Doing TV

[Giggity]

Wow, I can't believe how much great advice there is here (Elliotte in particular). A million thanks.

Lugnuts: I'll try to find out how many cameras there are. I'll be talking to the host in the next day or two.

Spikechiquet: It's a show previewing an upcoming event that kicks off just after our show. So, a pregame, basically.

Things are complicated even further by the fact I'm really not as on top of this as I'd like to be. Last year, I was heavily immersed in the event, but this year I'm kinda on the periphery. It's a little more intimidating when you don't feel like an expert.

 

[Ace]

Giggity, I don't want to sound like a sycophant but EF is one of the most recognized TV sports guys in Canada. He's the ultimate pro.

He manages to handle both Glenn Healy and PJ Stock on Hockey Night in Canada and his head hasn't exploded yet. :)

And yes, don't try and be funny if you're not.

And EF didn't say it outright but do your homework.

Never seen EF on TV, but heard him on the radio. He's good.

 

[MCbamr]

Imagine all the cameramen are naked.

 

[The Backyardigan]

Don't focus on the red light like she did...

http://youtu.be/9swxevX57Gs

 

[EStreetJoe]

Follow the advice everyone else has given plus be careful not to say any of these words:

 

[Dirk Legume]

I've never understood why PTI goes back to the show briefly during the commercial breaks when TK and Wilbon are chatting about something random. I don't know why they would do that or why TK and Wilbon would let them do that. It looks like a recipe for disaster, even though it's not shot live.

Mizzou, they are there to keep you from fast forwarding through the commercials. The thinking is, Tony or Mike might say something worth hearing, but to hear it, you have to sit through the commercials.

 

[Giggity]

Just wanted to give a quick update since so many of you were so helpful.

It actually went great. Exhaustive preparation helped, as did the fact I seemed to have pretty good chemistry with the host. Some of the advice on here was invaluable - I actually had someone compliment me on not rushing through what I was saying.

I think it's pretty much impossible to give advice on the toughest part - controlling your nerves. There's just no substitute for going through the experience of being under the lights when the camera goes live. I had maybe 10 seconds of pretty intense panic right before we went live, but after that, it was smooth sailing. They want me to come back and do more, so I'll take that as a good sign.

And Lugnuts - I still have no idea how many cameras were in use.

 

[Liut]

Just wanted to give a quick update since so many of you were so helpful.

It actually went great. Exhaustive preparation helped, as did the fact I seemed to have pretty good chemistry with the host. Some of the advice on here was invaluable - I actually had someone compliment me on not rushing through what I was saying.

I think it's pretty much impossible to give advice on the toughest part - controlling your nerves. There's just no substitute for going through the experience of being under the lights when the camera goes live. I had maybe 10 seconds of pretty intense panic right before we went live, but after that, it was smooth sailing. They want me to come back and do more, so I'll take that as a good sign.

And Lugnuts - I still have no idea how many cameras were in use.

Great to hear.

EDIT: Just wanted to add it sounds like you were fortunate to have a team-player host who allowed you to display your knowledge and talent.

 

[Just_An_SID]

Coming to this thread very late. . .

If it is a multi-camera shoot, ignore the camera all together. Pay attention to the host. These are professionals so they will know how to shoot you. If they need you to do anything special, they will tell you. Otherwise, make it look like a natural conversation.

My favorite tip. Every time you open your mouth, make one point. Not two or three. One. This will stop you from rambling on and on. An interview with short, crisp answers is good.

Don't just say yes or no. A professional interviewer won't ask the question in a manner to get a yes or no answer, but just in case, make sure you elaborate.

Be yourself. If you have a good sense of humor in person, be that way on camera. People will learn to appreciate your sense of humor.

 

[Buck]

Just wanted to give a quick update since so many of you were so helpful.

It actually went great. Exhaustive preparation helped, as did the fact I seemed to have pretty good chemistry with the host.

Am I sensing an as-yet-undisclosed hook-up story?

 

[Elliotte Friedman]

I'm glad to hear it went well for you.