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

In today’s installment of our summer series  "Tell Me......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 take a peek behind the Daytime Emmy Awards.  I've never won an Emmy and was excited when in 2009 the "The Early Show" was nominated for The Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Morning Program. 

Awards season is right around the corner and I've invited David Michaels, Senior Executive Director of the Daytime Emmy Awards at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, to be our guest today and tell his television story.

Photo Credit: David Michaels

How Did You Get Into Television?

My journey into TV production was not planned!  I was working as an actor and a model right out of college and expected that to be the path for my life and career.  I became a contestant on a game show, and the contestant coordinator took a liking to me, and she announced to me that I would make a terrific production person.  I laughed and said “thanks – but I am an actor.” Shortly thereafter she hired me to be a contestant on a pilot – and when the pilot sold, she set me up for a job interview as a production assistant without even asking me!  I went to the interview out of respect for her – and I got the job! The job was with Bob Stewart Productions, and I quickly rose from the lowest production assistant to a producer – and that is how I got my career!  I went in knowing nothing about TV except that when the red light goes on – you act!  I am proud to say that I increased that knowledge quickly and learned on my feet!

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

I am the Senior Executive Director of the Daytime Emmy Awards, working for the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.  I am responsible for the entire Emmy contest as well as having major input into the Broadcast.

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

My favorite TV job has been producing the “$25,000” and “$100,000 PYRAMID” shows starring Dick Clark.  The staff was like a family and I got to work with the most wonderful celebrities week in and week out.  Working with Dick Clark was like a master class every day, as was learning from Bob Stewart and Anne Marie Schmitt

Television has changed quite a bit over the last few years. What changes do you like and changes you don't like.

I hate that shows don’t really get a chance sometimes.  You can’t decide to cancel something after three airings.  Give it time to build an audience.  Also – shows are so much shorter now due to increased commercial time.  I like the fact that TV is starting to “grow up” and allowing words and themes that were not allowed in the past.  I don’t like the fact that there are fewer and fewer episodes of shows being done – and that working on a series no longer necessarily means that you will be employed all year.

Most people think television is glamorous and exciting. What two words would you use to describe the television industry and why?

Quick  and competitive.  Working in TV leaves very little time to hesitate or procrastinate.  And – although  I have had many jobs where the staff was a true team – there have been others where everyone spent their time trying to outshine everyone else – to the detriment of the final product.

If you could go back and say anything to yourself at the start of your television career, what would it be?

Realize how lucky you are to be doing something creative that you love – and be thankful for it every day.

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

I have learned that teamwork and communication is the key to success. 

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

Working hard and going with the flow when necessary.

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

I am proud to say that I have a very strong work ethic – which I got from being trained by some amazing people.  I think the secret may be to work hard and to the top of your potential – but don’t take yourself too seriously!

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

Don’t do it if you want a 9 to 5 job which you don’t take home with you. 

Which person taught you the most in your career?

I learned how to be a producer from Bob Stewart and how to work with celebrities from Anne Marie Schmitt during the “Pyramid” days.  These two skills have served me quite well and given me my success.

What are you most proud of in your television career?

I am proud of my reputation and am very proud of my two Emmy Awards and multiple nominations.

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

I would be working with young people teaching them about the arts and educating them about AIDS.

What is one piece of advice you want to pass along to someone else who is considering entering the world of television today?

Be patient – keep up on all the product that is on the air – and be willing to do things that may not be considered your “dream job” – but give you another credit and a salary.

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Thanks David!

Photo Credit: Joan Massel Soncini

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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