Christmas Competition Winner: Jack Brelstaff

Congratulations to Jack Brelstaff, who won a unique Christmas present: a year's membership on findaTVexpert (details of competition here). He's doing a PhD in frontotemporal-dementia and is an expert in most areas of neuroscience. He's deeply passionate about his work and the implications of his research in the future. We're delighted to welcome him to the team of experts on findaTVexpert and help promote his knowledge to the TV industry.

TV Companies on the Hunt for Talent

I spent a lot of time last month discussing a wide range of experts with Channel 4, Steadfast TV, Fremantle Media, Princess Productions, Liberty Bell and a freelance development producer who's on the hunt for experts based in Scotland. And in the past few weeks more Heads of Development, Creative Directors, Casting Producers, Series Producers, Assistant Producers and Researchers from RDF, Lime Pictures, Daisybeck, Isis Media, Fever Media, Dragonfly TV, Two Four, Studio Lambert, the BBC and ITV have registered to search the site. Plus freelance journalists and a reporter from The Scotsman.

The industry's definitely on the hunt for talent. And the good news is that they're finding it on findaTVexpert. Here are some of the latest experts who've been booked for TV appearances, screentests and media interviews.

1. Lady Lesley C, Aristocratic Tamer: Horses, Cattle & Kids

2. Sian A, Lady Builder, Interior Designer & Landlord

3. Vena R, Kama Sutra, Tantric Sex and Romance Expert

4. Stephanie M, Nutritionist + Food Therapist

5. Anna G, Happy Working Parents = Productive Employees

6. Lexi P, Dating Guru and Matchmaker

7. Dr. Victoria G, Doctor of Counselling Psychology & Life-Coach

8. Madam Becky, Ex Madam, Author & Speaker on UK Prostitution

9. Susie P, Get happy, change your life & get on track fast

10. Simon W, Teacher + Youth, Familial & Social Issues

I don't want to blow my own trumpet but it's Christmas, so I will: findaTVexpert is a great service. And from a personal point of view, knowing that something I set up is helping experts achieve their goals is a great feeling.

Unique Christmas Present: A Year's Membership on findaTVexpert

Forget sweaters, socks, perfume or aftershave. What you REALLY want for Christmas is a present that can change your life: a year's membership on findaTVexpert.com, the online database of talent that more and more members of the TV industry turn to when they're looking for experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show.

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 findaTVexpert.com for Christmas.

Email the following to info at findatvexpert dot com by 6.00pm on Wednesday, 22 December 2010:
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.

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.

The competition opens on Wednesday, 1 December 2010 and closes at 6.00pm on Wednesday, 22 December 2010. Completed entries will go into a draw and one winner will be picked at random and announced here and on twitter on Christmas Day, Saturday, 25 December 2010.

Good Luck!

Terms and conditions apply:
1. The competition opens on Wednesday, 1 December 2010 and closes at 6.00pm on Wednesday, 22 December 2010. 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 22nd of December 2010 after the closing time. One winner will be picked at random and announced here - and on twitter - on the 25th of December 2010.
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 31st of January 2011 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.

findaTVexpert teams up with Mentorn Media on a Hunt for Talent across the UK

findaTVexpert.com announces it has teamed up with Mentorn Media and is going on the hunt for new TV talent across the UK in 2011

15 November, 2010 findaTVexpert.com, the online database of experts created by series producer Claire Richmond in 2008, announces it has teamed up with Mentorn Media, one of the UK's longest established independent television production companies, to host a series of ‘Could You be a TV Expert?’ seminars across the UK in a ground breaking hunt for new TV talent in 2011.

Experts who think they’ve got the x-pert factor and want to be considered for TV programmes but don’t know how to promote themselves to the industry, will be able to attend a ‘Could You be a TV expert?’ seminar in Manchester (10/03/11), Bristol (07/04/10), Glasgow (12/05/11), Cardiff (09/06/11) Birmingham (7/07/11) and London (08/09/11).

Each seminar will be presented by findaTVexpert’s Claire Richmond, series producer of some of TV’s most popular shows, including BBC’s Changing Rooms, Don’t Get Done Get Dom and Ready Steady Cook, and Mentorn Media’s Head of On-Screen Talent, Sonia Beldom.

“I’m thrilled Mentorn Media is joining me on my hunt for talent across the UK. The aim of findaTVexpert is to bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers – and having Mentorn Media’s support is terrific," says Richmond.

