Television Production 101

Steer Clear of Swollen Heads and Big Egos:

Some people get swelled heads when they become television producers. In order to do the best for your own show, your own career and your own life, stay out of the swelled-head syndrome and remember that even though all producers are different and unique, they are all equal. Television production, you hear these words and automatically you think "fame", "celebrities", "do what you want to do", "fabulous networking" and so many other wonderful things. You rarely stop and think about all the work that is done behind the scenes, and all the work that is done even before you are due to arrive at the television studio. If you find some producers who are bossy or disrespectful, follow your gut instinct and steer clear of them. Find out if producers are in good-standing with the studio by inquiring at the Public Equipment Room. You can check there for names of producers who can help you with your own shows.

Here is what I have learned at cable television-- that most of the great shows have great producers but they have no swelled heads. In other words, working with them on a show is no power trip, it's a good, mutual team experience. Once you have a producer whose only main purpose is to produce a great show--at the expense of other's , then the main purpose is worthless. In producing all good shows, one needs to remember to respect all crew members and to treat everyone as you wish they treat you. In other words, respect, professionalism, honesty and integrity, first, and everything else after that comes easily.

These online lessons are not intended to be for any technical instruction, but mostly for the social aspect of producing television shows. (There are, besides the social aspect lessons, some lessons that give leads to good sites, information about photography. I recommend the community access classes that are given in Brooklyn. If you have opportunity to attend any of those classes, you will be doing yourself a great service, even if you have already been to film or other kind of schools. Other recommendations that I offer are John Hedgecoe books (check the library), and the Kodak series on photography.

Our first lesson in television production is one that is left out of all formal training. After being at the studio for a number of years and having interactions with many students and producers, I noticed that there are a handful of producers who have not adjusted to the professionalism in the area of respect and good, balanced leadership.

Good, Respectful Producers Wanted:

I am always seeking good producers for the show and you are welcome to join our team anytime you like. If you are serious about television production, send us an email and we will get back to you. (I am not selling anything; I produce shows for free and do not charge any talent, hosts or producers any fees at all. It is all good and free). What you do receive is a great experiences working with a good, experienced producer. You can contact us before you even graduate and we will invite you to be in our audience if you would like to see what our shows are like or what the process is.

EVERY Day, Every Production is A Good Learning Experience:

Know that every day is a learning day for you. Yes, that is correct. I find that I learn from each and every production. The lessons I learn are lessons of what to do and what not to do. I learn about the trade, about productions, about technical items and I learn about producers. Life is a learning experience and if you always take it as that, you will have a most wonderful learning experience and you will be at your happiest.

Keep On Working At It; Always Have Hope:

One of the most important lessons that you will ever learn about television production: Though TV production is an art, and though it requires certain talents, you can do it and you will be successful as long as you keep on working at it. You can do it! Never let anyone discourage you from doing television if this is what you truly want to do. As long as you keep on studying and keep on working, you will eventually produce good television. All it takes is study, practice, dedication and determination to be successful. If you have those things, you will find what you need and you will do your job. Eventually it will all come easy to you, but you will still work hard at it. Just know that you have a future in television if that is your goal or your desire. You just have to want to do it, and stick with it. Do something each and every day of your life to work towards your goals in television production. That is the best start that you can get.

Think Positive:

Probably the second-most important lessons you should learn about television production or any line of work is that you need to think positive, maintain a positive attitude and no matter what, yes, no matter what, do not listen to anyone who tells you to do something wrong. Never give in to peer pressure. If someone wants to do something that bad, let them do it themselves. Do not aid them. That means if another producer (or anyone in life) wants you to break the rules do not do it. Let the rule-breakers do their own dirty-work.

I updated this article on November 16, 2008