Experts: The TV Industry's on the Hunt for them

I've been busy meeting, networking & brainstorming on behalf of the experts on findaTVexpert with Channel 4; Boomerang Productions; the deputy editor of BBC News; the Deputy Director of Content at STV; The Exec Producer of The Only Way is Essex; and a lot of influential people at the BBC in Manchester including the Head of CBBC Productions, the Series Producer for Blue Peter, the Head of Current Affairs and a producer on The One Show. And more & more members of the media (TV plus radio & press) are hearing about findaTVexpert and registering to search the site for talent. As a result, more & more experts are being found on findaTVexpert and contacted regarding different media opportunities. These are some of them:

1. Lady Lesley C, Aristocratic Tamer: Horses, Cattle & Kids
2. James L, Scientist: Health, Biology & Natural History
3. Jules H, Naturalist & Wildlife Conservationist
4. Dyfed P, Interior Architect
5. Tracy K, Influential & Opinionated Property Finder & Expert
6. Steve H, Dog Behaviour Expert + Dog Expert Witness
7. Mandy K, Psychologist: Abusive Relationships, Dating
8. Jheni O, Science Journalist: Natural World & Sports Science
9. Emma C, Chartered Mechanical Engineer + Science
10. David M, Gadgets and Technology Expert and Writer
11. Karen G, Natural Skincare & Fragrance Expert + Retailer
12. Jo H, TV Psychologist: Behaviour, Relationships, Celebs
13. Abigael S, Doctor of Clinical Psychology
14. Marverine C, Beer Evangelist, Journalist, TV Presenter
15. Joanna R, Food Addiction, Eating Disorders, Spirituality
16. Pippa S, Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist
17. Cate M, Love Coach
18. Kerry D, Consultant Forensic Psychologist
19. George H, Finance, Management, Internal Audit, Risk Mgmt
20. Danielle H, TV Presenter, Hypnotherapist, Phobia Expert
21. Andy J, Dating & Sex Expert + Adventure Journalist

For your chance to be spotted by a member of the media and booked for a screentest, expert comment in the press, etc, do what these experts have done and register on findaTVexpert.com.

New Faces on TV: found on findaTVexpert

Mike E, Medical Historian, War Wounds & Trauma Surgeon: booked as an expert contributor for C4's 'Crusaders: Back from the Dead'. Sundays, 8pm.

Ben H, Award Winning TV Designer & Renovation Expert: signed up as a designer on Channel 4's new design series, 'The Renovation Game'.

Dr Anita S, GP w/specialist interest in Dermatology: signed up to be the 'Doctor Presenter' on Channel 4's 'The Joy of Teen Sex', which airs on the 27th of October.

Phill W, Hands on Restoration & Sustainable Building Expert: signed up as a judge on BBC3's new 'Young Carpenter of the Year' series. TX date tbc.

Giles M, Consumer Champion & Money Expert: booked as an expert contributor for a new BBC consumer affairs series.

For your chance to be spotted by a TV producer and booked for a series, do what these experts have done and register on findaTVexpert.com.

Could you be a TV Expert? Find out from the comfort of your home or office.

If you know me, you'll know that I'm a people person. I like meeting, seeing and talking to people face-to-face. So when someone suggested I host my 'Could you be a TV Expert?' seminars online - as opposed to in a meeting room - I had my doubts. But having done a few now, I think they're the way forward. And here's why:

- it's easy for the experts! They can attend a seminar from the comfort of their office or home.

- experts who wouldn't normally be able to attend one of my seminars (because the locations/venues weren't convenient) now can.

- I keep the groups small (7 max) and the format's exactly the same: experts hear my voice and see the presentation on their computers. And it's just as interactive as the 'real' thing. Experts ask me questions - and answer mine.

The only difference is that we can't have a networking drink at the end. But anyone who wants to meet me in person can always stop by my TVGreenRoom at a later date.

So if you want to find out how the TV industry works, why experts are crucial to the success of TV programmes, what kind of experts the programme makers are looking for, how they find them and whether YOU could be a TV expert, 'come along' to one of my online seminars.

