By Debbie Mitchell
In this morning's installment of our 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, we look at the freelance world. 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 post Television Survival 101, I told my story. Today, we look at what success looks like for freelancers. Most of the time, freelancers work on time sensitive projects, are paid a day rate or hourly rate, are responsible for paying for health benefits and rely heavily on having good professional relationships to secure their next assignment. This week we meet producer , writer and on-air talent Patrick Riley who left the security of his TV gig in 1997 to live the freelancer's life.
What’s your job title today and what are your job responsibilities?
"I am an independent personality/producer/writer – based in New York City. Pending respective projects, I provide spot on-camera (sometimes just VO-narration/video presence) for a number of TV talk and news clients. Also pending the type of gig, I write and produce videos/art & design for non-profits and other types of organizations. My blog “A Day in the Life of Riley: pop culture & possibilities” chronicles much of the pop culture/entertainment/testimonials from my life. "
How did you get into television?
"I studied Broadcast Journalism while at Morehouse College (in conjunction with Clark Atlanta University’s Mass Media Arts Department). After fulfilling a half dozen or so internships - including the National Association of Black Journalists and – locally – at WSB-TV, I was offered my first post-college gig as “Reporter Trainee” at WSB-TV, which gave me on-camera experience during the weekends and “boot camp newsroom experience” during the week. At the top of ’93, I was offered the opportunity to be one of the first two producers hired to launch “Good Day Atlanta” for local CBS affiliate (which became local FOX affiliate)."
What has been your favorite television job to date and why?
"In 1997, I left a great gig as a producer for “Rivera LIVE” – Geraldo’s night-time show - to go FREELANCE! By taking that step to only attract work that reflected my passions in pop culture & entertainment, I’d say my favorite television job is FREELANCE! But I do hold a Chicago-based client (HARPO Productions) as my main and most lucrative client since 1998."
If you could go back and say anything to yourself at the start of your television career, what would it be?
"If I could go back and say anything to myself at the start of my television career, I’d say: “SEE? I TOLD YOU THAT YOU COULD DO IT ALL and THAT YOU COULD MARRY YOUR INTERESTS INTO A COOL CAREER!”
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned during your years in television?
"The most important thing I’ve learned during my years in television is that trends and infrastructure will continue to change. I’ve worked hard to stay ahead of that curve."
What is your biggest regret in your television career?
"My biggest regret is that – as a freelancer (inside a sometimes unsteady economic client) - I still can’t concretely regulate my revenue stream – based on how different clients pay. A big check today may mean no check for months, even if I’ve continued to accept and invoice for assignments – payments of which can take longer than my need to pay collectors on time, etc."
What’s your secret to having a happy career in television?
"The secret to having a happy career in television is (1) using my instinct that I could survive as a freelancer; (2) trusting mentors, if just for morale support; (3) staying freelance, but providing services in excellence for high-profile clients (who – in turn – call again and again)."
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded in the competitive television field?
"Networking and great follow-up with prospective clients and all people I meet along the way. Often, I mentor and bring my resources to the table to help others. And I find that frequency of reciprocity has served me – as well as the industry and the world at large."
What’s the most important lesson you would tell anyone pursuing television?
"The most important lesson I would tell anyone pursuing television is to make sure you are not getting into this industry for a quick return on your investment of time and stress. All that glitters isn’t gold in this business and though there are many benefits to being in TV, it’s important to bring YOUR SURVIVOR PERSPECTIVE to your mentality to sometimes get through stressful work periods; not-optimum scheduling; low-pay; etc."
Which person taught you the most in your career?
"I’ve had many mentors who’ve taught me many things throughout my career. My mentor Dr. Ann Wead Kimbrough was instrumental in introducing me to the industry; internships; networking; etc. She too validated my notion that I could be TV talent/producer/writer who sometimes performs on the side. And that’s what I’ve shaped up as a career goes."
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?
TOP THREE TIPS for Television Survival:
1) Don’t lose yourself while giving more than 100% percent sometimes to your client or employer (even if it means losing sleep to achieve a step in your passion lane).
2) Don’t take it all so personally. Often, when you are working for a media shop, the direction is owned by the respective media shop. Learn how they want it done; identify how you can slide your influence into the mix; get the project done under deadline.
3) Stay up on the technological advances – whether computers; mobile gadgets; research engines; etc.
What are you most proud of in your television career?
"I am most proud that since 1998, I’ve managed to develop a career as an independent personality/producer/writer. And for many of those years, I’ve made well over six-figures. Some of those years, I’ve made less. But ‘flying without wings’ can be lucrative. And where not lucrative, it is still a living of note. "
If you weren’t working in television, what other job would you have pursued?
"I perform as a sidelight – including some-acting; singing (including hosting a karaoke night); hosting live events; stage narrator for NYC staged/film readings; etc. I would likely perform FULL-TIME."
When you think about a career after working in television, what does it look like?
"In an era of brand-building, I’m feeling like I will continue to move inside the realm of pop culture and possibilities under the umbrella of my website (TBD). Using that platform, I anticipate being a published author (who produces companion video/film/web content to compliment the distribution of said messages)."
In his free time, Patrick says "When I find free time away from television, I still find myself immersed in arts and culture – primarily in New York City. I too travel and make sure to incorporate extra days of sight-seeing as I travel for work. And on any given day, you can find me enjoying KARAOKE with friends."
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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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