Reel Talent - coaching student & younger journalists + resume tape creation

28/03/2022

STUDENT JOURNALISTS - this one’s for you.

If you’re a senior, getting ready for graduation in May, there are some serious things to consider before getting your first on-air job:

👉Do you have a tape ready to send out?
👉Is your tape the best it can be?
👉Are you ready to day turn?

I will make your tape.
I will coach you to get the best material.
I will help you pitch those day turns.

This is a simple and affordable service that I wish was available when I was getting my start. I had no idea what I was doing at first — and struggled.

I’ll be right there to prop you up.

21/03/2022

Your career goals are top priority and sometimes, time is of the essence.

A client needed a quick turn for her tape and had a ton of material to include — BUT NO TIME TO EDIT!

That’s why you need ReelTVTalent.com.

I had this reel done in less than a week and final approval upon arrival.

I’ll make your reel for $300. It’s as simple as uploading video.

GET IN TOUCH! Send me a DM for more info.

16/03/2022

AGENTS ARE EXPENSIVE.
They’re taking up to 10% of your salary for the length of your contract.

If you’re making $45,000 - that’s $4,500/year, gone.
If you’re making $38,000 - that’s $3,800/year, gone.

THAT’S INSANE.

My services are budget friendly.
I will coach you for $250.
I will make your tape for $300.
I’ll do both for $650.

We don’t make a lot of money in this business. Don’t spend money you shouldn’t.

07/03/2022

💰WHY SHOULD I PAY YOU WHEN I CAN GET THIS FOR FREE?

🤑That’s a great question.

✅You might have a mentor in the business.
➡️But that person is busy.
➡️That person may not be able to get back to you right away.
➡️That person is working their own job and can’t focus on you.

🚨Truth is, you are my job.
👉You’re paying me to focus on you.
👉You’re paying me to spend hours coaching you.
👉You’re paying me to make your resumé tape shine.

💵You can take shortcuts in investment.
🤔But are you willing to take a shortcut at risk of your career?

☝🏼That sounds like an easy question to answer.

01/03/2022

☘️ MARCH INTO A NEW JOB!

✅ Now is the time to take stock of your career.

❓Is your contract up soon?
❓Do you have the best material on your tape?
❓Have you updated your resumé?

🔥Having the best content on your resumé tape is very important. It showcases who you are as a reporter and your strengths in the field.

🤔But uncertainty can hurt your job search.

👉That’s where I come in.

🙋🏻‍♂️I will not only put your resumé tape together, I will coach you to help reach your potential.

💵My packages are simple and cost effective.

🚨This is the most important step to getting that next job, in a bigger market.

☝🏼Don’t waste an opportunity to work with a pro.

25/02/2022

👉 SIMPLE. DESCRIPTIVE. CONERSATIONAL.

3️⃣ These are three things to keep in mind when you’re live at the scene of breaking news.

🥇Stick to the facts.
🥈Describe the scene.
🥉Talk to your viewers like you’d talk to a friend.

⏳As a reporter, you simply do not have time to get caught up in the whirlwind of whatever is happening around you. You have to remain steadfast and focused on your job.

🚨But your job isn’t just about regurgitating what “officials” tell you. That’s how you wind up talking like a police officer or a firefighter.

😑“The fire started on the number three side and there’s an exposure…”

NO.

👍🏼“The fire started in the back of the house and flames burned their way through to the house next door…”

BETTER.

🚫The word “incident” or “injuries” or “resident” SHOULD NOT BE IN YOUR VOCABULARY!

⭐️I will help you make your packages and liveshots sing. All you have to do is book a consultation and we’ll be fast friends.

18/02/2022

👀WHO DOESN’T HAVE SELF DOUBT?

🥸Imposter syndrome is a legit thing, where you don’t think you’re as good as others think you are… kind of like you’re a fraud… or people are blowing smoke.

🤔It’s good to be your worst critic. But it’s also important to act on that self doubt.

💪🏼That’s where I come in. I’ve been in this business for about 15 years. I’ve got the experience to help you work through your biggest concerns, to make you a stronger storyteller and a reliable live reporter.

✨There’s no reason to beat yourself up. There is a reason to grow and continue learning.

⭐️In our coaching sessions, you send me video. I watch it. Make notes. We go over it together. You take that feedback and implement changes before our next meeting.