Tuesday, 4 October
Thursday, 6 October
Tuesday, 11 October
Thursday, 13 October

The seminars run from 6-7.30pm and I'll be presenting them. I'm the founder of findaTVexpert.com, a Talent Hunter and Producer of some of TV’s most popular shows including BBC’s Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook & Don’t Get Done Get Dom. (See my CV here).

The seminars are free but you must book your place in advance as numbers are limited.

To do so, click here to save your place. We will then send you the login details.

Testimonial: Andy Jones, Dating Expert & Broadcaster

"findaTVexpert has helped me take my existing skills to the wider market of broadcast. Having already made a slight dent on the world of TV, findaTVexpert has helped me turn that into a lasting imprint. Television seems like such a large and impenetrable beast, but having my name and profile on such a widely read database helps me keep fresh in the minds of those making the decisions that matter." Andy Jones, dating expert and broadcaster.

Could you be a TV Expert? Find out in London on Sept 8

findaTVexpert's popular Could you be a TV Expert? seminar is heading to The Soho Theatre in London on Thursday, 8th of September.

It will be presented by findaTVexpert ’s Claire Richmond (TV Talent Hunter & Producer of some of TV’s most popular shows including BBC’s Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook & Don’t Get Done Get Dom) and give experts the chance to find out how the TV industry works, why experts are crucial to the success of TV programmes, what kind of experts the programme makers are looking for, how they find them, and what experts need to be doing to make the industry sit up and take notice of them.

Seminar booking info: Entrance to the seminar is free but tickets must be booked in advance as spaces are limited. For more information and/or to book your place use this link.

Feedback from attendees of Could you be a TV Expert? seminars:

"Great style. Claire really knows her stuff. She's an expert!"
"Friendly, warm & accessible. I feel inspired!"
"Thought provoking."
"Loved the session. Really engaging & helpful."

Need an expert? Find one on findaTVexpert.

People often ask me what the industry's on the hunt for. As you can see from the experts who have been found on findaTVexpert recently - and contacted by TV, Radio, Press & PR companies to comment on a subject or be screentested for a new series - the areas of expertise are incredibly varied.

Experts contacted by TV companies recently:
Stephanie M, Nutritionist + Food Therapist
Sian A, Lady Builder, Interior Designer, Landlord, Stepmum
Sarah M, Molecular Scientist: the human body
George J, Antiques Expert, Presenter, Writer, Consultant
Rob R, Cotswold Chef & Food Campaigner
Antonia PT, Haute Couture Designer
Maya P, Marine Biologist and Educator
Becky S, Psychologist, Dating Coach, Sex Therapist
Wendy S, Business Psychologist
Keren S, Relationship Expert, Mid Life Guru, Agony Aunt
Mike E, Medical Historian, War Wounds & Trauma Surgeon
Andrew W, Fatherhood and Modern Parenting

Experts Contacted by Radio, Press & PR Companies recently:
Abigael S, Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Sue A, Parenting Expert and Author
Jules S, The Colour Counsellor - How NOT to Wear Black!
Craig H, Classical Historian
Vena R, Kama Sutra, Tantric Sex and Romance Expert

To increase your chances of being contacted by TV production companies - and other media - do what these experts have done and join the team of experts on findaTVexpert.com.

Register now and get on the site, in my newsletter to the industry (mainly TV but also radio, press & PR - see copies here) and in my little black book which I take to all my one-to-one meetings with TV development producers, creative directors, commissioners and more.

findaTVexpert's TV Green Room

Do you want to find out how the TV industry works, how findaTVexpert works and/or if you've got what it takes to be a TV expert? If your answer's yes, stop by my TV Green Room for a quick coffee and a chat. I'll be at the Benugo Bar & Kitchen on Wednesdays from 5.00-6.00, starting on the 1st of June (BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XT.) Follow me on twitter #TVGreenRoom for updates.

Could YOU be a TV Expert? Find out on the 23rd of June in Cardiff

findaTVexpert's popular Could you be a TV Expert? seminar is heading to the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff on the 23rd of June.

It will be presented by findaTVexpert ’s Claire Richmond (TV Talent Hunter & Producer of some of TV’s most popular shows including BBC’s Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook & Don’t Get Done Get Dom) and give experts the chance to find out how the TV industry works, why experts are crucial to the success of TV programmes, what kind of experts the programme makers are looking for, how they find them, and what experts need to be doing to make the industry sit up and take notice of them.

