Wednesday, June 20, 2012

TELEVISION SURVIVAL 101 (PART 1)



By Debbie Mitchell

After 27 years in the television business, I can say that I have learned quite a few lessons about work, people and survival.  When most folks hear that I worked in  television, a look comes on their face and they either get giddy with excitement, or have a look of doubt.  They usually want to know what celebrities have I met, what is "so and so" really like in person, and how did I get into television.  I  answer their questions honestly.  My television journey is unusual in one special way.  I started and built my career in New York City, the number one market, working on only national shows, two syndicated, a weekly magazine show, a talk show and the other a national news morning program.  I spent 3 years (1984-1987) at Essence, The Televison Show, eleven years (1987-1998) at Geraldo and 10 years (2000-2010) at CBS The Early Show. 
When I meet television folks I always ask, "how did you get into television ?", and always find the stories amazing, just because every one's story is so unique.  As you already know, I started with an internship at WABC-TV. Yeh internship!  Many producers who have been in the business for decades have worked in several shops, including local shows, independent productions, and documentaries. They change jobs throughout their careers for various reasons, the reality is television shows have a short run cycle, so once a show is cancelled you move on to the next gig.  There is no one way to get into the business or climb to the top.  I've seen it done different ways (you assume what you may, my lips are sealed), but when you get your foot in the door, you have to work hard ( good work will shine) and hopefully you will have a successful career.  I have found that working hard can take you far, but there are few other important tips for survival in any business, but mandatory in the television business. Today I will start off with three lessons  that I have learned over time. Here we go:

TELEVISION SURVIVAL TIPS 

FIND A RABBI (MENTOR)- You can be be as talented as Beyonce or as smart as any member of MENSA but if no one acknowledges your talents or your ambitions then you won't get anywhere.  A Jewish friend of mine, Mitch, once told me "everyone needs a rabbi", someone who can serve as your counsel, guide and connect you to people and opportunities  that can help you get to the next level. He and I  would always laugh about the fact that if he didn't know someone directly, he could find someone who knew someone who could help- he wasn't kidding.  All jokes aside, find a mentor who is willing to look out for you and has your back.  I don't believe in being a suck up, but that works too. Be genuine and good at your job and  don't be afraid to speak up for yourself. This is a perfect transition to my next point.

 TOOT YOUR OWN HORN- It is okay to talk about yourself and what you've accomplished.  I've known people in my career who talk non-stop about what they've done, who they've met and who they know.  Some of it is true, some of it is not.  I don't think it is necessary to lie or monopolize a conversation about your your accomplishments , but  if you book a great guest or produced a good story that is being recognized, then it's fine to make it known that you were responsible for it. Maybe,  you can say " I'm glad you like the story I produced, it was a challenging segment to complete, but it all worked out."  Don't wait for your supervisor to sing your praises, you might be disappointed.  Instead send an email to your supervisor and cc: anyone else you want to know about your work. That way you have it in writing and everyone has a copy of it.

WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER - I was raised to believe that working hard and doing a great job will get you noticed and rewarded. WRONG AGAIN!  It's all up to you.

In the beginning of May, I spoke to a group of kids at  an  after-school program in Brooklyn and I passed on a few words of wisdom from my Executive Producer, Lyne Pitts, who hired me at CBS The Early Show.  Pitts said to tell the kids  that when working they should  implement the acronym
P.I.E on the job, P=10% of work is performance, so work hard , I=30% of work is image, so dress to impress  and E=60% of work is exposure. Be sure the boss knows your dreams.  Try to schedule a meeting or get on your boss' radar (in a good way), so they at least who you are in the office.

Yes, it is important roll up your sleeves and work hard, but sometimes you have work just as hard building relationships.  Television is about relationships. Good relationships are better than having an agent when it comes to getting a job. And cheaper, no commission.   So, look up from your work and talk to your co-workers to see what is going on in your office. Try to socialize and get to know what's happening right under your nose, but don't get caught up in the gossip or rumor mill.  Remember,  if people are talking about other people, they are most likely talking about you too.

This is the first installment in a new series How Did You Get Into Television?, where veteran television folks will share their personal journey and survival in the television industry.

TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an Emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA)  and  is currently a member of the James Beard Broadcast and New Media Awards Committee.  If you are a brand interested in blogger outreach campaigns, a blogger or personality interested in television placement follow Debbie Mitchell @TVProducerDeb or contact TheBloggerConnection.com.

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