💥The process continues until you’re ready to move on. It’s that simple.

💰Oh, and it’s a fraction of the cost of an agent. Just saying.

16/02/2022

💥Breaking news happens in a flash. Are you prepared?

🤷🏻‍♂️Have you been in the situation where you are live at the scene and you’re totally overwhelmed?

🤔Who to call, where to look, why this is important and how this impacts a community are all things to keep in mind.

🧘🏻‍♂️When you first arrive it’s so important you take a deep breath — this clears your head of the adrenaline and allows you a moment to think.

👀Take a look around at the situation. Assess it for yourself. Who is there? What landmarks do you see? Where are you staged? How did you get there? What questions do you have?

🎤Answers to these questions will help in your reporting, whether it’s a package or a liveshot.

🟡I can help you improve your liveshots and breaking news reporting. Make sure you check out reeltvtalent.com

14/02/2022

💔How many of us are burned out!?

😥That means you are mentally and physically exhausted because of excessive stress. You know, that weight of do more with less.

🤷🏻‍♂️WELCOME TO 2022, right!?!

💪🏼We’ve all been there are some point in the last two years. But now is the time to look in the mirror and say “I GOT THIS.”

✨I’m also here to help you. As your coach, I will help you reimagine your stories, rethink questions you’re asking and repair your relationship with this industry.

💥Don’t you want to feel inspired again!?! I’m here to be your guide and your mentor.

❤️All you have to do is book now and say “BE MINE!”

07/02/2022

🎬ARE YOU ON TAKE 12 OF YOUR STAND UP?

🙅🏻‍♂️Isn’t that the worst, most frustrating feeling!? Sure they make good bloopers in the end, but it’s annoying when we can’t just nail it.

‼️This app helped me out while I was working from home… but I bet it would help in the field too.

😵I had a really long (but necessary) stand up tag that was super technical. I would never have been able to memorize this. So I didn’t even try.

🔑After importing my script, I used my external lav and was good to go. This app was easy to use — FREE — and actually looked really sharp.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

04/02/2022

THE SUSPECT FLED ON FOOT FROM THE 1200 BLOCK OF ABNORMAL AVENUE AND THE INCIDENT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

OMG GROSS! WHO TALKS LIKE THIS!?!

The correct answer is ONLY POLICE.

We shouldn’t be reporting like that. We should be synthesizing information and reporting it in a conversational way.

If it’s the 1200 block, give your viewers a cross street or a landmark. Stop saying “### block.” It doesn’t matter to a normal person.

If the suspect “fled on foot” — just say the person took off. It’s that simple.

Also, the word “incident” is enough to drive a viewer away. What is the incident!? If it’s unclear, say that.

Transparency is key in our reporting.

I can help you keep your writing tight and clear.

02/02/2022

🎞IS YOUR REEL THE BEST IT CAN BE?

✂️When you’re editing your reel on your own, I’m sure you’re wondering if that clip is worth including.

🤷🏻‍♂️Why are you doing this on your own?

🙋🏻‍♂️This is something I will do for you.
👉You send me clips.
👉I find the best material.
👉You get an edited reel to send out.

💪🏼It’s that simple.
💲It’s low cost and worthwhile.

31/01/2022

🎤 NEED AN EASY WAY TO TRACK YOUR PACK?

👉This app has saved me so many times — both in the field and working from home.

🎚The difference with this app compared to others? You can adjust your levels! So if you’re using an external lav or stick, you can tell if you’re peaking or over modulated and adjust.

🔊Tracks sound professional — and you can email or airdrop right to your editor. They come in as an audio file, rather than a confusing video file if you were to track with your camera.

‼️Give it a try and let me know what you think!

28/01/2022

🏆 HAVE YOU WON A TV AWARD?

🎉 This was a dream of mine & opening the box was humbling to realize little-boy-dreams have become adult realities.

🤔 But when you think about it, the reason we win awards isn’t because someone likes us- or because we’re so great - it’s because our storytelling has real, meaningful impact on our communities.

👉 That’s the real goal. Everyday, it’s doing the best we can to explain why this story matters, showcasing real people and making change in the markets we serve.

💪🏼 It’s up to you to want to make your storytelling stronger - and I can 💯 get you there.

