5 Types of Camera Ready Clothing for TV Hosts + On-Air Talent

I started out on television when I was just a kid, shooting commercials and TV shows. Years later, I entered the world of TV hosting and reporting which I discovered called for clothes with crisp looks and clean lines. There was no budget for a stylist and I was never offered a wardrobe allowance, so I had to be creative and thrifty. 

Now, nearly 15 years after my first TV news job, I’ve learned a thing or two about what styles flatter on the screen and how to make every piece count! Here are 5 items you should consider adding to your closet if you’ll regularly be on-camera.

1. Black Dress Pants
Invest in a flattering high-quality pair of black pants. It doesn’t have to cost you much. My go-to pants weren’t that expensive and they fit me like a glove. My pants were from New York and Company and I paired them with a variety of bold tops and jackets. When anchoring, I really focused on my upper half more as I would be sitting at the desk most of the time.

2. Bold Color Dresses
When you’re shooting in a studio beware of the green or blue screen. Make sure you don’t wear a green or blue colored outfit. If you do, you might just look like a floating head. If you’re at the anchor desk or in the field, go nuts with color! Just stay away from patterns and distracting jewelry. If you’d like to show off your arms, sleeveless is acceptable. If you’re not, then stick with a three-quarter length sleeve. If you happen to like showing off your legs a bit more than dress length, a few inches above the knee is classy but still sexy. If you’re pear-shaped like me, an A-line dress always flatters. Keep collar lines simple.

3. Color Block Dresses
These styles look great on almost every woman! I own a few and my favorites are by Calvin Klein. These create the illusion of a slimmer shape and appear to trim your waist and hips. 

4. Crisp Suit
You don’t see many women wearing crisp suits on TV anymore, but there’s something powerful about a woman in a suit. Pant and skirt suits look incredible with a pair of fabulous heels and a statement blouse underneath. I used to wear suits to fit the theme of where I was shooting content. If it was a more professional event I’d come ready with a power suit. Suit colors vary but I always stuck with a neutral or basic black and dressed it up with an accent top or heels with a pop of color.

5. Jewel Tone Tops
This is a staple for anyone who works on-camera. These pieces really pop and keep the attention on your face. If your body type calls for a fitted top than go for a sleeveless blouse or slim longer sleeve. If you care to cover your arms, a long sleeve or three-quarter length is always a safe and classic bet. 

Also, don’t forget this TV tip: Try and stay away from patterns, overly textured styles, and baggy fits. Always choose figure-flattering tops and dresses.

Following these simple suggestions will keep the focus on you and not your clothing!

How + Why Actors Should Add Hosting to Their Résumés

The hosting world has changed drastically in the last few years, from talent agents and networks looking for presentational hosts to searching for quadruple threats: those who can host, write, produce, and edit. This is huge news for creative artists like actors who have more to offer the world than just their acting chops.

Big-name brands and production companies are looking for fresh faces, experts and influencers to take over the hosting space, bringing with them content and a large existing audience. This emerging style of host takes viewers on a journey of discovery, paving the way for brand ambassadorship and, potentially, a new show produced in their honor. 

Actors have charisma, creativity, and passion that can transform into a price tag. But how does an actor add “host” to their résumé and create more job opportunities? In today’s digital market, you don’t necessarily need a degree to build credibility—just a strong point of view and the ability to create valuable content!  

READ: How to Become a TV Host or a TV Presenter

Two of the hottest hosting markets are New York and L.A., home to celebrity experts and docusoap talents. Mark Turner, Abrams Artists Agency VP and the New York head of alternative programming, digital media, branding, and licensing says now, most shows want authenticity on a subject matter, not just a “show host.” Talent needs to be so much more than that. 

“Pursue a specific angle,” says Turner. “Talent-wise, it’s really about trying to find the next Anthony Bourdain, Guy Fieri, Zak Bagans, Josh Gates, etc. Or building a full-on brand, like the Kardashians and ‘Duck Dynasty.’ ”

In Atlanta, where production has really picked up, the hosting market is hot for spokesperson gigs. ATL is home to so many company headquarters that they’re really in need of bodies and voices to represent them.

