How To Be A TV Star Newsletter Vol 3 : Issue 2 -
Compile A Contact List!
15/01/07 22:35 |
Self Promotion /
Marketing
Welcome to the mid January Issue of the How To Be A TV
Star newsletter. Back at work or school yet? It can be a
shock to the system, but here at Plop Entertainment we
like to keep you enthused and motivated with a few special
pieces of advice. Read on!
Here are the upcoming topics in this newsletter:
* HOW TO COMPILE A CONTACT LIST
* PODCAST 2 AVAILABLE NOW!
* PERSONAL UPDATE
* SUMMER VIEWING
*****************************
HOW TO COMPILE A CONTACT LIST
Your contact list is your vital connection to the TV industry.
It will consist of anyone who can play a part in your future
employment. It will take you several months to compile so you
need to start NOW.
Who should be on your contact list?
You can start your collation of contacts by simply watching TV.
See last fortnight's newsletter for information on that task.
Make sure you record the end credits of your relevant TV shows
and note down the Network, Production Company and usually the
Executive Producer. From there, you can make a few phone calls
or - better still - a Google search.
How do I get in contact?
Essentially you shouldn't get in contact just yet. You are
only compiling a list that will act as your database when
you eventually get around to producing a showreel and need
to know where to send it. Simply make a few phone calls of
enquiry. Ask who is in charge of employing talent and what
the best way of communicating with that person would be. In
most cases you will end up speaking to a PA or receptionist.
Treat them with respect as they can ultimately determine
whether you get your information through or not.
Email or phone call?
Phone calls are best initially. Again, I repeat, you
are only performing the task of data collection - you are
not selling yourself just yet.
Who are the important people?
At this stage, you would want the contact details of
agents (to secure representation), casting agents (who will
want to meet face-to-face at some stage), network producers
and programmers (who are ultimately charged with the
responsibility of employing talent).
Keep your contact details in a spreadsheet or journal
and aim to make contact every week with someone new.
Stay tuned for advice in the next few months about what to
do with those contact details.
*****************************
PODCAST 2 AVAILABLE NOW
if you haven't had a chance to listen to our second podcast
on How to Watch TV for your TV Career,
click the link below to check it out:
/podcast
******************************
PERSONAL UPDATE
NICK ON HOLIDAY
The wife and I decided to go to Newcastle for a quick break
away from the big city. We figured it would be the last time
we holidayed alone for the next 18 years - with baby due soon!
Check out a few photos on my website:
www.nickpiper.info
*****************************
SUMMER VIEWING
Networks often make the mistake of thinking that viewers switch
off during the Xmas period. Big mistake! As an aspiring presenter
you need to monitor what's on over the summer. Why?
Well, often the shows that rated badly are screened. This is an
opportunity for you to see what went wrong. Most of the stuff is
rubbish but when there is nothing else to view on Xmas Day we
need to sit up and take notice.
Watching the mistakes of others may reveal some hurdles that you
can avoid. An example would be a recent game show here in Australia
called The Master. It was yanked very quickly from the TV schedule
when it failed to rate, but is currently being re-run. Watching
it is testament to how lazy a production can get: the props are
misplaced, the set is garishly lit, the presenter is a little lost.
All good lessons for you!
See you in a fortnight!
NICK PIPER
Nick Piper (Author / Presenter)
How To Be A TV Star Resources
Email: nick@HowToBeATVStar.com
Website: www.HowToBeATVStar.com