By Debbie Mitchell
Happy July 4th! I hope you are relaxing and enjoying your day so far. If you are reading blogs today, you will find the latest installment of my summer series How Did You Get Into Television?, where TV professionals tell us about about their entry into the television industry, and give advice on how to survive it. How Did You Get Into Television? is the question I ask television folks when I meet them, since there isn't only one way to get into this very interesting, fun and competitive industry. In my recent post Television Survival 101, I told my story, today we meet Kim Brechka, Executive Producer of The Bill Cunningham Show.
What’s your job title today and what are your job responsibilities?
"Executive Producer at The Bill Cunningham Show"
How did you get into television?
"My college advisor knew one of the stage managers at The Ricki Lake Show- I got an internship and then got hired as an audience assistant."
What has been your favorite television job to date and why?
"My current job- starting a show has been my biggest challenge and yet my greatest accomplishment to date- We are heading into Season 2!"
If you could go back and say anything to your self at the start of your television career, what would it be?
"Breathe! It always come together! "
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned during your years in television?
"I love television. I love creating television. It may be one of the most difficult jobs in the world in my eyes, but I thrive on the challenges and the drama. I am blessed to have met some of the most amazing and talented friends, colleagues and talent."
What is your biggest regret in your television career?
"No Regrets!"
What’s your secret to having a happy career in television ?
"Find time to thoroughly enjoy your hiatus periods. Treat everyone with respect and kindness-you never know if one day they may be your boss."
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded in the competitive television field?
"Stay true to myself. Never lie, cheat, or steal an idea. Give credit where credit is due."
What’s the most important lesson you would tell anyone pursuing television?
"It is an incredibly challenging, exhausting, stressful career…but it has the most amazing rewards. You will work around the clock, but when your show is a success it is all worth it. There is nothing easy in TV. Work hard, play hard! Enjoy your success and learn from every mistake because you will make mistakes!"
Which person taught you the most in your career?
"Montel Williams. He taught me how to strive to be the best at everything you do. He taught me how to be a great producer, fight for what I believe in, and never settle for second best."
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. What are your top three tips for television survival?
Sleep when you can.
Be Nice, but you better have thick skin.
Celebrate your successes.
What are you most proud of in your television career?
"The people I trained who are now amazing producers themselves."
If you weren’t working in television, what other job would you have pursued?
"Interior Designer"
When you think about a career after working in television, what does it look like?
"Boring"…lol
In her free time: Kim says "When I’m not working I spend as much time as possible with my two kids and my incredibly supportive husband. When I’m not with them I’m more than likely shopping!"
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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