Beldom adds, “Great experts are crucial to the success of factual programmes because they bring passion and credibility to a series. They also bring new ideas to the table and access to people, places and projects that have the potential to inspire viewers, attract new audiences and set new trends. At Mentorn Media we are committed to making ground breaking factual television and we’re also committed to finding and nurturing the new experts who will help us achieve that. So we’re delighted to be supporting findaTVexpert.com in their hunt for talent."

TV Tips: What to Wear/What Not to Wear on TV

If you're working on your 10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert (read them here), at some point you'll be booked for a screentest (read tips here) or a straightforward, on-the-couch interview.

If it's the latter, the first thing you need to do is prepare - ie is the interview live or pre-recorded; how long is it; what's the angle; what's the 'tone' of the show; who are the viewers; what are the key messages you want to get across; what examples are you going to use to bring the interview to life and get your messages across in a way that's succinct & relevant to the viewers; etc.

Having done your preparation, the next question is: what to wear - and what not to wear? And here are some tips:

1. Do some research. If the show is a live, daily show, watch it and look at what the presenters and guests are wearing. Is it formal or informal? Smart or smart/casual? What looks good and what doesn't. What colours clash with the set, etc?
2. Avoid checks, stripes and small patterns because they strobe.
3. Avoid black (very few people look good in it).
4. Wear block colours.
5. If you're filming in a studio, wear fabrics that don't make you sweat (it gets VERY hot under studio lights).
6. Remember that a microphone will be attached to your top - and that the battery pack and wire will be fed down your back and attached to your trousers, skirt waist, etc. So good necklines and easy access clothes are important.
7. Because of the above, steer clear of polo necks.
8. Avoid jewellery that will rustle up against the microphone that's attached to the neckline of the top you're wearing. You don't want your interview to be cut short because the sound is awful.
9. Wear clothes/necklines that flatter your shape.
10. Cameras really do add pounds so avoid thick, bulky fabrics.

And to complete the 'look', sit up straight, relax your shoulders and smile!

TV Screentest Tips

A successful TV series need great talent and a great format. So screentests are crucial to the process. Make yours a good one and chances are you'll get through to the next stage of the development process. Here are a few tips that will help.

1. Look like your photo. That's the person they're expecting to see.
2. As you're going to be filmed, wear colours & clothes that flatter you and make you stand out.
3. Prepare! Define your USP and understand the market. (Read Steps 1 & 2 of my '10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert). The production company might not know exactly what they're looking for. So make sure you give them a clear idea of what you do and how you do it. Remember, they'll be thinking from a TV point of view. How will what you do look on TV? Think of examples of people you've worked with & things you've done. Paint the picture & get across your passion.
4. If they like you, your half hour chat will probably get edited down to a one minute taster tape which they'll show to the commissioner. So have a few one-liners/key points up your sleeve. And remember to pause at the end of each one so the editor can cut it in.
5. Increase your energy by 50-100%. Get across your passion. Really switch it on. And engage your body: lean forward, use your hands and SMILE! Remember that in any screentest you'll be up against many other experts like you. And once the 'expertise' box is ticked, it's all down to personality.
6. There's a huge difference between coming across as passionate and coming across as desperate. Make sure you're the former!
7. Practice. Digital cameras and mobile phones all have filming options. Get a friend to ask you a few questions about what you do and see what you look like on camera.
Good luck.

Could you be a TV expert? That's what the industry wants to know.

The TV industry is always on the hunt for experts, ideas and the next 'big thing'. That's why more and more members of the industry are registering on find a TV expert and getting experts in for a chat or screentest. Here are some of the most recent experts who have had that phone call.

