Getting on the TV industry's radar & the Media's map

In the past few weeks I've had meetings with Reef TV, Twenty Twenty, FIVE, Talkback Thames and Shiver Productions and have got meetings with Mentorn and etv lined up this week. Some experts receive phone calls as a result of these meetings, other receive phone calls because they're spotted in my weekly updates (see copies here) and many are found when researchers, journalists & producers search the site for specific areas of expertise. Below are some of the most recent experts who have been found on findaTVexpert - and who are now on the TV industry's radar and the media's map.

1. Psychologist & Business Stress Expert: Sue's been contacted by CBBC re possible involvement in a future programme.
2. Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist: Kirsty was interviewed for 'Live From Studio Five' re a girl gang that attacked a stranger in the street.
3. Historian - Stuarts, Marx, Witchcraft: John's just finished 8 days of filming for Living TV's 'Most Haunted Live'. John's also in discussions with Lime Pictures.
4. Leading UK Personal Trainer: Kim's been contacted by a freelance journalist for an article re how to be more confident for Essentials magazine (on sale Jan 2010)
5. Gardens - designer, writer and broadcaster: Caroline's been contacted by Tern TV to discuss a gardening programme idea.
6. Social Anthropologist & Flirtologist: Jean's doing some filming for OhTV.
7. Paranormal Experiences, Angels & Afterlife: Jacky was interviewed by The Western Mail (Wales) re her garden angels.
8. Journalist - technology & small business: Guy's also had a meeting with OhTV.
9. Historical Novelist - 17thC: Fiona was approached by VpointTV to present a programme for the BBC.
10. The Stress Doctor: Terri was contacted by BBC Radio Scotland and did an interview re stress at work.

findaTVexpert teams up with Talent TV to provide a new service for experts

findaTVexpert is delighted to announce that it has teamed up with Jonathan Glazier, Director of Entertainment at Talent TV (an independent television production company) to provide a new service for experts: short & succinct video pitches that can be embedded into the experts’ profile page and used to help sell themselves to the TV industry.

"The TV industry wants to know what experts look and sound like on camera. But they don’t want four minutes of random, homemade clips. They want short, well shot, well lit and well produced video pitches – and Jonathan can provide that. He’s got 25 years experience in the TV business and knows what the industry wants to see and hear, which is why I’m thrilled we’ve teamed up to offer the experts this service”, says founder of findaTVexpert.com, Claire Richmond.

Experts who want to take advantage of the service - and increase their chances of getting noticed by the TV industry - email their written pitches to Jonathan, who casts his editorial eye over them to make sure they’re TV relevant and provides suggestions if they’re not. A filming date is then set up at the Talent TV offices in London and Jonathan, who used to be a producer & director, films the 30-60 seconds video pitches which are then be embedded into the expert’s findaTVexpert profile page.

”Online videos are essential for anyone who has - or wants - an internet presence: from experts who are pitching themselves to the TV industry to businesses who want short narrative programmes or infommercials for their customers. So much so that Talent TV has set up a new division called Talent Digital to cater for this exploding market,” says Glazier. “And we’re delighted that findaTVexpert is one of our first customers because we understand their business. We often look for experts on findaTVexpert and know how beneficial these short videos will be to researchers, producers and execs like myself,” adds Glazier.

”findaTVexpert already works with Alfi Media to provide media training for experts. Video pitches are the next step up TV ladder for the experts – and a natural progression for the business,” added Richmond.

For more information, email claire@findatvexpert.com or Jonathan at experts@talentdigital.tv.

Unique Christmas Present: the chance to be a TV star

Forget sweaters, socks, perfume and aftershave this Christmas. Surprise your partner with a present that could change their life: a year’s membership on www.findaTVexpert.com.

”The TV industry is always on the lookout for new talent,” says founder and ex-TV producer Claire Richmond. “So if your partner is an expert in their field of business and oozes confidence, personality, energy and charisma, give them a present with a difference this year: the chance to catch the eye of a TV commissioner or Development Producer. The chance to be a TV star.”

findaTVexpert.com is an online database of experts to which TV&Media companies turn when they’re looking for experts to comment on a subject or when they’re brainstorming ideas for a new show.