Commercial and industrial agent Mason Thurman of Atlanta Models & Talent says that although corporate industrials are big in the peach state, new hosting platforms—like game shows that live on your smartphone—have emerged. (Just look at the host of HQ!) If you’re looking for representation, do the legwork first. Thurman says you must be trained, have materials, and get serious because the competition is fierce! 

The one commonality all hosting markets share is the search for real, authentic talent. Someone who has creativity, drive, and confidence on camera. Talent coaching and workshops are highly recommended to hosts in order to sharpen their skills and effectively brand themselves.  

Actors looking to jump into hosting need guidance just like any other career, so do your research on hosting workshops, sizzle reels, and coaching in your area to see what fits best and how to create compelling content that sells.

See original article here at Backstage.com

How to Become an Influencer

Many actors struggle with side gigs and survival jobs to pay to the bills. But what if there was a better way to make big money using the creativity and talent you already have? 

Social media influencers have taken the digital marketing world by storm with endorsements, brand collaborations, and a variety of cross promotions. It seems like a pretty incredible way to make a living while feeding your passion to act, right?

Keep in mind becoming a social media influencer doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, becoming a successful influencer is more of a marathon than a sprint. But once you hit that finish line, cash can be rolling in with every hit on your YouTube channel or like on your Instagram feed!

If you have the patience, persistence, and serious drive to succeed, you can have the best of both worlds: a thriving influencer and acting career. It’s all about being efficient with your time and producing creative content. Here’s how to get started:

Pick a niche.
I’m sure you’ve seen influencers all over your IG feed. Health, style, and beauty content seems to come at you in tsunami-like waves. The key is to pick a niche you have passion and experience in, knowing that you have something unique to bring to the table. Be as specific as possible; this is a good way to ensure loyal followers. For example, instead of focusing on becoming a general makeup expert, specialize in something like organic or vegan makeup. 

READ: How Branding Can Boost a Hosting Career

Produce valuable content.
Pick which platforms you’re going to dominate. YouTube and Instagram are currently the most popular and generate the most interest from brands looking for influencers. There are two buckets that influencer content falls under: entertainment and utilitarian. Ask yourself if your followers would be more entertained by or if they can learn something valuable from you. If you can encompass both, kudos to you, a brand has now struck gold!

Be engaging.
If you don’t have formal on-camera training, now is a good time to seek out a professional coach or online class. You can tell who has been on camera before and who is just getting started. Remember that online content is there to stay so you want everything you produce to look and sound professional. Even the best personalities need grooming. An influencer needs to be the best version of their authentic self and it takes practice to perform on camera and hold a successful interview on both sides. 

Be consistent.
Followers follow for a reason: to become a part of you and your journey. Don’t leave them hanging, wondering when they’ll see you next. They look forward to your content on a regular basis, so stick to a disciplined posting schedule. Whether it’s photos or videos, give them something new daily. A good way to be efficient with your time is to shoot a ton of content at once and release segments at different times during the week or month!

Be a part of the conversation.
Whether it’s a blog, participating in interviews, or staying active in online conversations, make your voice heard. Remember that you are the go-to expert, so your online presence should be known. This will draw in new followers and solidify your brand as the expert. This is also a good way to drive readers to your pages filled with additional items you would like to endorse!

Travis Hawley, VP of Business Development and Marketing at Viral Nation, a company that represents successful social media influencers and brands, says potential influencers need to focus more on the content than becoming famous. “If your content is good your success will follow,” he says. “Social media influencers get paid anywhere between hundreds to thousands (of dollars) for brand promotion and sales. There are so many ways to monetize your social media influencer status if you have the following and ability to engage potential buyers.”

So, when is it time to seek out an agent or manager? When you have a large, loyal following and the ability to generate real interest in the products or services you feature. This adds up to big bucks for brands and for you!

See original article here at Backstage.com

How Branding can boost a hosting career

As actors, you have a variety of skills that could potentially open doors to a hosting career. Actors are driven, determined, creative, and outgoing. However, with so few lead host jobs out there, actors may sometimes need to take a detour to create more job opportunities for themselves. Enter the “expert host” route. Ask yourself, “Do I have an expertise? A passion I can pursue with an audience? That I can offer valuable information about?” If the answer is yes, you may be on your way to a hosting career! 

Talent agents are always looking for the next big personality that can garner a huge social media following and eventually carry their own show. The “expert” host is a position that many actors as any professional, can pursue.

