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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions. If this does not answer your questions, please give us a call and we will be happy to answer them for you.
How long is the finished resume tapes?
This depends on your area of specialization such as news, sports, weather or entertainment. The average DVD or media link runs 4 to 8 minutes long. Nearly all the DVDs will begin with a well thought out montage that will dissolve between various shots of your on-air skills. Followed by the rest of your work. Your DVD will contain all the elements that News Directors are looking for, when it comes to making a hiring decision in your field.
What is the success rate in talent getting a job after they get their reel together?
We have talent working in large to small markets across the country and around the world. Some get a job within days, weeks or a month after they get their Media link/DVD out. Some it can take months to find that perfect position. Your success depends on your talents, drive and desire to make it in the television industry. While we have a very high success rate for on-air talent, it really comes down to you and your job search.
What if I have materials (video) from college, internship or a previous job?
Yes! I recommend it. Showing off previous work is suggested. But make sure the work makes your look good and not bad. Sometime previous work is old and dated. And when you add it to a new reel, it can look bad. Have the material you want to add on a flash drive or DVD or where it can be uploaded. Bring it with you and we will add it. There is no extra charge for this.
What do News Directors think of a resume reel assisted by a service such as American Broadcast Talent?
The answer to that is simple. They love it! Look at all of our clients that are employed around the country. News Directors or the hiring source need to see how you look, sound and perform on camera. They need to see how you write, shoot and edit materials. Whether you made you tape at college, home, previous job or at a resume tape service does not matter. It's you skills and talents that will get you the job and how professional you handle yourself on the reel.
Why should I use American Broadcast Talent as compared to any other related resume tape company or photographer?
I am not going to hold back on this answer. :) We are the best! Just look at our samples compared to any other service. There is no close comparison in terms of quality. We have been doing resume DVDs and media links since 2001. We also have over 20 years of experience working on-air in television. We know first hand what it is like being talent at a television station. We are not a former news director, former photographer, editor that has been out of the businesses for years. We work in television and know our industry. We have a professional studio, teleprompter, set, green screen and all the professional gear. Most importantly, our clients get jobs. However, we will not talk bad about any other resume tape service. If you like some other service, look at their samples, and make your own choice. Some services survive by only trash talking other resume tape services. We will not do that about anyone
Will I have to run my own teleprompter and will I be left alone during my resume tape session?
We never make your run your own teleprompter (that is insane). We have a professional to do that for you. Also, we will never leave you alone (never) to listen to scanners, find stories, edit, etc. We will always be with you during your session assisting you with everything to create the perfect resume reel. Some resume tape services actually leave you along during your stay and make you run your own teleprompter. Some services don't even own a teleprompter. Ask them before you make a reservation.
Could I just not make my own resume tape from scratch?
I do think it is possible that you could make your own resume reel at home. But here is what you would need. You need professional camera gear including a wireless mic. If you don't know how to shoot, then you would have to hire a professional to do it for you. This can cost up to $1000.00 per day just for shooting. You will also need editing equipment to edit your stories. You need stories to go cover, stand-up locations, etc. Do you have access to a professional news set with great lighting? If your a reporter, weatherman or a entertainment reporter, what about a green screen? If your a sportscaster, do you have access to game highlights and soundbites? Then on top of all that, do you really know what a great resume tape should look like? You get the picture here. Making your own tape can be done, but you need the equipment, expertise and stories to make a resume tape that can really get you a job.
It seems expensive to get a resume tape produced?
That depends at how you are looking at this. College was expensive but you need college in order to someday get a job. You also need a resume tape in order to get an on-air job at a television station. Compared to your education a resume reel is very inexpensive. You might be able to find a photographer or another service to do your resume tape. But if their work is not good, then what will you do with a lousy tape? Make sure to check our samples and the samples of anyone that you would have do your reel. Sometimes you get what you pay for in life. We may cost more, but you will walk away with a professional Medla File/DVD that can actually help you find a job in television.
