BBC Academy's Expert Women's Day in Scotland

The BBC Academy - in conjunction with BBC Scotland - is holding a free introduction to the world of broadcasting on Wednesday, 28th of August, to help recognised female experts feel comfortable appearing on television, radio and online as contributors or presenters.

They are looking for female experts with recognised expertise in the following key subject areas:

Cultural Commentary – is your expertise in popular entertainment, the arts or in areas like social policy or national identity?

History – The First World War or modern Britain, which period are you passionate about? Are you an academic, custodian, auctioneer or museum curator?

Art History & Curating – whether in an art school, gallery, museum, sale room, historic house or the street – is your enthusiasm for art infectious?

Natural History – have you got a wealth of knowledge, gained in a university, museum, national park or field centre, and a talent for talking about flora and fauna?

Sport – as a pundit, player, administrator or coach?

Political Analysis – in the academic or private sector, for example as an analyst or consultant?

GPs and Medicine – are you a medical practitioner and/or a leader in primary, secondary or tertiary care?

Science – do you have expertise in a subject – from maths to forensics or biology - recognised in the academic, research or commercial world?

The closing date for applications is 11.59pm Tuesday 25th June 2013.

Please only apply if you are able to be in BBC Scotland, Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1DA on Wednesday 28th August 2013.

For information on how to apply, go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/academy/news/view/bbc_expert_women_scotland

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.

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.

 

BBC Academy Female Experts Training Day

findaTVexpert is working with the BBC Academy on a media training day for female experts in Science, History, Politics, Business & Engineering.

The aim is to help boost the representation of female presenters in certain areas of the media.

This is a fantastic opportunity for female experts who want to put themselves forwards for TV and Media opportunities.  So read the below, sign up now if it applies to you - and help spread the word on twitter, facebook, etc.

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

Who's Britain's favourite TV Expert (current or of all times)?

Experts/Expert Presenters are in high demand because they bring passion, authority and credibility to a show. They make programmes come alive.  So my question is this: who is Britain's favourite TV expert?  Here are some names to get the ball rolling: David Attenborough, Maggie Aderin Pocock, Brian Cox, Monty Halls, Mary Beard, Gordon Ramsay, Mary Berry, Jamie Oliver, Gareth Malone, Nigella Lawson, Kevin McCloud, Lorraine Pascale, Gok Wan, Jo Frost,  Kirsty Allsop, Phil Spencer, Alan Titchmarsh, Charlie Dimmock ...?  The list goes on and on.  Add your names in the comment box below. And if there enough names, I'll issue a press release!

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 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."

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.”

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.

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.

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."

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!