According to Mark Turner, VP, and head of the non-fiction, digital, and branded content division at Abrams Artists Agency in New York, it’s really about personality, first and foremost. Without that, the rest is fairly moot. But for the talent who do have that truly engaging and charismatic personality, the next step is to determine what else they bring to the table that sets them apart from other talent. True passions and areas of expertise are definitely key, but determining your angle is also important. For example, if you’re a lawyer, what differentiates you from all the other lawyers out there? 

And having a large social media following can also be tremendously helpful. But you still need a brand; just having a million followers on your YouTube channel doesn’t necessarily guarantee any success. The kind of content you put out is critical.

Here are a few key questions to ask when finding your brand, a necessary part of becoming an expert host.

READ: 5 Reasons Why Actors Can Make Great TV Hosts

Do I have an expertise?
Are you a nutritionist or fitness expert? Are you a new mom who tried almost every baby product on the market and can offer honest reviews? Are you avid gamer? Maybe you’ve worked in human resources and are an expert in job recruitment who can help an audience through the job search process and help them build a successful career.

Be creative with your branding choices and know what you can sell! If you’re having trouble pinpointing an area of expertise, start by going online and searching for experts who speak to you. Study their style, see what they’re offering to their audience, and what the takeaway is. Take notes and then put your own spin on it. 

Do I have a large social media following? If not, can I build one? 
If you have thousands of followers, you’ve won half the battle! Agents will see this as a huge benefit since this makes it much easier to market you. If you don’t have a large social media following, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Be consistent with content and post on social media regularly. Follow folks within a network you’re trying to break into to build your brand and garner the attention of those you’re looking to snag as followers. It’s all about targeting the right audience that will find value in what you’re offering. 

What area do I feel comfortable talking about and giving advice on?
Makeup tutorials? Fashion tips? Medical advice? Nutrition and fitness? If you have a certification, degree, or years of experience, this will boost your credibility.

Start by finding your angle. Don’t just generalize—choose a direct approach. For instance, if you want to hone in on the lifestyle angle, be specific: fashion finds on a budget, makeup tips for TV, how to stay healthy on $50 bucks a week. Be different!

Can I create content that sells? 
Tips, tricks, tutorials...oh my! Record yourself offering helpful hints or take your audience on a tour behind the scenes of a cool spot in your neighborhood. Be creative with what you think an audience would want to learn, see, and experience. Content needs to be consistent and useful so your audience returns every day to learn or see something new. Otherwise, else there’s no reason for them to come back. 

Once you’ve answered these questions, it’s time to show your stuff! A demo reel is the key to putting your best face forward. This sounds like a daunting task but it’s possible to do on your own without hiring an expensive production crew. Be creative with your content and keep clips concise. Use a high-quality camera, light attachment, and tripod. And be sure to show diversity and personality because it’s all about selling you and your brand!

See original article at here backstage.com

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/how-branding-can-boost-hosting-career/

How to launch your tv news & hosting career

Your dream TV job doesn't just have to involve acting—there's a world of opportunity out there for television-related jobs. 

You want to get out there and sign on the dotted line, but hundreds of other candidates are applying for the same on-air jobs. Some of the most popular TV job titles are news reporter, TV Host, MMJ (multimedia journalist), correspondent, on-air contributor or guest expert.
 
Some key ingredients to snagging that job are marketing and branding, a well-produced demo reel, a stellar on-air presence, tight writing skills, a solid voice and serious time management skills.
 
All of these elements are crucial to rising above the competition. I asked Mark Turner, VP of Alternative & Digital Programming at top talent agency
Abrams Artists what makes potential clients stand out:
 
“First and foremost, you have to have a big outgoing personality. Without that, it becomes a much tougher sell”, says Turner.  “Above that, in today’s TV climate, it’s all about having an area of expertise, which you are truly passionate about: travel, food, fashion, psychology, etc.”
 
Turner adds, “Additionally, creating your own brand, via your Youtube channel and/or Instagram, can be a terrific way of garnering attention from both brands, as well as TV or digital networks and platforms.” 
 
Now that you know what’s necessary to get noticed, where do you even begin?
 
Broadcasting coaches can help by offering guidance and instruction to clients on getting to the next level in their TV career. These coaches show clients how to take existing experience (or lack thereof) and package it in a way that’s appealing to a hiring manager.

