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers. Here are some of the latest success stories:

1. Richard Fenton, Debt Doctor: has done some filming for the new series of Channel 4's Property Ladder.
2. Nick McGregor, Stockbroker/Financial Services Expert: as above (Property Ladder).
3. Nyokabi Musila, Holistic Pharmacist: featured in the Mail on Sunday.
4. Sue Atkins, Parenting Expert: chosen as the expert for the pilot of new ITV lunchtime programme.
5. Sue Firth, Psychologist + Business, Stress, Behaviour: analysed behaviour of bankers who said sorry for online Panorama piece.
6. Abigael San, Doctor of Clinical Psychology: doing a talk at Unilever and quoted in a feature for Bliss magazine.
7. Malcolm Tullett, Safety Consultant, ex Firefighter: booked by BBC Radio 2's Jeremy Vine show to comment on the Doncaster fire last week.

And the following experts have all been contacted in the last month by TV production companies to discuss programme ideas: Linsey Evans, Garden Designer; Stephanie Moore, Nutritionist + Health & Stress Coach; Roy Bolton, Art & Architecture; Mindy Gibbins-Klein,The Book Midwife - getting a book out in 90 days; Lynne Allbutt, Landscape Gardening & Design + Countryside Issues; John Lees, Career Strategist & Redundancy Advisor; Lucinda Slater, Personal Image Consultant.

The pond is getting smaller

Great to see that a casting director from RDF USA (a TV production company) has registered to search findaTVexpert.com. That's great news for the experts - and for the business.

Congrats to experts Nick McGregor & Richard Fenton

I've just heard that two of the experts on findaTVexpert.com - Nick McGregor & Richard Fenton - are going to do some filming for C4's Property Ladder. That's great news for me, for them - and for the business!

The Moment of Truth!

All the marketing & business books I've read highlight the importance of finding out what your customers think of your service, what they'd like to see more of, etc. So I've just sent out a survey to the TV&Media industry to find out what I'm doing right and how I can improve findaTVexpert in year two. I'll be surveying the experts next!

Congratulations to findaTVexpert's Nyokabi Musila

Dr Musila was found on findaTVexpert and approached by a Mail on Sunday journalist regarding a feature on alternative medicine. To read article in yesterday's paper, click here.

Spring might not be in the air, but I've got a spring in my step!

I'm feeling very chuffed today as I've finally had a breakthrough with Broadcast magazine. I've spoken to 3 different journalists over the last couple of months but to no avail. Today, however, I spoke to journalist no. 4 and he's asked me to write 400 words on one of the angles we discussed. This is very exciting because if I can get some coverage in Broadcast that will increase awareness of findaTVexpert among programme makers, which will benefit all the experts on the site. I'll keep you posted.

The best thing about running findaTVexpert

No.1: Being able to spend the hour I'd normally spend commuting into work on a crowded, stressful tube doing some early morning pruning instead. What a perfect start to the day.

Congratulations to findaTVexpert's Nyokabi Musila

Just heard that that Holistic Pharmacist Nyokabi was found on findaTVexpert and asked to contribute to an article on herbal tinctures in the Mail On Sunday. That's great news.

New TV Experts, New Members of the Media

Sent out my weekly update to the industry featuring new experts today - barristers, food, property, etiquette experts, etc - and it's great to see that new members of the media have registered to search the site: a reporter from the Mail on Sunday, a producer from Nine Lives Media and an Asst Producer from Crackit Productions. Oh, and a features writer from Cosmpolitan registerd earlier this week as well. All great news for the experts. To see the update, use this link and click on today's date.

Press Release: Get rid of your wallet & energy vampires on the 20th of March says findaTVexpert.com

The official end of Winter on the 20/21 March (and the release of a mock horror film) encourages us to spring into action and get rid of the vampires that are draining our life, our finances and our wellbeing. Luckily there’s no need for crucifixes, stakes or cloves of garlic, just some practical advice from the experts on findaTVexpert.com.

Energy Vampires
Rid your life of energy vampires: people or things that get you down. List all the things you’re putting up with - from the shoe mayhem at the bottom of the wardrobe to selfish friends - and work out how to fix them.
Carole Ann Rice, findaTVexpert’s Lifecoach & Journalist

Beware the Wallet Vampires that are feeding off your finances
Supermarkets spend a small fortune studying ways to get more money out of us. But you can save up to £520 a year by simply making a shopping list to help you avoid those impulsive & unnecessary purchases.
Richard Fenton, findaTVexpert’s Debt Doctor

Check your bank statements for unknown Standing Orders or redundant Direct Debits.
Tom Craig, findaTVexpert’s Organised Crime and Identity Fraud Expert