Seminar booking info: Entrance to the seminar is free but tickets must be booked in advance as spaces are limited. For more information and/or to book your place use this link.

Feedback from attendees of Could you be a TV Expert? seminars:

"Great style. Claire really knows her stuff. She's an expert!"
"Friendly, warm & accessible. I feel inspired!"
"Thought provoking."
"Loved the session. Really engaging & helpful."

Claire's going on a hunt for TV talent across the UK this year and hosting the Could you be a TV Expert? seminars in Bristol, Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester and London. For details of all the seminars, please contact findaTVexpert.

Art Expert found on findaTVexpert for new BBC2 series

Arts & Architecture Expert Roy Bolton was found on www.findatvexpert.com by Lucky Day Productions, part of the Zodiak Media Group, and signed up as one of the expert judges on ‘Show me the Monet’, BBC2s new 10-part art series which goes out at 5.15pm every weekday from today until the 20th of May.

Roy is one of many experts who have been found on findaTVexpert since its launch in 2008 and contacted by TVcompanies for studio interviews, presenting roles, pilots and other media opportunities. Other experts include Aristocratic Tamer: Horses, Cattle & Kids, Lady Lesley Cooper (Superscrimpers: Waste Not Want Not - Channel 4); Homeowner Rights, Consumer and Property Expert Roger Southam (Don't Get Done Get Dom - BBC1); Janet Thomson (Who Knows Best: Fighting the Fat- Channel 4); Food Scientist Audrey Deane (E Numbers: an Edible Adventure - BBC2); Confidence Coach Sean Brickell (The Vanessa Show - Channel 5) and Dr of Clinical Psychology Abigael San (Sky Real Lives). And in the past few months alone, over 30 experts have been screentested for programmes that are in development.

“We’re always on the hunt for new experts and when we were commissioned to make our new series, Show Me The Monet, findaTVexpert was a first port of call,” says Lucky Day Productions Managing Director Damon Pattison, who also Exec Produced the series for the BBC. “So we’re delighted we found Roy there as he - and the other experts on Show Me the Monet – has exactly the right mix of knowledge, warmth and wit that will appeal to a very wide audience.”

”I’m very happy for Roy and for all the experts who are being found on findaTVexpert and getting a step closer to fulfilling their TV ambitions,” says findaTVexpert founder and TV Producer Claire Richmond. “TV companies are always on the hunt for passionate and inspiring experts – and the more ways they can find them, the better. So if you’ve got an expertise, make sure you flaunt it to the TV industry because you never know what they’ll be looking for next.”

Could you be a TV Expert? Find out on the 25th of May in Bristol

findaTVexpert's popular Could you be a TV Expert? seminar is heading to the West Country.

It will be presented by findaTVexpert ’s Claire Richmond (producer of some of TV’s most popular shows including BBC’s Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook & Don’t Get Done Get Dom) and give experts the chance to find out how the TV industry works, why experts are crucial to the success of TV programmes, what kind of experts the programme makers are looking for, how they find them, and what experts need to be doing to make the industry sit up and take notice of them.

Seminar booking info: Tickets cost £30 per person or £50 for two and must be purchased in advance as spaces are limited. For more information and/or to book your place, please contact findaTVexpert.

Read a review of one of last year's Could you be a TV Expert? seminars.

Feedback from attendees of 'Could you be a TV Expert?' seminars:

"Great style. Claire really knows her stuff. She's an expert!"
"I think seminar was very good value for money."
"Friendly, warm & accessible. I feel inspired!"
"Thought provoking."
"Loved the session. Really engaging & helpful."

If you can't make it to the Bristol seminar, don't worry. The Could you be a TV Expert? seminar will also be held in Cardiff, Glasgow, Birmingham and London this year. For details of all the seminars, please contact findaTVexpert.

Skills Transfer: How setting up and running a business is like developing and producing a TV series

I’ve had two eureka moments in my life. The first was in 1993, at the age of 29. I had a successful career in PR but I packed it all in because I wanted to work in TV. Fourteen years later, at the age of 43, I had my second eureka moment - on a barge on the Canal du Midi in France. This time I stepped away from a successful career spent making & developing TV programmes (including Changing Rooms, Ready Steady Cook and Don’t Get Done Get Dom for BBC1), looking for talent and running channels (London TV and Today on 3 Mobile) to set up www.findaTVexpert.com.