READ: 5 Reasons Why Actors Can Make Great TV Hosts

These coaches are a combination of mentor, instructor, producer, and confidant who can strategize a TV career plan of attack.
 
Here’s a list of what TV host or broadcasting coaches can help you with: 

BUILDING YOUR BRAND
Anyone looking to break into TV hosting needs to ask himself or herself,  “what TYPE of host do I see myself resembling?” A Ryan Seacrest type of host, or an expert host?
 
If you’re looking for a reporter or anchor job, are you going for a general Assignment reporter position or entertainment? So many things to consider before putting yourself out there! This is where a broadcasting coach can help, by sorting through a client’s interests, passions, talents and strengths.
 
A MARKETING PLAN
Once you’ve established the type of jobs you are going for, it’s time to get your name and brand out there! A broadcasting coach can advise how to increase your online presence, build a following, look professional, keep a clean profile, and keep followers up to date on current projects.
 
CRITIQUES
Many clients have no idea what level they are performing at until an on-air expert observes and offers critiques and advice on how to improve. Whether it’s teleprompter reading, writing news or hosting scripts, voice and diction, or on air presence, there are so many elements to being an on-camera superstar that it’s necessary to have a professional observe and provide feedback.
 
POLISHING UP SKILLS
Once clients have been critiqued it’s time to start working on those skills. Many clients look and sound great on camera but have no idea how to create content or write a pitch, skills necessary for any newsroom and other media platforms.
 
Nowadays, it’s crucial to be a jack-of-all trades when starting out if you want to be a host or news reporter. One must have incredible on-air presence, be a creative and factual writer, a comfortable ad libber, a videographer and editor!
 
A WEALTH OF INFORMATION
Broadcasting coaches pride themselves on previous, extensive experience in the fields of TV and broadcast. Over the years they collect a wealth of information such as legitimate talent agents, reputable TV and news networks, national media companies searching for fresh talent, web designers, video producers to help with demo reels and more! It would take years for newcomers to collect these reputable contacts.

See the original article on backstage.com here:

https://www.backstage.com/advice-for-actors/backstage-experts/how-launch-your-tv-news-hosting-career/

Why A Fresh Demo Reel Matters

It was a sunny spring day when I got a reply from a top talent agent in LA. I e-mailed her via LinkedIn to request her consideration for representing me. I was sitting in my car thinking, wow! She actually responded to by e-mail! That must be good right? Wrong. In a nutshell her e-mail blasted me saying she wouldn't even look at anything [demo reel] over 6 months old. My stomach dropped and I knew my talent agent search would not be easy.  I remember thinking to myself, I’m lucky if I’m able to pull my footage together in 6 months!

This was a turning point for me, when I realized what I needed to do for myself, as well as my clients; provide creative, high quality material on demand and not count on freelance gigs to come along for the sake of fresh demo reel content.

Since then, I was fortunate enough to sign on with a fantastic, well known talent agency which has given me the guidance and support to keep me going through this tough business. But in the beginning, I heard just about everything from potential agents.

It’s not safe to assume that you will have on-air jobs lined up consistently, never the less enough good material for a whole new reel. Some agents are flexible and work with what you have, but for the most part they want fresh material to submit.

Talent agent Mark Turner, Vice President of Abrams Artists Agency in the Alternative Programming Division says for him, “It's more about the quality of the footage. Does the person look the same and does it convey the personality, expertise or experience that’s necessary to get them a job?”

“If something is 2 years old, but still looks great, you can weave it in to more recent footage”, says Turner.

Some reputable talent agencies will put a reel together for their clients but other agencies count on the client to come up with fresh material and to provide them with a knockout demo reel.

I always had a hand in creating my own demo reel, and I actually prefer it that way. As any performer knows, we are our toughest critics and what one person may think is our best.. just isn’t… in our eyes.

5 Reasons Why a Fresh Demo Reel Matters:

1.) It’s a Small World

It’s a small world. Chances are, if you were submitted for a job 6 months ago, the same casting agency/director will most likely receive another submission on your behalf. They want to see what you’ve done recently. If nothing new, fresh material you shot on your own showcasing you in a different light.