1. Kim I, Leading Fitness & Mental Strength Expert

2. Sean B, Confidence Coach

3. Maria M, Motoring Journalist & Publishing Expert

4. Rasheed O, Lifestyle Coach - Motivational Speaker

5. Domonique B, Successpert: Getting the most out of your Life

6. Steve T, Personal presentation & non-verbal communication

7. Jane W, Life Change Expert

8. Jessica R, Performance Expert & Transformational Coach

9. Richard R, Psychotherapist, Hypnotherapist and Charisma Coach

10. Andrew W, Fatherhood and Modern Parenting

11. Alison B, Getting a job: interviewing technique, CV, etc

12. Susie P, Get happy, change your life & get on track fast

13. David Y, The Power of Language: How Words Change Lives

14. Amana W, Coach: find your personal X factor and stand out!

15. Alex B, Master Brewer, Beer Sommelier & Flavour Expert

16. Jennifer E, Chocolate Historian & Guide + Food Developer

17. Dr Gemma N, Medical Doctor - GP in West London

18. Dr James L, Scientist: Biological + Natural History

19. Sarah M, Dog Trainer, Dog Behaviourist, Gundog Trainer

20. Rebecca P, Hair & Beauty Salon Makeovers and Internet Mktg

21. Debbie C, Behaviourist: Pets, Livestock, Child/pet safety

22. Dr Victoria G, Doctor of Counselling Psychology & Life-Coach.

Good luck to all of them!

Do you have what it takes to be a TV expert? Do you want to promote your passion and expertise to Heads of Development and Heads of Talent? Then do what other experts have done and join www.findaTVexpert.com!

findaTVexpert gets experts noticed by the TV industry

Becoming a TV Expert takes time, because getting shows commissioned also takes time. Commissioners are pitched hundreds of programme ideas each week and only a few tick the right boxes. But like everything in life, if you really want it, you have to keep plugging away at it. Because when it happens, it's worth it. So the more screentests you have, the more the industry hears and reads about you, the better. (Read my 10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert here). And that's what findaTVexpert does: helps you get on the TV industry's radar and raise your profile. Here are some of the latest experts who have been found on findaTVexpert and contacted re different TV&Media opportunities.

1. Lesley C: Aristocratic Tamer (Horses, Cattle & Kids). Screentested by Raise the Roof Productions and contacted by a literary agent re a book idea.

2. Abigael S: Doctor of Clinical Psychology. Assessed contributors for C4’s The Sex Education Show (and received an onscreen credit for her work) and is currently working with Endemol on contributor assessments for Supersize Superskinny. Also interviewed by Cosmo for a piece about sexual confidence.

3. Elinor O & Isobel B: Contemporary Art and Art Investment Experts. Contacted by Lucky Day Productions re a possible series.

4. Roy B: Art & Architecture. Also contacted by Lucky Day Productions.

5. Naomi R: Life Coach for Children (Self Esteem, Divorce, etc.) Contacted by Garden Productions re a documentary.

6. Andrew W: Fatherhood and Modern Parenting. Screentestd by a Canadian production company re a series for Canada & North America. And contacted by a PR company re a commercial tie up/media campaign.

7. Mike E: Medical Historian, War Wounds & Trauma Surgeon. Contacted by Moving Mountains.

There are hundreds of hurdles to overcome between a screentest/exploratory chat and a commission. But it's the first step of the process.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert

Britain’s Got Talent and The X-Factor are fantastic opportunities for singers and dancers to promote themselves to the industry. But if you’re an expert – historian, scientist, property guru, chef, lawyer, businessman, tradesman, doctor, dentist, designer, criminologist, psychologist, marine biologist, etc – and you want to promote yourself to the TV industry, you have to understand the market, figure out what you have to offer and start making some noise. In other words, you need to get to work!

Step 1: Define your USP. There are thousands of experts like you out there. What makes you stand out from the rest? What’s going to make TV producers, commissioners and – ultimately – viewers, sit up and take notice of you? Is it your contagious enthusiasm for the subject matter? Your quirky personality? Your sense of humour? Or maybe the projects you’re working on or the people you have access to?

Step 2: Understand the market. If you’re applying for a job, you research the company and figure out what you what you have to offer. If you want to get on TV, the same applies. Watch TV. Think TV. Understand TV. Read the media sections of the nationals and sign up for the trade magazines to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s being commissioned, which shows are getting the highest ratings, who’s making them and, more importantly, why you’d be perfect for them.

Step 3: Write a book & become the authority. Researchers and producers often browse online bookshops to find out who has written books about the subject/area of expertise that’s relevant to the programme they’re developing. It's what I used to do at the end of each series of Changing Rooms when we were looking for new designers to join the team. So if you’ve got a book in you, write it.

Step 4: Get Noticed. Give presentations at consumer fairs, trade fairs, networking events & exhibitions. You never know who’ll be listening - or on the hunt for talent.