In a nutshell, findaTVexpert is an online database of talent that gives experts who want to be considered for TV&Media opportunities the chance to promote themselves to the industry – and members of the media a fast and easy way of finding experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show. As the meerkats say in their catchy little ad, ‘simples’!

The only problem was that I’d never set up a business before. I wasn’t a natural born entrepreneur. I didn’t sell lemonade when I was young. I’d been an employee since I left University and words like cashflow, profit & loss forecasts and returns on investments were double dutch to me. That wasn’t the language I spoke. I was a “creative”.

But I had passion. And conviction. I knew this was a service the experts wanted and the industry needed. So much so that when I was offered a contract to oversee another series of Don’t Get Done Get Dom for BBC1 (10 months of financial job security!), I turned it down. I was going to live off my savings and create a bespoke business that plugged a gap in the market, played to my strengths and allowed me to do the things I enjoyed doing – ie help experts get on TV, meet people, network, write and be creative!

And that’s when I realised that setting up and running a business was like developing and producing a TV series. First of all, I needed the vision (the TV idea). Then I had to do my research. In the case of findaTVexpert, I’d researched the market but I needed to find out how to run a business. So I read the Financial Times Guide to Business Start up 2008; Starting a Business for Dummies, Starting & Running an Online Business for Dummies, Marketing for Dummies, Great Brand Stories: Innocent and Anyone Can Do It.

Having done my research, I wrote a business plan which gave me a clear idea of what findaTVexpert did, how it worked and why it was unique. This was equivalent to writing a TV pitch, format and running order.

Then I started pulling everything together, which was like developing and producing a TV series. And like so many of the series I worked on, I had an extremely tight schedule and very small budget. But I made it happen.

findaTVexpert launched in April 2008 – 9 months after I had my eureka moment on the Canal du Midi - and has gone from strength to strength ever since. And I’m still using my TV skills: I have to be organised; I ask for help when I need it (a problem shared is a problem halved, as an executive producer once said to me); I see problems and challenges as ‘opportunities for excellence’ (as another executive producer once said to me); and I think creatively 100% of the time (what’s working, what isn’t, how can I do it differently, how can I do it better, etc).

Packing in my TV career and setting up a business was a huge risk but every time I get a call from an expert who’s been spotted on findaTVexpert and booked for an interview, a screentest or a series, I know it’s been worth it.

I’m still not brilliant with the financial side of things – I’m a ‘creative’ after all - but I’ve realised I don’t have to know everything. There are people out there who can help me. All I have to do is ask.

I used my TV skills to create a bespoke business. Could you use your skills to do something completely different?

Testimonial from Simon Warr

After successive years filming various TV series, including playing the Headmaster in Channel 4's 'That'll Teach 'Em', in 2008 my phone suddenly stopped ringing. 'Had I outstayed my welcome?' I wondered. A friend of mine, who works for an independent TV company, told me that without an agent there were bound to be dips in my media career and she told me that in the circumstances, the best way forward was to contact a company called findaTVexpert, which is regularly used by both TV and radio researchers. I've not looked back. Since signing up to findaTVexpert (for a very modest charge), I have been inundated with offers of work. I am a regular on both Radio 2 and 5, on Talksport and have appeared on BBC Breakfast, Daybreak and Big Brother's Little Brother. I now cover local sport for BBC in the East. This very week, I have been asked by a well known teenage magazine to write an article about exam revision. I cannot thank Claire Richmond and her team enough. If you are talented in your own particular field, then I strongly recommend you contact findaTVexpert.

Simon Warr, M.A.

If you want a TV company to call you, they have to know where to find you!

When a TV production company is looking for experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show they're developing, they find them in lots of different ways: personal recommendations, google searches, newspaper & magazine articles, Associations, Universities ... and on findaTVexpert, of course. Here are some of the latest experts who were found on findaTVexpert and contacted to discuss different media opportunities.