GET IN TOUCH!!
🟡[email protected]
⚫️reeltvtalent.com

Reel Talent is a coaching, creation and consultation service. We work with professional TV news reporters and anchors, looking for someone (currently in the business) to help take them to the next level and create their resume tape.

26/01/2022

⁉️ARE YOU ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS?

👉So often reporters ask questions that aren’t specific and don’t get direct answers.

WE WANT REAL ANSWERS!

🤔 Why are you interviewing this person? They have to play an absolute role in your story - so have them speak in absolute terms to get to the crux of your story.

That means a pre-interview, knowing how someone would answer a specific question and having the facts to back up your point.

💥”Who do you blame for this?” The answer can make or break a story if you *don’t* know the answer beforehand.

🟡⚫️🟡

I can really help you rethink and reshape your questions, making your stories so much stronger

GET IN TOUCH! [email protected]

24/01/2022

📣MONDAY PRO TIP: say watchya gotta say in fewer words.

👉Keep your copy tight by getting rid of annoying filler words like:
“now”
“well”
“reportedly”
“I’m here at ### scene…”

✂️CUT TO THE CHASE! Tell me what’s going on like you would tell your mom.

You’d never tell her, “authorities say the suspect fled on foot and is believed to be somewhere in the 100 block of Ashland Avenue.”

Instead, you’d tell her: “the guy ran from police and they think he’s on Ashland Avenue.”

🟡⚫️🟡

I have SO many more tips & tricks for you. Get in touch with me! ReelTVTalent.com or [email protected]

21/01/2022

🙋🏻‍♂️It’s okay to ask for resources, help & tell a station you don’t feel safe.

⚠️Your safety is TOPS. Literally, the only thing that matters when you’re out in the field. If you don’t feel safe, say something to your manager.

🤳If you’re sent out to shoot your own liveshot, ask for help. Ask for a photog. They are the experts. They are the pros in framing, audio & frankly having a second set of eyes on the scene.

👉We all think “this is our job” - I get it. But let’s face it… it really isn’t.

19/01/2022

🚨YOU DON’T NEED AN AGENT. EVERYONE IS HIRING! 🚨

There. I said it. It’s the biggest secret in our industry. We all think we need one to make a move. You don’t.

💰Agents take 4-8%… even 10% of your salary for the length of your contract. SERIOUSLY. That’s A LOT, especially for someone in a small market.

⚫️🟡⚫️

Reel Talent has simple pricing that fits your budget. If you want to work with us for a month, two months, a year, that’s totally cool. You’ll be working with someone who’s actually in the business, with A TON of experience.

⚫️🟡⚫️

📣 Our feedback is easy to implement. You have the talent. We finesse and fine-tune to maximize your talent.

⚫️🟡⚫️

▶️ We can also make your resume tape for you to use in your job search. Put our coaching and tape creation packages together for your best value.

Basically, I’m doing the same thing an agent is doing for you- AT A FRACTION of the cost.

Let me repeat this, you don’t need an agent.

17/01/2022

❄️PRO TIPS FOR WINTER WEATHER COVERAGE:

👉Find the impact: this means knowing your audience. Who will be most affected? Drivers going to work? Kids waiting at the bus stop? GO THERE. TALK TO THEM.

👉Make phone calls. Talk to police dispatchers. Ask what they’re seeing. Any damage reports? Anyone stuck? Any places to avoid?Real people are affected by severe weather.

👉Interact & use props: if it’s super cold outside, don’t just say it…show it! Have a thermometer, a tape measure, salt pile- something creative - to show how much snow has fallen. Make it stand out. Think about this and plan. Have something up your sleeve and in your bag of tricks.

👉Avoid clichés: the last thing we should hear is “winter wonderland” or “snow globe.”

NO! YUCK! CRINGE!

Stick to the facts. Also, if it’s already bad outside, it’s too late to talk about preps. Discuss what’s happening now with relative information and creative production.

🟡⚫️🟡

I’ve been doing this a long time. I’ve made the mistakes that a lot of newer reporters make. I can help you get better and reframe your thinking.

Book an appointment & get on my email list. Reeltvtalent.com

🟡⚫️🟡

16/01/2022

🚨Are you signed up for alerts on reeltvtalent.com? You should be.