Step 5: Be at the top of Google/Yahoo/Bing searches under key words that relate to your expertise. Words that a researcher would type in to find experts like you. Story has it that's how Gareth Malone (The Choir, BBC2) was found. They typed in 'choirmaster' and he came up in the search results. And I'd be happy to bet my bottom dollar that when the Icelandic 'ash cloud' started covering our skies a lot of reseachers and producers were typing "volcano+expert" or "volcanologist" into Google. So if you want to be a TV expert, make sure the TV industry can find you.

Step 6: Join clubs, associations & networking groups that are relevant to your area of expertise and make sure you’re on their list of experts who are happy to be contacted by the media. Here's why. When I was working at L!VETV, I was asked to develop & produce the pilot for 'Bouncy Weather', a weather forecast which featured a dwarf on a trampoline infront of a weather map (don't ask!). Anyway, my first port of call was The Restricted Growth Association. I explained what we were going to do and they put me in touch with Willow Management, a management agency that represents short actors. And as a result we found and hired the lovely Rusty Goffe. Enough said.

Step 7: Join the online directories of experts which TV production companies turn to when they’re looking for an expert to comment on a subject or be part of a show. Ok, now it's time for a bit of self promotion. There are a few online directories of experts out there, but www.findaTVexpert.com is the only one that's run by a TV producer with 15 years experience making & developing programmes and looking for talent (see my CV). In other words, findaTVexpert is run by someone who understands the needs of the experts and of the industry. By registering you'll be in a directory that's actively promoted to the TV industry - and that more and more members of the industry are turning to when they're looking for experts, ideas & inspiration. You'll also be in my little black book (which I take to my regular meetings with heads of development, creative directors, executive producers, etc) and you'll have a chance for extra PR in my newsletters to the TV industry. See recent copies here. Ok, self promotion over. But you get the message. If you want to be a TV expert, the TV industry has to be able to find you.

Step 8: Get quoted. Researchers and development producers scour newspapers and magazines for experts and ideas. And if an article in which you’re quoted catches their eye, you could be the first expert they contact – assuming they can find you. That’s why Steps 5, 6 & 7 are so important.

Step 9: Be pro-active. Watch the programmes which feature experts like you, find who makes them (check the credits at the end for the name of the production company and the executive producer) and contact them directly. When I series produced Changing Rooms for the BBC, I was surprised at how few letters and showreels I received from interior designers who wanted to get on my radar and be considered for the programme. In three years I think I had less than 10. And most of the people who contacted me hadn't done Steps 1 & 2 - ie identified what made them stand out from the other designers and outlined why they'd be perfect for the show. So be pro-active. But do your homework first. And keep your email to the point: a 'pitch paragraph' and a photo.

Step 10: Get a showreel. TV’s a visual medium so promote yourself to it in a visual way. Photos are good but showreels or video pitches are better because the industry can see what you look and sound like on camera. Keep your videos short (1-2 minutes maximum), engaging and to the point. And remember: they’ll know within the first 10 seconds if you’re what they’re looking for. It's like a first date. You just know. So make those first 10 seconds count: big smile, great eye contact and lots of energy. At least 50% more than normal. You've got to really switch it on if you want to stand out and make an impression.

The harder you work at promoting yourself and increasing your visibility, the "luckier" you will be. Because the TV industry is always on the hunt for new experts, new ideas and the next big thing.

Good luck. And if I can be of any help, just give me a call.

Raise your media profile & increase your chances of being spotted by the TV industry

Over the past two weeks, I've outlined the 10 Steps to Becoming a TV expert. In Step 7 I highlighted the importance of joining online directories of experts and shamelessly plugged the fact that being on findaTVexpert is a great way to raise your media profile. And here's the proof: some of the latest experts who've been found on the site and booked for screentests, interviews and other media opportunities.

1. Donna D - Psychologist: Personality, Behaviour & Sex: filmed for the pilot of a new TV series re security.

2. Cate M - Love Coach: approached by Big Brother's Little Brother re appearing on the show, screentested by the BBC for a new series and interviewed by Men's Fitness re dating tips for men.

3. Abigael S - Doctor of Clinical Psychology: interviewed by Men's Fitness re the World Cup. How football means so much to us as a nation and how we react to losses.

4. Audrey D - Food Scientist, Nutritionist and Omega 3 Expert: screentested by Betty TV (and coincidentally by someone who used to present a show I produced at L!VETV. Small world.)