1. Roger S, Homeowner Rights, Consumer and Property Expert: recently interviewed for BBC1's Don't Get Done Get Dom (TX 11 May).

2. Laura M, has been contacted by a TV Production Company.

3. Jason M, Entrepreneur: Waste Management & Recyling: has been contacted by a TV Production Company.

4. Sian A, Lady Builder, Interior Designer, Landlord, Stepmum: has been contacted by 2 TV Production Companies.

5. Stuart F, Radio 1 Doctor Practising NHS Doctor & Media Medic: recently interiewed for The Independent newspaper, Closer Magazine and a martial arts magazine. Is also in discussions with a TV production company re a new series.

6. Victoria G, Doctor of Counselling Psychology & Life-Coach: was recently a contributor on Sky Living's House Of Grazia.

7.Lady Lesley C, Aristocratic Tamer: Horses, Cattle & Kids: can currently be seen on Channel 4's Superscrimpers: Waste not Want Not (Wednesdays, 8:30pm)

8. Jheni O, Science Journalist: Natural World & Sports Science: has recently been screentested for a new Channel 4 programme.

9. Abigael S, Doctor of Clinical Psychology: interviewed for the March issue of More! magazine re spring-cleaning relationships.

10. Nadine H, Jugglista, Life-Work Balance: interviewed for VIVA magazine (a Dubai expat mag) re time management tips and strategies.

Do you want to get on the TV industry's radar? If the answer's yes, then do what these experts have done and register on findaTVexpert.com.

Testimonial from Cate Mackenzie

You can't beat a great testimonial. And this one, from findaTVexpert's Love Coach Cate Mackenzie, made me blush!

"Claire is a a beautiful, compassionate, wise, sassy, bright, intelligent and incisive TV Coach with a vast experience and knowledge. She makes herself utterly available to her clients and prepares you to be on TV. Being in the media is an artform and Claire can guide you and support you to understand how to be in this world from preparing and researching to speaking with clarity and diction and looking and being the part. As an authentic, generous and committed person she wants and wishes you to do well and she knows what works. Her informative loving guidance takes you on a journey to "being out there" in the world with depth, maturity and integrity. If you listen to Claire you cannot go far wrong, she knows what you need to know about TV and is the ultimate TV Guru! She is the best and I cannot recommend her enough!"

findaTVexpert: from strength to strength

I had the idea for findaTVexpert in July 2007, having spent 15 years making and developing TV programmes and looking for experts and new talent. I'd never set up a business before, so I approached it like a TV series: come up with the idea, figure out what's unique/different about it, research it, develop it, work extremely hard to get it off the ground and then launch it. And like a TV series, it's incredibly exciting to watch it grow and do what it set out to do: give experts who want to be considered for TV&Media opportunities an easy way to promote themselves to the industry - and members of the media (primarily TV but also radio and press) a fast and easy way to find an expert to comment on a subject or be part of a show. Below are some of the latest experts who have been found on findaTVexpert and approached by TV productions companies, journalists or radio producer and booked for interviews, screentests of other media opportunities. (Unfortunately I can't tell you which TV production companies and/or members of the media have contacted these experts, because they wouldn't like their competitors to know what they're working on.)

1. Cate M, Love Coach
2. Amana W, Coach:find your personal X factor and stand out
3. Alexandra J, Science, Technology and Environment
4. Vena R, Kama Sutra, Tantric Sex and Romance Expert
5. Sarah N, Youth Expert, Family Peacemaker and Parent Coach
6. Rachel B, Engineering, Science and Technology
7. Lindsay E, Garden Designer
8. Paul B, Pest Control: Rats, Wasps, Pigeons, etc
9. George HB, Finance, Management, Internal Audit, Risk Mgmt
10. Diana M, Etiquette Expert & Dress Doctor
11. Katie E, Sociologist: Biblical images in ads & pop culture
12. Lady Lesley C, Aristocratic Tamer: Horses, Cattle & Kids
13. Sian A, Lady Builder, Interior Designer, Landlord, Stepmum
14. Henry P, Buying & Selling Property
15. Phill W, Hands on Restoration & Sustainable Building
16. Rob H, Practising GP, TV&Radio Dr & Medical Commentator
17. Sarah M, Molecular Scientist: the human body
18. Nadine H, Jugglista, Life- Work Balance, Time Management
19. Caroline T, Gardens: designer, writer & broadcaster:
20. Shaun A, Ex Convict, Author, Public Speaker
21. Jane P, Beer & Food Matching Expert + Beer Historian
22. Audrey D, Food Scientist, Nutritionist and Omega 3Expert
23. Steve B, Pop Up Businesses in Shopping Centres & Retail
24. Abigael S, Doctor of Clinical Psychology

