Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television?

By Debbie Mitchell

In last week's installment of the 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,  I told you that a producer's BFF is the video editor.   But  the truth is, a video editor cannot get the job done if he or she does not have video to edit.  So I guess the truth is a producer has a team of  BFF's that can turn his or her creative vision into a dynamic piece. The complete BFF crew includes a video editor, audio person and cameraman.

On a shoot the cameraman does all the heavy lifting, literally.  On most stories, unless it is a sit down interview, he is moving with speed, sometimes in dangerous situations, such as a war zone, while focusing and shooting a camera and carrying equipment that weighs anywhere from 5lbs-30lbs on his shoulder and body. A good camera man will capture the video and interview a producer asks for and an amazing camera man will get the shots a producer doesn’t even see.  However, everyone is a winner when  a camera- man captures what ends up being the one shot that totally captures the story and takes it to the next level....the “money shot.”  Today’s profile is on Director of Photography/Cameraman Mario Eugene Page www.supeshooter.com.

 What’s your job title today and what are your job responsibilities?

The TV business is smaller than one would think.  So it's no surprise that getting into television is very competitive, initially.  I think it gets easier after you are in.  Since the beginning of 2007, I have been freelancing.  I am a Director of Photography/Cameraman/Photojournalist.  It's a lot of titles, but they all have a common denominator, I am behind the camera, or as I like to say, lens.  Cameras come in various weights.  The smaller cameras I have used weigh between 5-8 lbs.  The larger cameras I use can weigh around 20-30 lbs, depending on the accessories that are attached (i.e. camera monitor, heavy duty batteries, camera light, audio and video transmitters, etc). 

You do have to be in some good shape. Exercising the legs, arms, abs, and back are what I would recommend.

I get contracted to shoot for Reality TV shows, Network News, Documentaries and Corporate video projects. 

I have been on the road, away from my family for a few weeks at a time.  Not as much as I used to though.  I know some of my other camera man friends that work for other networks, and they have been home only a few times during a year.  Especially during the war in the middle east.

It can be hard if you are married and have children.  I have been in the business 18 years.  I have been married over 5 years now, and my wife and I have a toddler daughter.  Before I was married, it wasn't a big deal to me to be gone from home, but now since I have a family, it does get difficult.

How did you get into television?

I got into TV during my later years of finishing undergrad at Clark Atlanta University in the mid 90's.  I originally started school at Indiana University back in the early 80's, but I wasn't focused then, so I dropped out until I was ready to commit to school.  At Clark Atlanta University, I had internships my junior and senior years.  I was actually hired to work part-time at my first station, WAGA-TV, the last semester of my senior year.  I was a Microwave (Live) Truck Operator.  When I graduated, I was offered a full-time position as a videotape editor.  I did this for about a year, until I could get my 1st job as a News Photographer (Cameraman).

What has been your favorite television job to date and why?

My favorite job in TV was when I was a Cameraman at WBBM-TV/CBS News in Chicago.  I grew up in the Midwest in Indianapolis and Chicago, so it was great to be back in the Midwest.  I got to meet and work with journalists that I grew up watching on TV.

If you could go back and say anything to your self 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 TV career, it would be to WRITE!  I wish I worked on writing more.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned during your years in television?

The most important thing I have learned during my career in TV has been to establish and maintain relationships with others in this business, and don't burn any bridges!

What is your biggest regret in your television career?

The biggest regret in my TV career would have to be that I didn't take the time to work on writing.  I was focused too much on being creative in production.  Writing would have helped me if I wanted to get into producing later.

What’s your secret to having a happy career in television ?

The secret to having a happy career in TV, or any career for that matter is…to be passionate.  I love what I do, I love this business, and I didn't go into this business to get rich.  My salary has been as low as $13,000 in the beginning of my career to six figures.  No matter the salary, the passion is still there, and I am HAPPY!

What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded in the competitive television field?

The one ritual or practice that keeps me grounded in this competitive business of television is to always trust God.

What’s the most important lesson you would tell anyone pursuing television?

The most important lesson I tell anyone pursuing a career in TV, in my area behind the lens, is to learn the craft.  Let it become second nature.  Then you can concentrate on the creative part.

Which person taught you the most in your career?
A brother named Robert, who was a News Photographer at my 1st station, taught me the most in my early years of TV.  He made sure I learned from my mistakes.  He was very critical of me at times, and I later appreciated that.

What are your top three tips for television survival?

1. Stay current on the technology

2. Network

3. Know more than one thing!

What are you most proud of in your television career?

The thing I am most proud of in my TV career is being able to give back.  I love to give back, share knowledge, teach, and help others who are eager to get into this business.  There's nothing more gratifying to hear back from someone I helped or encouraged in the business, that they are succeeding, and HAPPY!

If you weren’t working in television, what other job would you have pursued?

If I weren’t working in TV, I would have been in front of the camera or on stage.  I grew up in performing arts.  I like acting.

When you think about a career after working in television, what does it look like?

Before I get out of the TV business, I plan to apply for graduate school, get a Master of Fine Arts degree, so I can teach part-time.  But I think I will stay in the business until I no longer can!

In my free time, I like to spend it with family.  My wife and I are blessed with our toddler daughter, our Yorkie, and our beautiful home in the suburbs of Atlanta.  We like to travel when we can, and just enjoy life and watching our daughter grow up.  And of course, I ALWAYS have a camera with me, even in my free time!

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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.

More Ready4Air: (Summer Series)
Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Video Editor)
Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Broadcast Writer)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Freelance Producer)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (Executive Producer)

Tell Me...How Did You Get Into Television? (National and International Producer)