Monday, November 15, 2010

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."

Monday, November 1, 2010

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!