If you'd like to get on the TV industry's radar, do what these experts have done and register on findaTVexpert.com

Experts catching the eye of TV Producers - and of the Media

When I set up findaTVexpert.com in 2008 my aim was very simple: to help bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers. To give experts who want to be considered for TV&Media opportunities a chance to showcase their skills to the industry. And members of the media (primarily TV but also radio and press), a fast, free and easy way of finding experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show.

That's how I described the service and the business in my business plan, and that's exactly what findaTVexpert is doing today. Below are some of the latest experts who have been found on findaTVexpert and contacted by production companies for screentests, taster tapes and presenting opportunities; by journalists looking for quotes (being quoted is one of the steps to becoming a TV expert - read the other 9 here); by PR companies looking for media spokespeople (another great way of being heard and seen by TV producers on the hunt for experts and new ideas; and for other media opportunities.

I haven't included the names of the TV production companies, magazines, newspapers and PR companies that have been in touch with these experts because they probably wouldn't want their competitors to know what they're developing/writing/working on and who they're contacting. But trust me, it's all good stuff!

And one expert, who isn't mentioned below, has been signed up for a new BBC2 series. Needless to say, as soon as I can issue the press release, I'll be doing so!

1. Ben H, Award winning TV Designer & Renovation Expert

2. Rowan B, Hands on builder/developer and property finder

3. Sean B, Confidence Coach

4. Christopher T, Classteacher + Phonics/Literacy & Teaching Expert

5. Stuart F, Radio 1 Doctor Practising NHS Doctor & Media Medic

6. Lindsay A, Self Help Author & Coach: I Change Lives

7. Jennifer E, Chocolate Expert + Food Developer

8. Gary H, Human Ecologist: Science, Environment & Behaviour

9. Anita S, GP w/specialist interest in Dermatology

10. Alexandra J, Science, Technology and Environment

11. Lexi P, Dating Guru and Matchmaker

12. Sarah M, Fitness Trainer: Pilates to Pole Dancing

13. John G, The Spicy Cook

14. Joanna T, Leadership, China trade & culture

15. Agnes Chi, Science and Technology

16. Cate M, Love Coach

17. David M, Consumer & Corporate Technology Expert

18. Andrew W, Fatherhood and Mondern Parenting

19. Niki D, Psychotherapist & Counsellor: Adults & Teenagers

20. Debi B, Transform Your Life...Self Improvement Expert

21. Vanessa K, Passionate Trained Chef & Food Writer

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

23. Rachel R, Franchising Expert & Lay Minister.

24. Susie P, Get Happy, Change Your Life and Get on Track Fast.

TV Talent Hunters Head to Manchester

Could YOU be a TV Expert? Have you got the X-PERT factor? Do you want to know how to get on TV? Find out on the 10th of March 2011.

FindaTVexpert.com and Mentorn Media are on the hunt for new TV talent across the UK this year and their first stop is Manchester. They’ll be presenting the Could YOU be a TV Expert? seminar at The Cornerhouse on the 10th of March from 6-7.30pm and giving experts who want to be considered for TV opportunities the chance to find out how the TV industry works and what they should be doing to catch the eye of a TV producer. Advance booking is required.

Findatvexpert.com is the online database of new and existing TV experts which was set up by TV series producer Claire Richmond in 2008. And Mentorn Media is the UK’s longest established independent TV production company with programmes including Question Time, Motorway Cops, Cutting Edge and Panorama under its belt.

Experts who think they’ve got the x-pert factor and want to promote themselves to the TV industry, can attend the Could YOU be a TV expert? seminar and discover why experts are crucial to the success to TV programmes, what kind of experts the programme makers are looking for, how they find them, and what experts should be doing to make the industry sit up and take notice of them.

