By Nicole Sellars
Your dream TV job doesn’t just have to involve acting—there’s a world of opportunity out there for television-related jobs.
Your dream TV job doesn’t just have to involve acting—there’s a world of opportunity out there for television-related jobs.
You want to get out there and sign on the dotted line, but hundreds of other candidates are applying for the same on-air jobs. Some of the most popular TV job titles are news reporter, TV Host, MMJ (multimedia journalist), correspondent, on-air contributor or guest expert.
Some key ingredients to snagging that job are marketing and branding, a well-produced demo reel, a stellar on-air presence, tight writing skills, a solid voice and serious time management skills.
All of these elements are crucial to rising above the competition. I asked Mark Turner, VP of Alternative & Digital Programming at top talent agency
Abrams Artists what makes potential clients stand out:
“First and foremost, you have to have a big outgoing personality. Without that, it becomes a much tougher sell”, says Turner. “Above that, in today’s TV climate, it’s all about having an area of expertise, which you are truly passionate about: travel, food, fashion, psychology, etc.”
Turner adds, “Additionally, creating your own brand, via your Youtube channel and/or Instagram, can be a terrific way of garnering attention from both brands, as well as TV or digital networks and platforms.”
Now that you know what’s necessary to get noticed, where do you even begin?
Broadcasting coaches can help by offering guidance and instruction to clients on getting to the next level in their TV career. These coaches show clients how to take existing experience (or lack thereof) and package it in a way that’s appealing to a hiring manager.
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These coaches are a combination of mentor, instructor, producer, and confidant who can strategize a TV career plan of attack.
Here’s a list of what TV host or broadcasting coaches can help you with:
BUILDING YOUR BRAND
Anyone looking to break into TV hosting needs to ask himself or herself, “what TYPE of host do I see myself resembling?” A Ryan Seacrest type of host, or an expert host?
If you’re looking for a reporter or anchor job, are you going for a general Assignment reporter position or entertainment? So many things to consider before putting yourself out there! This is where a broadcasting coach can help, by sorting through a client’s interests, passions, talents and strengths.
A MARKETING PLAN
Once you’ve established the type of jobs you are going for, it’s time to get your name and brand out there! A broadcasting coach can advise how to increase your online presence, build a following, look professional, keep a clean profile, and keep followers up to date on current projects.
CRITIQUES
Many clients have no idea what level they are performing at until an on-air expert observes and offers critiques and advice on how to improve. Whether it’s teleprompter reading, writing news or hosting scripts, voice and diction, or on air presence, there are so many elements to being an on-camera superstar that it’s necessary to have a professional observe and provide feedback.
POLISHING UP SKILLS
Once clients have been critiqued it’s time to start working on those skills. Many clients look and sound great on camera but have no idea how to create content or write a pitch, skills necessary for any newsroom and other media platforms.
Nowadays, it’s crucial to be a jack-of-all trades when starting out if you want to be a host or news reporter. One must have incredible on-air presence, be a creative and factual writer, a comfortable ad libber, a videographer and editor!
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION
Broadcasting coaches pride themselves on previous, extensive experience in the fields of TV and broadcast. Over the years they collect a wealth of information such as legitimate talent agents, reputable TV and news networks, national media companies searching for fresh talent, web designers, video producers to help with demo reels and more! It would take years for newcomers to collect these reputable contacts.