Friday, October 23, 2009

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!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

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.

Friday, October 16, 2009

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!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

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!