5. Vena R - Tantric Sex and Romance Expert: contacted by a literary agent who spotted her in one of my updates to the industry (see copies here) and by Big Brother's Little Brother (Endemol). If you want to be a TV Expert, writing a book is very important. Find out why in Step 3 to becoming a TV Expert. Read it here.

6. Terri B - The Stress Doctor: interviewed for Prima & Men's Fitness magazine. (Step 8)

7. Caroline T - Gardens: designer, writer & broadcaster: did a day's filming with Mark Three Media.

8. Jonathan T - Sport, music and film memorabilia: contacted by Plum Pictures.

9. James L - Scientist: Biological + Natural History: in discussions with Darlow Smithson re a series for Animal Planet and is doing a podcast with Pulse-Project.

10. Ian C - Obesity Expert: liaising with Endemol re a CBBC series. Idea has been pitched. Fingers crossed.

Ten Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 10

Step 10: Get a showreel. TV’s a visual medium so promote yourself to it in a visual way. Photos are good but showreels or video pitches are better because the industry can see what you look and sound like on camera. Keep your videos short (1-2 minutes maximum), engaging and to the point. And remember: they’ll know within the first 10 seconds if you’re what they’re looking for. It's like a first date. You just know. So make those first 10 seconds count: big smile, great eye contact and lots of energy. At least 50% more than normal. You've got to really switch it on if you want to stand out and make an impression.

The harder you work at promoting yourself and increasing your visibility, the "luckier" you will be. Because the TV industry is always on the hunt for new experts, new ideas and the next big thing.

I hope these 10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert have given you some ideas about how to promote yourself to the industry. Good luck. And if I can be of any help, just give me a call.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 9

Step 9: Be pro-active. Watch the programmes which feature experts like you, find who makes them (check the credits at the end for the name of the production company and the executive producer) and contact them directly. When I series produced Changing Rooms for the BBC (see my CV here) I was surprised at how few letters and showreels I received from interior designers who wanted to get on my radar and be considered for the programme. In three years I think I had less than 10. And most of the people who contacted me hadn't done Steps 1 & 2 - ie identified what made them stand out from the other designers and outlined why they'd be perfect for the show. So be pro-active. But do your homework first. And keep your email to the point: a 'pitch paragraph' and a photo.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 8

Step 8: Get quoted. Researchers and development producers scour newspapers and magazines for experts and ideas. And if an article in which you’re quoted catches their eye, you could be the first expert they contact – assuming they can find you. That’s why Steps 5, 6 & 7 are so important.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 7

Step 7: Join the online directories of experts which TV production companies turn to when they’re looking for an expert to comment on a subject or be part of a show. Ok, now it's time for a bit of self promotion. There are a few online directories of experts out there, but www.findaTVexpert.com is the only one that's run by a TV producer with 15 years experience making & developing programmes and looking for talent (see my CV). In other words, findaTVexpert is run by someone who understands the needs of the experts and of the industry. By registering you'll be in a directory that's actively promoted to the TV industry - and that more and more members of the industry are turning to when they're looking for experts, ideas & inspiration. You'll also be in my little black book (which I take to my regular meetings with heads of development, creative directors, executive producers, etc) and you'll have a chance for extra PR in my newsletters to the TV industry. See recent copies here. Ok, self promotion over. But you get the message. If you want to be a TV expert, the TV industry has to be able to find you.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 6

Step 6: Join clubs, associations & networking groups that are relevant to your area of expertise and make sure you’re on their list of experts who are happy to be contacted by the media. Here's why. When I was working at L!VETV, I was asked to develop & produce the pilot for 'Bouncy Weather', a weather forecast which featured a dwarf on a trampoline infront of a weather map (don't ask!). Anyway, my first port of call was The Restricted Growth Association. I explained what we were going to do and they put me in touch with Willow Management, a management agency that represents short actors. And as a result we found and hired the lovely Rusty Goffe. Enough said.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 5

Step 5: Be at the top of Google/Yahoo/Bing searches under key words that relate to your expertise. Words that a researcher would type in to find experts like you. Story has it that's how Gareth Malone (The Choir, BBC2) was found. They typed in 'choirmaster' and he came up in the search results. And I'd be happy to bet my bottom dollar that when the Icelandic 'ash cloud' started covering our skies a lot of reseachers and producers were typing "volcano+expert" or "volcanogist" into Google. So if you want to be a TV expert, make sure the TV industry can find you.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 4

Step 4: Give presentations at consumer fairs, trade fairs, networking events & exhibitions. You never know who’ll be listening - or on the hunt for talent!

