TV Tip

The TV industry's always on the hunt for experts, ideas and inspiration.  Where you work could provide them with that. So think of what you have access to.

Media Training

Click on the video below for tips on how to come across well in your live TV interview, so that you get booked again ... and again ... and again!

 

For more free tips and seminars, go to www.beaTVexpert.com

Highlights from the TV World

If you want to be a TV Expert, the more you know what's happening in the market you're promoting yourself to - ie the TV industry - the better.

Here are my highlights from the most recent issue of Broadcast magazine  (31/05/13):

1) BBC2 "has commissioned Outline Productions to make 6x30-minutes series Tom Kerridge's Proper Pub Grub which will be fronted by the two-time Michelin-starred chef. He will reveal how to cook the best pub food using the receipes from his own drinking establishment, The Hand & Flowers in Marlow."

2). In a Comment Piece, Broadcaster Roger Bolton believes that religious content that poses the big questions "will always attract an audience." Because they can "create spaces where everyone can reflect on the meaning on life", whether or not you're a believer.

3. LA is becoming a 'hot destination for UK factual indies', according to Zig Zag Production's international TV exec, Leila Monks. The US market knows what it wants and makes decisions quickly. And "since US factual is still very much focused on characters ... do not pitch anything without tape. Nothing beats showing a 60-seconds sizzle that will blow their socks off."

TV Highlights

If you want to be a TV Expert, you have to know and understand what's happening in the market you're promoting yourself to - ie the TV industry.

Here are my highlights from this week's issue of Broadcast magazine:

1) BBC2 drama The Fall won the 9pm slot with 3.3million viewers.
2) BBC news chief vows to increase the number of female broadcasters.
3) Channel 4 has a new 6x60-minute series with Hollywood interior designer Martyn Lawrence called Hollywood M, which is designed to 'inject some US glamour into British Homes' and 'offer some much-needed La La Land sunshine.'
4) ITV has ordered a revival of 'Through the Keyhole' with Keith Lemon poking around celebrity homes.
5) Dr Christian Jessen is heading to Australia for 8x60 minutes of Embarrassing Bodies Down Under.

TV Tip: Get Noticed

If the TV industry doesn't know you exist, you won't get a phone call or be considered for interviews and other opportunities. In this short video I highlight a few things that will help you catch the eye of a TV producer. For more TV Tips and insight, come along to one of findaTVexpert's free, online seminar. Click here for dates and details.

TV Tip: Preparing for a Live TV Interview

If you're booked for a live TV interview, you want to come across well so you get booked again. This video will give you a few tips.  For more TV Tips and insight, come along to one of findaTVexpert's free, online seminar. Click here for dates and details.

TV Tip: Be ProActive

Being pro-active is good. But sending your CV and showreel to over 1000 TV Production Companies in the UK is a waste of time.  Watch the video to find out how to be SUCCESSFULLY pro-active.  For more TV Tips and insight, come along to one of findaTVexpert's free, online seminar. Click here for dates and details.

Free BBC Media Training Day for Female Experts in the North

findaTVexpert is helping the BBC Academy search for female experts who want to take part in television and radio programmes that are made in the North of England.

The BBC Academy in conjunction with BBC North is holding a FREE training day for women with particular expertise who are interested in appearing on television, on radio and online as contributors or presenters.

This is the culmination of a season of BBC North events designed to support the development of on-air talent. This event helps boost the representation of women in the media and follows on from Expert Women’s Day events held by the BBC Academy in London.

Do you have industry-recognised expertise in any of the following areas?

Sport
Politics, Economics and Business
Islam
Science, in particular Medical Science, Space Science and Pure Science;
Gadgets and Consumer Technology
Crime and Security

If you do, and you can be in MediaCityUK, Salford, on Wednesday May 1 2013 – then the BBC wants to hear from you.

This free day is being held to help boost the representation of women in the media in these particular areas of specialty.

For more information and how to apply - follow the link to the BBC Academy website: http://bit.ly/ewdnorth

NB The deadline for applications is the 7th of April. (It was originally the 31st of March but it's been extended to allow for the Easter Break.) 

Female Builder & International Rugby Player found on findaTVexpert.com



Female Builder & International Rugby Player Philippa Tuttiett was found on findaTVexpert.com and signed up to present DIY Tips with Philippa for UKTV's online site. And she's now writing a book to accompany the series.