Is my current resume tape good enough to get me a job?
This is a simple question to answer. Look at some of our samples and compare your work to our work. Does it honestly look the same? Remember, you are going up against reels that look like our samples. If you have been sending out your work with little results, then you probably know the answer regarding your current reel. It's also possible that your material is good but presented poorly or edited poorly. We can help you with that. Feel free to send us a copy of your current resume reel and we will happy to take a look at no charge.
If I'm looking for a News Reporter or News Anchor position, should I include a "celebrity interview" on my resume reel?
Unless you are applying for an entertainment reporter position, stay away from celebrity interviews or interviews showing you standing there with the person your interviewing. Celebrity interviews or stories don't mean much to a News Director in Iowa or Michigan. In fact, it will probably hurt you. Yes it's cool to interview George Clooney, but local news is not about feature stories on a daily basis (I wish it was but its not). If you don't believe me, call a News Director. Your reel should feature mainly hard news stories and local stories. One light or feature type story on a reel is ok, but really not necessary.
After I make my deposit, then what?
After you place your deposit, (over the phone) we will send you a packet of information about your upcoming session. Do not make a plane reservation until your reserve a spot with us first. Once your spot is reserved, we will send you all the details regarding your session including your hotel stay, airport shuttle and other pertinent details. We will also send you clothing recommendations (you will be changing outfits) during your session. We will also instruct you what type of stories you will be covering and how to prepare for that. We have a really cool program set up for reporters, anchors, weather casters, sportscasters, and entertainment hosts that will keep you busy even before you attend.
How long does it take to do a resume tape session?
We do most sessions in one day. Most shoots take 7-8 hours (there are exceptions). Because we have things planned ahead of time, we are very organized with your time. We know how long it's going to take us to train you, perform make-up and shoot your resume reel. For nearly all sessions, we have you stay over night at a hotel the night before so you are rested before recording your materials.
Once I am done with my session, Will I have my resume tape in hand?
I would be concerned with anyone that produces a resume reel and then hands it to you the same day. Think about it...how good of a reel can it be if it is shot, edited, produced and finished in one day? If you did a reel on your own, would you really finish it in one or two days? Of course not! You would meticulously work on it over a period of time. Don't you want to make sure that everything is perfect? Such as editing, color correction, supers, dissolves, flow, etc. American Broadcast Talent spends hours and hours working on your Media Link/DVD. We want to make sure everything is perfect. American Broadcast Talent can have your reel within one week or less after shooting the materials.
What clothing should I bring?
We will advise you about this after you make your deposit. You will be bringing a variety of outfits (professional suits) to make changes while you make your reel. You will be shooting in Florida so we have great weather to work with. No snow or cold to deal with.
What about make-up & hair?
We provide both men and women with access to a make-up artist. We work with the best make-up people in Orlando, Florida. Please ask us about our hair and make-up services. A separate fee will apply for the artist. Or you can simply purchase your own make-up (yes men as well) and apply before your session. We have a full make-up room in our studio.
Where do we stay when we attend American Broadcast Talent?
No need to worry about a hotel. When you come to American Broadcast Talent, we provide your hotel stay. You will be staying in Orlando, Florida. We will take care of your reservations for you. You will be right next to area restaurants with a wide variety of food choices all within walking distance. The hotel will provide free airport transfers so you don't have to rent a car while attending your session in Orlando.
Can I drive to the American Broadcast Talent session?
Many that attend drive to the workshop. We have people drive from as far away as Los Angeles and New York.
Can I extend my visit into a vacation?
Some of our students turn the trip into a mini vacation. Some enjoy the area beaches and nearby theme parks. It's really up to you when you plan you resume reel session.
How do I make extra copies of my resume reel?
We will give you a digital master copy of your resume reel. We will also give you 5 copies of the actual resume DVD. You can take your master to a dubbing house or have us make you additional copies. American Broadcast Talent can also convert your resume reel into a media link so News Directors can watch you demo over a computer.