In today’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 broadcast world. I recently worked with a great crew on the launch of "Our Take," a woman's talk show on Arise TV.
In a previous post, "It's Smooth Sailing For A Television Show When You Have A Great Crew," I wrote about the importance of a show crew in getting a program on the air. Freelance audio engineer Joel Grullon was a big part of the "Our Take" team. Today he is sitting in the guest post seat to tell us exactly how he got into television.
By Joel Grullon
How Did
You Get Into Television?
Back
in 1999 I started at Grammercy Broadcast working in the video library. My boss
saw that I had much more potential than just making video duplications and
organizing video tapes. I was able to learn little bits and pieces about the
television process.
What has been your favorite television job to
date and why?
I don’t think I have a “favorite” because each job is unique in it’s own way. I love that every place that I may work can teach me another set of skills that can prepare me even more for the future.
I don’t think I have a “favorite” because each job is unique in it’s own way. I love that every place that I may work can teach me another set of skills that can prepare me even more for the future.
Television has changed quite a bit over the last few
years. What changes do you like and changes you don't like.
Well, like most other fields, technology is the core of changes. Audio consoles are much more sophisticated than in the past and make the job a little easier. However, you still need to think things through in a logical way. Computer-based consoles are functional and enable you to make changes faster than ever.
Well, like most other fields, technology is the core of changes. Audio consoles are much more sophisticated than in the past and make the job a little easier. However, you still need to think things through in a logical way. Computer-based consoles are functional and enable you to make changes faster than ever.
Most people think television is glamorous and exciting.
What two words would you use to describe the television industry and why?
Hard work! Most people don’t get the opportunity to see the amount of long hours in planning, testing, and setup that goes into television.
Hard work! Most people don’t get the opportunity to see the amount of long hours in planning, testing, and setup that goes into television.
If you could go back and say anything to yourself at the
start of your television career, what would it be?
Stay positive. No matter what the ups and downs may be in this career, I’m here because I love it!
Stay positive. No matter what the ups and downs may be in this career, I’m here because I love it!
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned
during your years in television?
Keep an open mind. Always stay keen to new ideas and different methods to get things done. There are some extremely creative minds that work in television and each have a lesson to teach us and vice versa.
Keep an open mind. Always stay keen to new ideas and different methods to get things done. There are some extremely creative minds that work in television and each have a lesson to teach us and vice versa.
What’s your secret to having a happy career in
television?
I’m happy in television because it’s always changing. No two days are the same and there is always a new challenge to be accomplished. It keeps me on my toes!
I’m happy in television because it’s always changing. No two days are the same and there is always a new challenge to be accomplished. It keeps me on my toes!
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded
in the competitive television field?
Pride in my work ethic. I take pride in knowing that I give every possible effort in every job that I do. More times than not, far more than is ever expected.
Pride in my work ethic. I take pride in knowing that I give every possible effort in every job that I do. More times than not, far more than is ever expected.
What’s the most important lesson you would
tell anyone pursuing a career in television?
Always think ahead! Staying ahead of the curve is key to being successful in the ever changing technology that is applied in television.
Always think ahead! Staying ahead of the curve is key to being successful in the ever changing technology that is applied in television.
Which person taught you the most in your
career?
Tony Minecola. He started me in this business and has been an incredible friend and mentor. He’s always had a way of pointing me in the right direction when I needed it most. I could never thank him enough for what he has done for me.
Tony Minecola. He started me in this business and has been an incredible friend and mentor. He’s always had a way of pointing me in the right direction when I needed it most. I could never thank him enough for what he has done for me.
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?
Stay relevant, think ahead, address your weaknesses and get better!
Stay relevant, think ahead, address your weaknesses and get better!
What are you most proud of in
your television career?
I’d have to say that I’m most proud of becoming well rounded. My main job is audio but I’ve also learned quite a bit of the engineering side as well. Knowledge is my gift!
I’d have to say that I’m most proud of becoming well rounded. My main job is audio but I’ve also learned quite a bit of the engineering side as well. Knowledge is my gift!
If you weren’t working in television, what
other job would you have pursued?
If not for doing audio in television I would most likely be doing audio on the music side. I still work on music as a hobby or “side gig” but would definitely go full force if not for TV.
If not for doing audio in television I would most likely be doing audio on the music side. I still work on music as a hobby or “side gig” but would definitely go full force if not for TV.
Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. It’s the truth!
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Thanks Joel!
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| Photo Credit: Debbie Mitchell |
TV/Social Media Producer Debbie Mitchell is an Emmy nominated producer who is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA). She is currently a member of the James Beard Broadcast and New Media Awards Committee. If you have a story idea for "Our Take" or are a brand interested in Social TV, blogger outreach campaigns, or a blogger or personality interested in television placement follow Debbie Mitchell @SocialTVDeb and/or email SocialTVDeb@gmail.com
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