It was set up by ex TV producer Claire Richmond because as a TV insider she knew this was a service the experts wanted and the industry needed. And she was right. Members of the media are registering to search the site and experts are being found and booked for TV, Radio & Press interviews, screentests, TV pilots and other media opportunities.

Membership costs £100 per year - plus a one off £50 joining fee - and includes consultancy advice from a TV professional who can help your partner create a profile that’s tailored to the TV industry; the chance to be featured in newsletters that get sent out to over 1500 researchers, development producers, commissioners and heads of factual programming each week (plus radio producers and journalists) and ongoing PR & Marketing.

And as its Christmas, all the experts who are given a year’s membership on findaTVexpert.com as a Christmas present will also receive a surprise gift in the post.

You know they’re worth it!

Catching the Eye of a TV Producer

The TV industry is always on the lookout for new people, new ideas and the next 'big thing'. That's why I send out details of new experts to over 1500 researchers, producers, creative directors, heads of development, heads of factual and TV commissioners each week. To try and bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers and help ignite the creative process. (Use this link and click on a date to see this year's newsletters.) It's obviously impossible to know who's going to catch the eye of a producer, but the TV industry likes visual stimulation and findaTVexpert gives it to them!

Meeting the Media

Although findaTVexpert is set up so members of the media can search the site and contact the experts directly, there's nothing quite like a face-to-face meeting. That's why I try to meet as many development producers and creative directors as I can. It gives me a chance to find out what they're working on, to suggest relevant experts and to brainstorm new ideas with experts. And the next two weeks are looking good: Twenty Twenty TV, Reef TV, Talkback Thames, etv and Channel Five.

My TV Tip

When you go for a meeting or a screentest with a TV producer, make sure you look like the photo they’ve seen of you (on your website, facebook, twitter, etc) because that's the look that caught their eye. There's nothing worse - as a TV producer - than walking into reception to meet someone who looks completely different to the person they had in mind. And smile!

Recent Success Stories

When I quit my job as a TV producer after 15 years in the industry to set up findaTVexpert last year, my aim was to help bridge the gap between the professionals and the programme makers. To give experts who want to be considered for TV&Media opportunities the chance to showcase their skills and passion to the industry. And it's working. Which makes it all worthwhile. Here are some of the recent success stories:

1. Classical Historian: Craig is filming another episode for BBC's Inside Out. (Craig has filmed several of these since being found on findaTVexpert last year).
2. Psychologist & Business Stress Expert: Sue's been screentested by Shine TV and is on the shortlist of experts for a new Virgin 1 series. Sue was also interviewed by BBC Radio Kent re good/bad children and is being featured in the 'Ask the Expert' column for Zest Magazine in Dec/Jan.
3. Confidence Coach: Sean is also on Shine TV's shortlist for the Virgin 1 series.
4. Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist: Kirsty has been approached by TwoFour re a programme they're pitching to BBC3.
5. TV & Radio Youth Expert and Teen/Parent Coach: Sarah's done some work for The Broadcasters, a company that does mixed media PR campaigns for a variety of clients.
6. Singing Teacher & Vocal Coach: David's been approached by Daisybeck Productions re a makeover show for the Biography Channel.
7. The Family Communication Diva Duo: Lisa was featured in Essential Magazine in an article re how to talk to your parents.
8. Wedding Planner & Top Selling Bridal Author: Sarah was contacted by the Sunday Times for a feature on at-home marquee weddings.
9. Positive Psychology, Confidence & Change: Chris was featured in Bliss Magazine in an article re what makes someone a bad influence/how to stand up to someone who's a bad influence, etc.
10. Life Strategist & Psychic: Susie's been contacted by Flame TV re a new series they're developing.
11. Environmental Journalist & Radio Owner: Chantal was interviewed on BBC Radio Kent re the UK's energy consumption and possibility of power cuts by 2017.
12. Priest & Author: Robin was spotted in one of my recent updates to the industry and contacted by Flame TV.