 

NOMINATE THE EXPERT WHO INSPIRES YOU FOR A YEAR'S FREE MEMBERSHIP ON FINDATVEXPERT.COM

Who inspired you the most this year or made a difference to your life: your university lecturer? Your personal trainer? Your business mentor? Your marine biologist friend who followed their dream and encouraged you to follow yours? That doctor/dentist/designer/chef/astrologer/explorer/vet/physicist who gave a talk at an event you attended recently? Your boss? A work colleague?

Could their knowledge, expertise and passion inspire other people? And do you think they’d be great on TV?

If your answer’s yes, www.findaTVexpert.com, the online database of experts for TV and the Media, is giving you the chance to nominate them for a year’s free membership (worth £175) on findaTVexpert.com.

Simply email the following to info@findatvexpert.com by 6.00pm on Monday, 31^st of December 2012*:

1. A couple of paragraphs explaining how the expert you’re nominating has inspired you or changed your life – and why you think they could inspire others and be great on TV.

2. A copy of your nominated expert’s CV.  Or a link to their professional online profile. (The expert you nominate must have the skills, qualifications, training and experience to prove they’re an expert in their field of business.)

3. Your contact number – and a contact number for the expert you’re nominating.

The nominations will be judged by Claire Richmond, TV producer and founder of findaTVexpert.com and the winner will be announced w/c Monday, 7^th of January 2013.

Terms and conditions:

1. The competition closes at 6.00pm on Monday, 31^st December. Nominations received after that time will not be considered. 
2. To be eligible, the expert you nominate must be an expert in their field of business with the skills, training and qualifications to prove it; over 18 and a UK resident. And they must not have any previous criminal convictions.
3. Proof of age and eligibility of the expert you nominate may be required.
4. All eligible nominations must be received via email and contain a couple of paragraphs explaining how the expert you’re nominating has inspired you or changed your life; why you think they could inspire others and be great on TV; your contact number; a contact number for the expert you’ve nominated and a copy of their CV which outlines their employment history and the training/qualifications that prove they’re an expert in their field of business (or a link to their professional online profile which has the same information)
5. One nominated expert will be chosen as the winner by findaTVexpert.com founder Claire Richmond and contacted w/c 7 January 2013.
6. If the nominated expert accepts the prize, his or her details will be announced w/c 7 January 2013 on the findaTVexpert twitter page (http://twitter.com/findatvexpert); the findaTVexpert blog (http://findatvexpert.blogspot.com); the findaTVexpert facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/findaTVexpert/169485362343?ref=hl) and other online media.
7. findaTVexpert bears no responsibility for entries which don’t make it into the competition because they’ve been blocked or identified as junk email, spam, etc.
8. findaTVexpert will not acknowledge receipt of any nomination that is sent in and will only contact the winning expert.
9. Nominations that fail to meet the eligibility criteria or otherwise fail to meet these terms and conditions will not be entered into the competition.
10. The prize is a year’s free membership on findaTVexpert.com, which gives the nominated expert the chance to create a searchable Profile & CV and be promoted to the TV industry.
11. The winner will have until the 31^st of January 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 runner up.
12. There is no alternative prize or cash equivalent and the prize is non-changeable and non-transferable.  
13. By entering this competition you agree to comply with these terms and conditions.

Experts being found by the TV industry on findaTVexpert

In the past few months, the experts below were found on findaTVexpert.com and contacted by a range of different media & TV production companies including Two Four, RawCut TV, Fever Media, Mentorn, Betty TV, Renegade, Lion TV, October Films, a BBC Features Producer on the hunt for new talent, Ricochet, Remedy Productions, Sideline, ITV/Channel 4 News, Maverick TV, Red 24 Management (TV Agent), Dianne Banks (literary agent), a freelance journalist for Fate & Fortune Magazine and More magazine. Some chats will lead to bigger and better things. Others will go quite. It's just the way it is. Find out why at my 'Understanding the TV PRogramme Making Process' seminar (October dates to be announced soon. Keep an eye out on twitter - @findatvexpert; on facebook and on Eventbrite.)
             