Make a diary note 5 weeks before your car & home insurance is due and shop around for the best deal.
Jackie Dunn, findaTVexpert’s IFA & Financial Life Coach

Tackle the Mental Vampires head on
There is a small module in your brain called the reticular activating system (RAS). Your RAS scans information from your surroundings and compares it to what you’re giving a lot of attention to. It assumes anything you’re thinking about a lot is stuff you want more of. That’s why if you get up in the morning in a bad mood it’s easy to attract situations and people that make it worse, because the more think about it, the more your RAS draws that to you. So change the way you think. Focus on what you want and believe you can get it.
Jessica Robbins, findaTVexpert’s Transformational Coach

Once you’ve decided what you want, eliminate the phrase ‘I can’t’ from your vocabulary and find an ‘accountability partner’. Making that commitment and being held accountable will help you focus on the outcome.
Cheryl Goldenberg, findaTVexpert’s Transition Coach

This is especially important in tough economic times. We need to be around people, both professionally and personally, who have a positive sense of self and purpose. So identify 5 things you can be proud of - things people can admire either personally or professionally - and remind yourself of them on a daily basis.
Sean Brickell, findaTVexpert’s Confidence Coach

”The vampire analogy is just a bit of fun, but the truth is there are people, places and things all around us that sap our energy, our lives and our finances”, says findaTVexpert founder Claire Richmond. “Luckily they’re very easy to get rid of”, adds Richmond.

Ends
For more information:
Claire Richmond
Claire@findatvexpert.com
020 8742 2541

Friday 13th is turning out to be a very lucky day!

Just had another call from a production company wanting to speak to one of the experts. It would be to appear in a major prime time show. Beside myself with excitement on the expert's behalf.

Fingers Crossed!

An Exec Producer from Talkback Thames wants to meet one of the experts featured in my weekly update to the industry, which is great news. I've also forwarded details of other experts from findaTVexpert who might be relevant. Fingers crossed!

Update to the industry

I've just sent out my weekly round up of new experts and expert news to TV&Radio producers, researchers, commissioners, etc + journalists. Want to read it? Use this link and click on today's date.

Congratulations to findaTVexpert's Sue Firth

Just found out that Sue - Psychologist, Business Stress & Behaviour expert - was found on findaTVexpert by the BBCs Panorama team and filmed for an online piece about the behaviour of the bankers who said sorry. To see Sue's 'Is Sorry Really the Hardest Word', click here. (It's below the episode.)

Latest findaTVexpert success stories

1. Jean, Social Anthropologist & Flirtologist: hired to do some research work for Unilever/Lynx deodorant.
2. Dr Abigael, Doctor of Clinical Psychology: did a live phone-in on self harming on This Morning in February and was approached by Tiger Aspect to discuss a programme on phobias.
3. Andrew, Househusband & Writer: had two interview requests within two weeks of registering - one for Channel 4 Dispatches and the other for BBC London Radio.
4. Penny, Entrepreneurs & Social Networking: was approached by Channel 4 Dispatches re filming for a forthcoming programme.
5. Sian, Property & Credit Crunch Survival: contaced by a producer from BBC Birmingham who's scouting for presenters for a new property series.

Good luck and congratulations to all!

findaTVexpert on Enterprise Nation + National Referral Week

findaTVexpert is delighted about a second profile piece on Enterprise Nation.

Also, as this is National Referral Week, if you know any experts who want to showcase their expertise to the industry - or members of the media who would benefit from access to Aladdin's cave of experts, ideas and inspiration - please refer them to findaTVexpert.com

Scientists from findaTVexpert re Science Week

Scientists from findaTVexpert have been featured in TVMole's round-up about what TV shows scientists would like to develop and present.

Getting Motivated in March

There's something about March with it's sunshine, cherry blossom and spring bulbs that makes you believe everything is possible. That's why I've just issued a press release with top tips from the experts on findaTVexpert.com on how to get motivated in March for a beach body in June. Someone will pick it up which will be good for the experts - and for the business.

findaTVexpert profiled in Enterprise Nation

Feeling very chuffed this morning as findaTVexpert was profiled in Enterprise Nation. Click here to have a look.

Amazing new experts and experts doing amazing things

I've just sent off my weekly udpate to the TV&Media industry - and an executive producer from IWC Media has just registered to search the site. I wonder who caught her eye? Want to have a look at the new experts? Use this link and click on today's date.

A smorgasbord of experts & ideas

This week's update to the industry was a smorgasbord of experts, ideas and inspiration. To see a copy, follow this link to the archived newletters and click on the 18th of Feb. You won't be able to access the experts' details (only registered members of the media can do that) but you can see who's on. Enjoy!