👉You’re missing tips for tomorrow, today.

💥Make sure you’re subscribed on reeltvtalent.com.

🟡⚫️🟡

You’re getting a sneak peek at some tips and tricks today, before heading into work tomorrow.

14/01/2022

💡FRIDAY REFLECTION

⚫️By the end of the week, don’t you feel like you’ve been through it all?!

🟡Look back at every story you’ve told this week. Is there one that stands out? Tell me why - and share a link!

⚫️I’d love to talk with you about your highs and lows and your successes and learning moments. Email me- [email protected]

🟡⚫️🟡

12/01/2022

😷 WEARING A MASK?? We all are.

⚫️🟡⚫️

🦠 It’s okay - and at this point important - to reference why you’re wearing a mask in certain situations, especially if you’re outside… or in a place where viewers may not be wearing one.

🦠Many companies are requiring reporters to wear masks if they come back after testing positive for COVID. It’s totally conversational - and authentic - to acknowledge that rule.

⚫️🟡⚫️

10/01/2022

As promised to those who are signed up for emails on reeltvtalent.com, a big tip for reporters.

➡️PRO TIP MONDAY

🟡Check with your county health departments to see if they’re using hotels to house people who need to isolate because of COVID.

⚫️While this one hotel is housing people in a separate wing, with an entrance away from the public, it’s still open to the public with no disclosure.

🟡I got this as a tip & it took a couple of conversations with sources and emails with the health department to confirm.

➡️ANYONE can do this story in any market. It was one of our most viewed stories last week. The public has the right to know- and unless we’re telling them, chances are this info would be kept hidden.

⚫️🟡⚫️

Make sure you’re signed up to get our emails. You got the early heads up this was coming, over the weekend.

Reeltvtalent.com

🟡⚫️🟡

08/01/2022

MAKE SURE YOU’RE SIGNED UP FOR EMAILS on reeltvtalent.com… otherwise, you’d miss this:

You don’t want to miss out

08/01/2022

There is something for everyone here- www.reeltvtalent.com

CHECK IT OUT!

06/01/2022

Here we go! The start of the snow in Buffalo. Anyone else seeing snow? ❄️❄️ POST PICS HERE!!

04/01/2022

🎉FOCUS ON YOU IN 22

⚫️🟡⚫️

How many of us often think “was that any good” or “was it as bad as it felt” when we’re on the air?

You get back to the newsroom… and there’s nothing. No feedback. You’re left over-thinking and just hanging.

With me you get:
✅one-on-one feedback
✅methods to implement right away
✅partnership to get the most out of your current job

⭐️I’ll also make your demo reel for you. If you’re ready to make a move, this takes one thing off your plate.

GET IN TOUCH:
[email protected]
ReelTVTalent.com

⚫️🟡⚫️

Reel Talent is a coaching, creation and consultation service. We work with professional TV news reporters and anchors, looking for someone (currently in the business) to help take them to the next level and create their resume tape.

31/12/2021

🎉 HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎉

🟡Whether you were working from home, sitting six feet from your co-anchor or learning virtually, know that you have MADE IT THROUGH… and better days are ahead.

⚫️Think about all the people you’ve helped, all the people you’ve affected or inspired… and think about how fortunate we are to be in that position.

🟡 Now take this moment for yourself. Reflect on all the challenges you’ve overcome. Think about how much stronger you are. This is your time.

🟡⚫️🟡

Reel Talent is a coaching, creation and consultation service. We work with professional TV news reporters and anchors, looking for someone (currently in the business) to help take them to the next level and create their resume tape.

30/12/2021

📣 I SAID WHAT I SAID

🤷🏻‍♂️ When did we decide we were going to just use HEADPHONES to do liveshots?

🤷🏻‍♂️ Is it because the audio plug doesn’t fit into the audio jack of an iPhone anymore?

‼️Apple makes dongles for a reason. Ask your engineer or operations manager to order them. They’re $10.

📵Then we can get back to your originally scheduled programming and not look like we’re on the phone in liveshots.

🟡 Make it your new year’s resolution to get back to the basics. Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.

Reel Talent is a coaching, creation and consultation service. We work with professional TV news reporters and anchors, looking for someone (currently in the business) to help take them to the next level and create their resume tape.

28/12/2021