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 3

Step 3: Write a book & become the authority. Researchers and producers often search online bookshops to find out who has written books about the subject/area of expertise that’s relevant to the programme they’re developing. It's what I used to do at the end of each series of Changing Rooms when we were looking for new designers to join the team. So if you’ve got a book in you, write it!

10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert: Step 2

Step 2: Understand the industry. If you’re applying for a job, you research the company and figure out what you what you have to offer. If you want to get on TV, the same applies. Watch TV. Think TV. Understand TV. Read the media sections of the nationals and sign up for the trade magazines to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s being commissioned, which shows are getting the highest ratings, who’s making them and, more importantly, why you’d be perfect for them.

10 Steps to Becoming a TV expert: Step 1

Britain’s Got Talent has come and gone and auditions for The X-Factor are underway. Both shows are fantastic opportunities for singers and dancers to promote themselves to the industry. But if you’re an expert – historian, scientist, property guru, chef, lawyer, businessman, tradesman, doctor, dentist, designer, criminologist, psychologist, marine biologist, etc – and you want to promote yourself to the TV industry, you have to understand the market, figure out what you have to offer and start making some noise. In other words, you need to get to work. There are 10 steps you need to take to be considered for TV opportunities. So starting at the top ...

Step 1: Define your USP. There are thousands of experts like you out there. What makes you stand out from the rest? What’s going to make TV producers, commissioners and – ultimately – viewers, sit up and take notice of you? Is it your contagious enthusiasm for the subject matter? Your quirky personality? Your sense of humour? Or maybe the projects you’re working on or the people you have access to?

Could you be a TV expert?

If you want to be a TV expert you need to think about how to pitch yourself to the TV industry. My 'Could you be a TV expert?' seminars are packed with tips and ways to do this. But don't take it from me. Read what a reviewer from remotegoat.co.uk had to say here.

Want to get on TV? Get on findaTVexpert!

If you want to be on TV, researchers, development producers and heads of talent have to be able to find you. Being on findaTVexpert is one of the ways the TV industry finds experts, which is why more and more experts are signing up to showcase their skills, passion and expertise. To see the latest experts hoping to catch the eye of a TV producer, click here.

More experts being found on findaTVexpert

People often ask me what kind of experts the industry (TV, Radio & Press) is looking for. The answer's quite simple: all kinds of experts. And the good news is that more and more members of the media are finding them on findaTVexpert, as you can see from the latest success stories below:

1. Janet T - Tapping for Weight Loss, Anxiety, Depression, etc: has been signed up for a new Channel 4 series. Details tba.

2. Ceril C - Red Carpet Style, Celeb Lingerie Secrets, Dating: is guest presenting on QVC from May 14th.

3. Nadine H - Time Investment Expert, Time Management, Jugglista: is in talks with a PR company re a media campaign they're running.

4. Naomi R- Life Coach for Children: Self Esteem, Divorce, etc: has been put forward by Maverick TV for a programme they're developing.

5. Audrey D - Food Scientist, Nutritionist and Omega 3 Expert: provided expert comment for the Daily Mirror and Men's Health magazine and is in discussions with a PR agency re a media campaign they're planning.

6. Stephen M - Explosives & Bomb Expert - ex MoD: is involved in a documentary series that Lion TV is making for the BBC.

7. Dr Abigael S- Doctor of Clinical Psychology: was interviewed by BBC Radio Humberside and Lincolnshire re depression and by Grazia re Cheryl Cole and why she's reluctant to open up about her feelings.

8. Julie C - Evolutionary Social Psychologist: was booked as the expert for the Eden Project's 'The Big Lunch' media campaign, which is a UK-wide incentive to get neighbours talking. Also interviewed by BBC Radio West Midlands re what ring tones say about you.

9. Amana W - Coach-find your personal 'X' factor,and stand out: was contacted by Men's Fitness re an article and by Summer Films re a project they're developing.

10. Deborah J - Historian: Toys & Women Inventors: is in discussions re a pitch to The One Show about British female inventors.