Good luck to Abigael San

Just heard that Abigael San - Doctor of Clinical Psychology - was found on findaTVexpert and booked to do a live phone-in about self harming on This Morning tomorrow. She's also meeting a TV production company who found her on findaTVexpert to discuss a new programme idea. Good luck!

findaTVexpert mentioned in today's FT

Mike Southon - author of The Beermat Entrepreneur - writes a column for the weekend FT. In today's column he discusses the Twitter phenomenon and findaTVexpert gets a tiny mention (right at the very end). You can read it here http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9ce3a368-f82d-11dd-aae8-000077b07658.html?nclick_check=1. And if you want to follow me on Twitter, my user name is - you've guessed it - findaTVexpert!

Another great week for findaTVexpert

I spent a lot of time this week discussing ideas and promoting experts to TV production companies: Talkback Thames, Tern TV, enteractionTV, TV Mole and Fireback Entertainment. I work on the basis that if you keep planting the creative seeds and nurturing the media relationships, things start to happen.

TV Meetings

In meetings all day today: enteraction TV, Flame TV, Fireback Entertainment and TV Mole. I'll keep you posted.

The more media who register, the more chance for experts to be spotted!

It's great to see more researchers, producers, etc from ITV, Splash Media, Monkey Kingdom, Talkback Thames, Cheetah TV (part of Endemol), Cloud One Television, Green Inc etc registering to search the site. What a fantastic year this is!

Best Month So Far

findaTVexpert launched on the 28th of April last year and January has been the best month in business so far. This is good news for everyone. I have lots of experts and ideas to promote to the industry, which keeps the TV&Media companies interested. And the more the TV&Media companies keep registering and searching the site, the better it is for the experts! The latest update to the industry will be up in cyberspace soon. Here's the link.

Weekly Update to the TV&Media companies

I've just sent off my weekly update to the industry - and within minutes someone from Topical TV had registered to search the site. Want to have a look at the updates? Here's the link.

And the media keep registering ..

New researchers, series producers, executive producers and production managers from Two Four Productions, the BBC, Free At Last TV, Monkey, Ricochet, Tigress Productions and Silver River Productions have registered to search findaTVexpert in the last couple of weeks. Plus freelance journalists, PR Companies and TV agents. It's great news for all the experts on the site!

I've joined Twitter!

I haven't quite got my head around it yet but I've done what I said I'd do. To have a look at the findaTVexpert Twitter, click here.. All that's left to do this month is phone 20 journalists. If you know of any I could put on my list - please let me know!

What a week + PR Plan of Action

The Daily Telegraph feature generated a lot of interest from experts - and from TV&Media people, which is good news all round. As a result, last week was extremely busy but that's ok: busy is good. And things are about to get busier because I've met up with my PR Guru - Alan Stevens, The Media Coach and we're drawing up a plan of action for this year. My first job is to join Twitter, update this blog - hence new look, links, etc - and call 20 journalists. Stick around. 2009 is going to be amazing!

'New look' updates

One of the things on my 'to do' list this year was to find a newsetter mailing system that was fast, efficient and easy to use. Mission accomplished! Quite a few people recommended Constant Contact and it's great. Not only can I send stylish looking updates quickly and efficiently, I can also create a link to an archive. So if you'd like to have a look at them, click here.

A few more success stories

Abigael San - Doctor of Clinical Psychology: filmed for upcoming Sky Real Lives programme which explores the psychological reasons behind overeating.
Craig Henderson - Classical Historian: has done 3 pieces for BBCs 'Inside Out', is being pitched for a new historial series, and has been approached regarding a series on the architecture of churches.
Patricia Davidson - Online Shopping expert: Patricia had a lot of media bookings after she registered in November and has now been approached by a TV Agent.
John Rennie, Sian Astley, Roger Southam, Oliver Heath, Tina Huelin, Lindsay Blackman: all featured in the Daily Telegraph article.

Here's to many more!

2009 has just got even better!

The Daily Telegraph feature has come out - page 4 of the property section of today's paper: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/buyingsellingandmoving/4141461/Property-shows-Sold-on-television.html.

It's fantastic. The press release I sent out on the 14 November (see blog) definitely paid off!

I've won a year's free PR advice for the business - what a fantastic start to the year!

Alan Stevens - www.mediacoach.co.uk - offered a year's free PR advice to the person who correctly answered his 10 (very difficult) music trivia questions. I didn't know any of the answers so I enlisted the help of my friends on facebook - because this was something I really wanted. Luckily for me, Mailan Henning and Karen Taylor - two friends from my old school in Brazil - came up trumps. The answers were correct, my name went into the draw and I got picked out of the hat! I just can't believe it. This is so great for the business - and for everyone involved with it. What a fantastic start to the year!