I recently filmed a segment for Adelaide’s Today Tonight. It went to air tonight and I was cringing. I mean who do I think I am doing a television segment? It’s pretty obvious I don’t have the face for tv, nor the acting ability to deliver the lines asked of me. I did enjoy the parts I could talk freely, giving opinions on quirky news items because, as you all know, I like to talk.
When I watched myself on TV I spent much of my time cowering behind my couch with my hand over my face squealing WHY?
Embarrassment aside, it was such a fun experience and I’d love to do it again. The journo who was guiding me through the experience knows the industry backwards. I was lucky to have him giving me direction. He’d written some things for me to say, links to stories, silly one-liners and he offered some fabulous tips to get me through. The sound guy and camera man were both kind and hilarious. The woman who normally does the segment used to read the national and state news for Channel 10. They had definitely scrapped the bottle of the barrel with me.
But it was the moment the journo got a Cherry Ripe and asked me to “suck the end of it until it got wet” so he could smear the chocolate across my face, that things got a little weird. I could see the camera guy zooming in, the sound guy smirking and I was immediately onto to them. “If this makes it onto the funny reels (an industry night where out-takes are shown) I will sue the lot of you,” I threatened them, while laughing. I was then asked to eat the Cherry Ripe, with a sneaky look on my chocolate covered face, and say something along the lines of: “I can’t believe there are so many people addicted to chocolate?”.
I may have to move to another state.
Life is about taking chances, trying something new and laughing at yourself. It’s about pushing the negative reactions from your mind because as I learned recently there are a lot of bored people out there who are just plain nasty. Never say no to opportunities because of fear. Embrace the nerves and remember to always make camera guys sign a written contract that they will “lose that chocolate footage”.
Have your tried something new lately?
bigwords x
PS: I know TV puts 10 pounds on you, but far out I need to lose weight.
Hi, I'm Bianca Wordley, I write about life.
You are one very brave lady indeed!
No way could I do that. I am cringing now with mortification at the mere thought of it.
The newest thing I’ve tried recently is starting my first ever blog. It’s been nerve-wracking. I’m naturally a private person, so exposing my creative side is quite challenging for me. I’m getting more comfortable with it though, and I’m really enjoying it … so it’s a no-brainer really. It’s my new happy place, just for me.
GO YOU!! Well done for starting a blog. It’s always a bit strange sharing with strangers, but you quickly realise that most people are amazingly supportive, like yourself, and you definitely get to be creative. It’s my happy place too xx
Damn. I missed it! What was the story about (apart from a soggy Cherry Ripe)? I can only imagine how nerve wracking it must be. And I photograph terribly, so that would add about 10 years to me!
It was a little segment What’s Going ON? segment. Lots of fun and it wasn;t as bad as I thought it would be! You’d be fab at it x
Congrats on your TV gig 🙂
Nope I haven’t tried anything new lately. But I really should!
Hi Bianca 🙂 Well I for one think you did a great job with the Whats going on segment on Today Tonight. I was happy with the way my art, paintings and quilt covers were presented. Nearly didn’t wash my face for a week after the Richard Branson kisses – maybe next time I will use your trick and smear my face in chocolate to get him to linger longer, lol 🙂 Love Marie xxx
Hi Marie, Thanks for reading bigwords. I absolutely adore your artwork and was proud to talk about someone doing such amazing creative work in SA. Well done and wish you many successes to come x
Thanks a lot for that lovely comment Bianca,very kind of you 🙂 I am very happy to have discovered your blog too. Really enjoy your writing and your take on the world. I write a blog too, if you fancy a look about art, inspirations and life. Here are a couple you may enjoy. Love Marie xxx
http://www.mariejonssonharrison.com.au/new/index.php/2010/04/6-san-fransisco/ and http://www.mariejonssonharrison.com.au/new/index.php/2010/11/55-the-rise-and-fall-of-the-tooth/
Thanks for the blog links x
Hello, what a hoot and honestly I think you are so brave. I worked in TV for ten years before I had the children and it’s a great industry – always lots going on and funny people – loads of huge egos. I abolutely loved assisting people to tell their stories, really satisfying… ended up doing kids’ comedy which was a hoot too. But I always swore I’d NEVER go in front of the cameras.
BUT radio… I’ve done a bit as an interviewee and absolutely love it – ideal for chatty people who don’t love putting on make up. Often think I missed my metier there… but you never know what’s to come do you.
Well done anyway and glad you enjoyed it. Here’s to more.
Seana – it was so much. It really wasn’t as bad as I imagined it to be. Thanks for popping by x