The seminar will be presented by findaTVexpert’s 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 TV, and Mentorn Media’s Head of On-Screen Talent, Sonia Beldom.

“The aim of findaTVexpert is to bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers; to bring together experts who want to be considered for TV programmes with production companies looking for experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show,” says findaTVexpert founder Claire Richmond. “I’m sure Manchester’s got lots of experts who'd be great on TV and I’m looking forward to meeting them and helping them get a step closer to achieving their goal.”

“New 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. We are committed to making ground breaking factual television and we’re also committed to finding and nurturing new experts who will help us achieve that. Manchester here we come!" says Sonia Beldom, Head of On-Screen Talent at Mentorn Media.

Seminar booking info: Tickets cost £30 per person and must be purchased in advance as spaces are limited. For more information and to book your place email claire@findatvexpert.com.

If you can't make the Manchester seminar, you can join findaTVexpert and Mentorn Media on their hunt for new TV talent in Bristol (07/04/10), Glasgow (12/05/11), Cardiff (09/06/11), Birmingham (7/07/11) and London (08/09/11).

Get on TV This Year

Last year I outlined the 10 Steps to Becoming a TV Expert. Well ... I'd like to add an 11th one: if you can't get in through the front door, try the back one. What I mean is this: if there's a TV series that ties in with your passions & interests (instead of your expertise), apply to be on it as a contributor. For example, if you like cooking, get in touch with the Come Dine With Me team. If you're house proud, try ITV's May the Best House Win, etc. Because all these shows give you a platform to say who you are and what you do. They also give your personality a chance to shine through. Plus an understanding of how TV programmes are made, contacts within TV production companies and the chance of being clocked by the channel's commissioning editor. Think of Ben Fogle. He was on BBC's Castaway as a contributor in 2000 and hasn't been off our TV screens since. And the same is true of Alison Hammond. She was on the third series of Big Brother in 2002 and is now a regular on This Morning. So if you want to get on TV this year, think of the programmes you'd be good on and google them. If they're looking for contributors there will usually be something on the website. Good luck! (And if you want to find out how to promote yourself as a TV expert, come along to one of the 'Could you be a TV expert? seminars I'm hosting with Mentorn Media's Head of On-Screen Talent. Details in post below.)

GOT THE X-PERT FACTOR? WANT TO BE ON TV?

TV TALENT HUNTERS, FINDATVEXPERT.COM AND MENTORN MEDIA, ANNOUNCE DATES FOR THE 2011 'HUNT FOR NEW TV TALENT’ REGIONAL TOUR

News Release

Could YOU be a TV expert? Do YOU want to 'get on TV?' Findatvexpert.com 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.

The 6-location tour will commence in March 2011 with two of the UK's best talent hunters visiting Manchester (10/03/11), Bristol (07/04/11), Glasgow (12/05/11), Cardiff (09/06/11) and Birmingham (7/07/11), finishing in London in September (08/09/11).

Experts who think they’ve got the x-pert factor and who want to be considered for TV programmes,can attend one of the Could YOU be a TV expert? seminars and discover how the TV industry works, what kind of experts the programme makers are looking for, how they find them, and what experts should be doing to make the industry sit up and take notice of them.

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

Seminar booking info: Tickets cost £30 per person and must be purchased in advance as spaces are limited. For more information or to book your place email claire@findatvexpert.com.

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Note to Editors
Findatvexpert.com is an online database of new and existing TV experts. It gives experts who want to be considered for TV opportunities the chance to promote themselves to broadcasters and TV production companies. And it gives broadcasters and TV production companies a fast and easy way of finding experts to comment on a subject or be part of a show.

Since its launch in 2008, numerous experts have been found on findaTVexpert and booked for TV & Media opportunities, including personal finance & property expert John Rennie (BB1’s ‘The Unsellables); tapping expert Janet Thomson (Channel 4's 'Who Knows Best: Fighting the Fat); food scientist Audrey Deane (BBC2’s E Numbers: an Edible Adventure); Dr of Clinical Psychology Abigael San (Sky Real Lives); and explosives & bomb expert Stephen Miller (BBC2’s Victorian Pharmacy). And in the past 2 months alone, over 30 experts have been screentested for programmes that are in development.