11. Tim B - Physique Specialist: was contacted by Love Productions re a programme they're pitching to Channel 4.

12. Chi C - Science & Technology: was contacted by Shine TV who are interested in casting her in a new CBBC show.

13. Jacky N - Paranormal Experiences, Angels & Afterlife: was booked to do the media promotion (radio, TV & print) for the DVD release of the 'Lovely Bones' film.

14. Debi B - 'Get what you want' Coach / Expert: was also asked to do a piece for Mens Fitness and has a programme in development with a broadcaster. All hush hush for now.

15. Jane W - Life Change Expert: was interviewed for the April issue of Health & Fitness.

Testimonial: Freelance Journalist

I think findaTVexpert.com is a great resource for TV producers, radio producers and members of the media on the hunt for new talent or looking for people to comment on a subject or be part of a show. But then I would, wouldn't I? It's my business!

So don't take it from me. Take it from a journalist who uses the site:

"As a busy freelance journalist, I turn to findatvexpert.com regularly to find reliable and authoritative sources to give my copy extra impact. I've used a handful of experts now, all of which have provided timely and useable quotes specifically tailored to the target audience." Karen Hirst.

Start of Year Three in Business!

It was literally on a barge on the Canal du Midi in France in July 07 (having finished a contract to series produce Don't Get Done Get Dom for BBC1) that I had my Eureka Moment and thought of www.findatvexpert.com.

So when I got back from holiday I did some research. There wasn’t a similar service out there – I knew this from having worked in the industry for 15 years – and when I mentioned my idea to a few expert friends and TV colleagues everyone thought it was a winner.

This was a service the experts wanted and the industry needed. I’d never set up a business before but I believed in my idea so much that when I was offered another 10 months contract at Flame TV starting in September 07 (10 months of financial and job security!) I turned it down and decided to live off my limited savings and set up findatvexpert.com from my kitchen table (luckily that domain name was available – so many have already been taken.)

And nine months after I’d had the idea on the Canal du Midi, www.findaTVexpert.com went live.

I still remember the excitement I felt on Monday, 28th April 2008 when I sat at my desk at 8am and 'launched' findaTVexpert. And here I am at the start of year three. As excited now as I was then.

There have been challenges along the way, but I'm loving every minute of the journey.

Best of all, it's working: more and more members of the media are registering to search the site every week and experts are being found and booked for presenting roles, interviews, screentests and other media opportunities.

I don't really believe in horoscopes, but I happened to read one in YOU Magazine in September 07 when I started setting up findaTVexpert and it said (because I kept it as a reminder): 'You are entering an important new cycle in your life, a cycle which - if used properly - will bring lasting rewards in the future. It may be difficult - even painful - at times, but it will almost certainly be rewarding in the long run. No matter what you dreams may be, Saturn will create the conditions that make the realisation possible. From then on, it's up to you."

And it was spot on!

Here's to a successful Year Three and many more successful years ahead for the business - and for all the experts being found through it!

Countdown to Start of Year 3: After The Times ...The Daily Telegraph!

I was in New Zealand for Christmas (Dec 08) when I received an email from a journalist saying he'd read my press release about John Rennie, the personal finance & property expert who was spotted on findaTVexpert and signed up to co-present a new property series for BBC1, and was going to do a piece for the Telegraph. Needless to say, I was delighted. I emailed him all the information he needed and then we had a quick phone interview. Starting the year with small mention in the Telegraph would be good for business, I thought. Infact, it was FANTASTIC for business. Because I got a double page spread! Read it here.

Countdown to Year Three: findaTVexpert in The Times

The first thing I did when I set up findaTVexpert.com in April 2008 was tell as many people as I could about it, which included issuing a press release targetted at journalists who wrote about start up businesses. The Daily Express was the first national to pick up my story - see blog below. Then I was featured in the careers section of The Times, which was fantastic. Read 'My Big Idea' profile piece here. Good publicity - and getting noticed - is crucial in business, which is why I do as much as I can to get it: press releases, twitter, blogs, recommendations, etc. So if you're reading this, help me spread the word! Because word of mouth is fantastic PR too!