2.) Looks Matter

If you dyed your hair, cut it short, got a nose ring or had your weight fluctuate quite a bit, the casting agent needs to know this before considering you for a job. They may be looking for a specific type, and if this is the case, your looks DO matter.

3.) Shows Diversity and Growth

Even if you haven’t landed an on-air job in over a year you have the opportunity to shoot fresh material that showcases your talent for a particular job. This allows you full control of the type of segments you have on your reel, the type of reads you want and the look or vibe you’re going for. Just using what you have doesn’t always cut it. Especially if the quality is low or it shows you doing breaking news when you really want a hosting job!

4.) It Makes You More Marketable

I’ve had hosting reels as well as broadcast news reels, and at times I’ve combined them. It all depends on the jobs I’m going out for. This is where the type of demo reel material really comes into play. Let’s say your talent agent wants to now pitch you as a technology expert whereas before you were a general assignment reporter with a fair number of technology stories under your belt. Your agent needs to show you as the “expert”. This requires more diverse video clips which makes you more marketable!

5.) Shows You’re Serious About Your Career

How many times have you YouTubed hosting, news or acting reels just so you can see what others in your industry are doing? I do this at least a few times a month. I always like to research what’s new, cutting edge and how I can be different! Having tired old footage, or low quality clips really gives the impression you’re not serious about your career.

If you haven’t worked in a while, or don’t want to use the footage you have, consider hiring a professional production team that specializes in demo reels for on-air talent. If it helps land you your next job, it’s fully worth the investment!

Celebrity Photographer Do's & Don'ts  for Scoring a Smokin' Headshot

New York based photographer Barry Morgenstein has been snapping celebs since 1987. His most notable clients include Meryl Streep, Robert DeNiro, Robin Williams and Olympia Dukakis. He has even built a huge newscaster following over the years, shooting the familiar faces of both local and national news including FOX news anchor Megyn Kelly and veteran journalist Jane Pauley. “I shoot a lot of news anchors, TV hosts and actors, and they all have different needs”, says Morgenstein.

Over two decades of working with a variety of talent, Morgenstein shares some insider tips for those looking to make their head shot stand out to those doing the hiring.

“If you’re in news the key is to look sophisticated but not too uptight”, says Morgenstein.

Here are the top FIVE things newscasters should know before the photo shoot:

• Stick to bold colors. Blue and red are the most popular

• AVOID white, yellow, pink or grey

• Always have two different looks

• A standard promotional shot (i.e. arms crossed, hands on hips)

• A close-up

• Male broadcasters should wear a suit and tie

• Make-up should be a bit heavier than normal. Accent eyes and lips.

Morgenstein recommends hiring a professional hair and make-up artist the day of the shoot. Many photographers will offer that option to their clients as Morgenstein does. If you’re an actor or TV host, Morgenstein says you can be a bit freer with your clothing and posing choices.

Here are the top FIVE things actors and TV hosts should know before the photo shoot:

• Act natural- no fake smiles

• Let your personality shine through

• Shoot at least two different looks; a close-up and a three quarter shot if you’re fit and want to show off your physique

• Dress in simple, solid, bold colors. Black is also a nice, clean color choice

• Men can wear a fitted t-shirt or sport jacket

“Just look relaxed”, says Morgenstein. That comes from feeling comfortable with your photographer, which Morgenstein says is essential to getting that perfect shot. “If the actor doesn’t feel comfortable and isn’t showing their true self, then I’m not doing my job.” For those pure moments, Morgenstein even adds a special bonus for his clients. Candid photographs. “As the talent is getting prepped for the shoot, and even at times throughout, I sneak some cool candid shots to capture the real personality of my client”, says Morgenstein.

As an actor, TV host or broadcaster, having professional candid shots in your marketing arsenal allows you to have a leg up on the competition. Performers can post them on their website and social media. Choosing a head shot photographer is a big decision, especially since the shoot and prints can cost hundreds of dollars, so here are a few things to consider before you commit to any photographer.

• Research. Look at testimonials and reviews

• Check the professional’s resume and experience

• Meet with them. You must feel comfortable with this person in order to bring

• out your best

• Ask if they have any upcoming promotions or discounts you can take advantage of

Remember, as a performer it’s your job to do your homework on those you hire, be smart with your clothing choices and most of all have fun the day of the shoot!

For more information on Barry Morgenstein Photography CLICK HERE.