You are young, energetic and ready to pursue that passion that burns deep within you. You don’t know where to begin or what to expect but all you want is to join the media world. Let me help you out. I have been doing this for 9 years now, I know a thing or two.
Be ready for many, many auditions…Many!
A friend of a friend, a former classmate, anyone who knows of your passion will alert you about auditions for a Tv or radio gig. Go for them. All of them. You never know what doors will open for you in the process. Don’t get tired or discouraged! I went to so many auditions, many of which I can’t even remember lol! You may not get the gig, but at least you won’t ask yourself “what if I had gone?” It will also add to what I like to call, your confident bars, that way you have the courage to go for more and more.
Dress The Part. Not to SHOCK!
Yo! I have seen things in these streets. From extra low cut, massive, cleavage revealing tops to very short tight-up skirts screaming to be let loose. For what?! Sure the girl will get to the final stage of the auditions, heck, might even get the job but TRUST ME, they never last. The number of times she will have to part her legs for that next big gig? Yeah… Dress the part, look attractive, not trashy. Remember, the people interviewing you have seen everything under the sun in this business. They want to be wowed and surprised by your intellect and talent, not thighs.
Take Caution!
Not every audition or interview will be worth your time and effort. Not everyone will have your best interests at heart. You need to know where you draw the line. What you are willing or not willing to do. Remember your morality and sound mind are at stake. If something doesn’t feel right? LEAVE girl. RUN.
Be Ready For Many Free Pilots.
So a pilot is the first episode of a show that is used to pitch to a potential sponsor or network. Trust me when I say there will be many of those. You will not be paid because it’s a trial run sort of a thing. Before you turn it down because you think the makers of the show are taking advantage of you, stop and think. What have you got to lose? If the show is approved, you have a Tv gig! If not, ah well, you win some you lose some. What is definite is the networks you will have created. You now know more people in this industry and they know you. The odds are in your favor.
You Won’t Be Rich And Famous…Just Yet.
So say the pilot is approved and you are now a presenter of a show. I won’t promise you that the pay will be great, neither will you be a superstar over night. For a long time I went about my life not earning so much and not getting recognition for my work on radio or Tv. That however did not kill mine neither should it kill your vision. In all the up’s and down’s something that I cannot stress enough is the networks you will create. So be nice to people in this small industry. You never know who knows who and who will recommend you for that next big show. That or they may speak about you in hush tones hoping you don’t hear them. I wish you all the best in your journey!
Love. Live. Learn.
Mwalimu Rachel
#MRX.