Loud & Proud: findaTVexpert heads towards start of third year in business

On Monday, the 28th of April 2008, findaTVexpert started doing what it set out to do: help bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers. Give experts who want to be considered for TV & Media opportunities the chance to promote themselves to the industry and give members of the media on the hunt for new talent and ideas (or up against tight deadlines!) a fast and easy way of finding experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show. If you want to get noticed as an expert, you have to be loud and proud. And the same applies to a business. If you want to get noticed, you have to make some noise. So in April 2008 I did a PR blitz and the Daily Express was the first to pick up on my story. Read it here.

New Experts & Last Night's Election Debate

I've just sent out my udpate to the TV industry with details of new experts - from BBQ Masters to Money Hunters (did you know that most people are entitled to a £2000, tax free bereavement payment from the state?) - and a topical TV Pt of View. This week it's Liam Hamilton, Director of Business Development at DCD Media, on last night's election debate. Let the experts inspire you and read what Liam has to say here.

Could you be a TV expert? Here's the first question you have to answer.

The TV industry is always on the hunt for talent, ideas and the next big thing. So could you be a TV expert? Well here's the first question you have to answer: what is going to make TV producers, broadcasters and (ultimately) viewers sit up and take notice of you? And if you want to know what else you should be thinking about if you're interested in promoting yourself to the TV industry, come along to my 'Could you be a TV expert?' seminar and find out! Details in post below.

"Could you be a TV expert?" seminar

What do producers of factual TV programmes need to create a new, successful series? New & engaging experts!

Think of Location Location Location, SuperNanny, The Choir, Grow Your Own Drugs, The Apprentice, Grand Designs, How Clean is Your House, You are What You Eat and The House of Tiny Tearaways, to name but a few. They all needed new experts when they were devised – and so will many future shows.

Find the right experts and combine them with a great format and everyone’s a winner: the broadcaster, the viewer and the experts, of course. Because being a TV expert raises your profile, increases your income and gives you the chance to help and/or inspire a huge number of people. But how does the TV industry find new experts? And could you be one?

These are some of the questions that will be answered at the ‘Could you be a TV Expert?’ seminar on Thursday, 10 June from 5-6pm (Soho Theatre, 21 Dean Street, W1D 3NE).

The seminar will be hosted by Claire Richmond, series producer of some of TV’s most popular shows - including BBC’s Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook & Don’t Get Done Get Dom - and founder of www.findaTVexpert.com, the online database of experts for members of the media on the hunt for new talent.

”Being a TV expert isn’t a privilege that’s bestowed on an elite few,” says Richmond. “It’s an opportunity that’s available to all experts. But a lot of experts don’t realize that their knowledge, their passion or the projects they’re working on could be exactly what the TV industry is looking for. And many don’t know how to approach the TV industry. These seminars will shed valuable light on that,” adds Richmond.

The “Could you be a TV expert?” seminar will give experts an insight into:

- The importance of experts on TV - and why the industry is always on the hunt for them
- What makes a good TV expert – and could you be one?
- The kind of experts the TV industry is currently looking for
- How the TV industry finds experts / How experts can promote themselves to the TV industry
- The programme making process

”The TV industry finds new experts in many ways,” says Richmond. “If you’re lucky you might be in the right place at the right time – it’s how Jamie Oliver got his break - but the more pro-active you are and the more structured your approach, the better. Joining findaTVexpert is one way of getting on the TV industry’s radar but there are others. And these seminars will help potential new TV experts understand the process.”

Tickets cost £25 and must be purchased in advance (places are limited). For more information or to book your place, call or email Claire Richmond directly:

claire@findatvexpert.com / 020 8742 2541.

Claire Young - The Apprentice

It's great to welcome Claire Young, of BBC1's The Apprentice fame, to the team of experts. When TV opens a door for you, you have to take advantage of it. And Claire most certainly has. She's using her fame, passion and business expertise to help back young Britain by working with the Prince's Trust, UK Youth, Business Link and several youth enterprise organisations.

Be Unashamedly Persistent

I read an article about Vanita Parti, founder of Blink eyebrow bars in the Times earlier this month - How I Made It - and loved her advice to would be entrepreneurs: "Be unashamedly persistent. That really got me through the first six months where I had the phone slammed down on me. I thought no, this is going to work and I'm going to convince you."

The same applies to the TV industry: whether you're trying to get into TV, get onto camera or get a programme commissioned. If you've done your research and you really believe you have what it takes - or you have a groundbreaking programme idea - you have to keep going. It might take time. You might get knocked back along the way. But you have to be unashamedly persistent.