Quote:
Originally posted by radioZTA
I've spoken at several broadcast conferences for college students and whether you're in Radio or TV, the #1 thing to put on your tape is whatever showcases your talents best.
Who you know will get you in the door. What you know will keep you there.
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Some decent advice. I would add "What you know, and how fast you learn the rest will keep you there." Unfortunately, you probably don't know much yet -- which isn't meant at all to be as harsh as it sounds. Frankly, you will learn more in the first six months at a commercial TV station than in four or five years in college. Chances are you college teachers don't have meaningful experience in commercial broadcasting (so how can we expect them to know how to teach it?), and your cable experience can't and won't duplicate what you will find in the infamous "real world." The pace and pressures are totally different.
As for the tape, be a good editor. Leave your ego at the edit room door. The tape should be short enough to keep the viewers attention. News executives are very busy people and don't have time to watch a hour of material. If you don't grab them in the first minute or so, you'll be in the circular file. Try to show flexibility and depth. A field package or two, a little anchoring. Try to highlight your writing skills. There are lots of decent looking people with perfect hair. Something will have to make you stand out from the rest.
Finally, don't expect your first on air job to be in Chicago. Shoot small and work your way up.
Edited to add:
This should go without saying, but use whatever contacts you have to their best advantage. My first job in commercial TV was while I was in college and the guy who hired me was a Delt alum (no relation) from the same school. I beat out one of my pledge brothers for the job. I worked at the station for two summers and on weekends during the school year. When a full time job as a director opened, I got it.
Best of luck to you.