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 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.

Expert Testimonial: Dr Abigael San

"Being listed on findaTV expert creates many opportunities and keeps my work interesting and varied."
Dr Abigael San, Chartered Clinical Psychologist

TV Tip: The Make or Break Phone Call

When production companies are on the hunt for experts - for last minute studio interviews or ongoing development projects - they'll put together a list of potential experts and start making calls. How you come across in that phone call will determine whether or not you go through to the next 'phase'.

Think of it as your first interview.  It's as simple as that. They've clearly read your details somewhere (on findaTVexpert, on your website, on google, etc) and it's now down to your personality.

So as soon as you know that it's a TV production company on the end of the line, lose your formal, 'telephone' voice. Put a smile in your voice and answer the questions as succinctly, passionately and enthusiastically as you can.

And if they've caught you at a really bad time, let them know in the nicest way possible. Then take a phone number and agree when to call them back.  That phone call could get you on TV. So make it work for you.

Expert Testimonial: Kate Faulkner

"Thanks for getting me to where I am. Genuinely wouldn’t have had the confidence or ‘stickability’ to do this without you!"

Kate Faulkner

Managing Director
www.designsonproperty.co.uk
www.katefaulkner.co.uk

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

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.

Ends

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.

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.