Charlotte O, Personal Trainer, Fitness Presenter
Karen K, Raw Food Expert + Food Personality Types Expert
Pippa S, Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist
Cate M, Love Coach
Sarah M, Molecular Scientist: the human body
Georgina B, Life Coach, Personal Trainer & TV Presenter
Nick H, Scientist: Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
Samantha K, Dealing with Your Daughter's First Period
Annie A, Confidence Coach & Clinical Hypnotherapist
Edel M, Consultant Clinical Psychologist (child & adult
Jon B, Residential Property and Estate Agency
Henry P, Buying & Selling Propert
Abigael S, Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Eugenia C, Snr Lecturer: Pure Mathematics
Rod H, Engineer: Electric Pavements to Space Satellites
Martin C, Neuroscientist + Public Science Presenter
Rebekka B, Design Engineer: Products to Counter-Act Terrorism
Jacky N, THE ANGEL LADY, Angel & Afterlife Expert, Author
Jennifer E, Chocolate Expert + Food Developer
Zoe C, Mathematician: Technology & Innovation 
Andy J, Dating & Sex Expert + Adventure Journalist

Free, online TV Expert training seminars

As part of my commitment to help get new faces on TV, I run three seminars for experts who are interested in being considered for TV opportunities:

1) Could you be a TV Expert & How to Catch the Eye of a TV Producer
2) How to Shine on TV (so that you get booked again)
3) Understanding the TV Programme Making Process.

The seminars are held every month. They're free, they're an hour long and they're online. All you need is the time, a computer (so you can see the slides) and a headset with a microphone - or a standard phone. But places are limited (12 max p/seminar) and must be booked in advance. So if you want to understand the TV programme making process, find out how to catch the eye of a TV producer and learn how to shine on TV, book your ticket now.

For more information/to book your ticket, go to http://findatvexpert.eventbrite.co.uk/ and keep an eye out on twitter @findatvexpert and facebook for future dates.

TV Experts: the industry has to know you exist

If you want to be considered for TV & Media opportunities, TV & Radio producers, journalists and PRs have to know you exist. It's as simple as that. If they don't know you exist, you won't get a call. So the more ways they can read about you, hear you and find you, the better.

Being on findaTVexpert.com is one of the ways to promote your expertise to the media. (To find out what else you can be doing, read my 10 Steps To Becoming a TV Expert here. )

Below is a list of some of the experts who have been found on findaTVexpert in the past few months and been contacted by members of the media (TV, Radio, Press & PR) regarding different TV & Media opporutunities.

Kerry D, Consultant Forensic Psychologist
Sophia C, Urban Lawyer, English Barrister, UnderCover Mother
Domonique B, Successpert: Getting the most out of your Life
Louise T, Skin & Beauty Therapist
Roger S, Property: Residential and Commercial Expert
Jessica R, Power of the Mind & Transformational Coach
David M, Gadgets and Technology Expert and Writer
Dr. Ellie C, NHS GP, Health Writer & Broadcaster
Dr. Anuradha A, Practising GP and Medical Journalist
Cate M, Love Coach
Monah M, GP, Medical Journalist, Cosmetic Doctor
Martin C, Neuroscientist + Public Science Presenter
Shaun A, Author, Public Speaker, Ex-Convict
Roy B, Art & Architecture
Amana W, Emotional Makeover Coach
Rowan B, Hands on Property Developer and Property Finder
James L, Scientist: health, biology + natural history
Matt R, Marine Biologist
Danielle C, Face Yoga Expert & Natural Anti-ageing Guru
Rebecca S, Psychologist, Dating Coach, Sex Therapist
Abigael S, Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Stuart G, Mortgage Expert & Adviser
Dr. Victoria G, Dr. of Counselling Psychology & Coach
Mandy K, Psychologist: Abusive Relationships, Dating
Tracy K, Influential & Opinionated Property Finder & Expert
Laura H, International Early Childcare Expert
Joanne R, Food Addiction, Eating Disorders, Spirituality
Dianne B, Age Management Specialist and Late Career Coach
Cat Y, Social Media for Business, Politics & Pleasure
Zoe & Carey, Get out of your Rut Experts
Caroline G, Speech, Voice & Confidence Teacher
Deborah J, Historian: Toys & Women Inventors
Karen G, Natural Skincare & Fragrance Expert + Retailer

If you're an expert and you want to increase your chances of catching the eye of a TV producer, do what other experts have done and register on findaTVexpert.com.

Click here to join now.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).