Forrester Media's Atlanta Video Production Blog

Live shot from our studio

Live shot from our studio, originally uploaded by forrestermedia.

We are one of the only production companies in the state with the capability of feeding live video anywhere in the world. This morning, United States Congressman Tom Price (R-Marietta, GA) stopped by for a live shot for CNN's 'American Morning.'

Our studio is convenient to anyone in Northwest Atlanta and Cobb County and is available 24/7 for breaking news.

Ready for your TV live shot?

A TV network just called and ask you to appear on a news show tomorrow. Are you ready for your appearance? What, you're not? Here are a few pointers to help you stay on target and make the best of your two minutes.

The day prior: Prepare for the interview and review your topic. Try standing in front of the mirror so you notice your facial expressions, mannerisms, etc. when you are speaking and listening. Don't obsess over this, but be aware of what your face is doing. Practice with possible answers to questions you may be asked.

Before you leave: Set your DVR to record the program so you can review it afterwards - don't ask the reporter or network for a copy as it is highly unlikely that you will be able to receive a copy. There are also monitoring services that do nothing but record TV programming all day for this purpose, though it can be expensive. Programming your DVR is a much less costly option.

Dress appropriately. The color blue is one of the best colors for most people as it compliments and contrasts skin tones. Solids or light patterns are best - avoid herringbone or other busy patterns. Try to avoid white shirts or other bright colors when not wearing a jacket. When you arrive at the location - check your teeth for spinach and other unwanted distractions, your head for stray hairs and your collar and tie (if you're wearing such). A bathroom visit will solve all these problems.

Once on the set, remember - prior to and after your interview there is a camera and a microphone recording your every move and word. If Jesse Jackson can forget this, so can you. Behave as if someone is watching and listening to you - which they are. If you are wearing a jacket and are seated, sit on the bottom edge of your jacket to keep it from riding up.

Stick to topic and be brief with concise answers. Don't get sidetracked into giving opinions on topics you aren't an expert on. Politely decline, which can be tricky - but it's much worse to be quoted with incorrect information.

If you are talking to a person on the set, look at them. If you're talking to a person at a remote location, look directly at the camera. Don't be distracted by action behind the camera or off-set. Stay focused.

When the interview is completed, wait for a crew member to give you the 'all-clear' signal before you jump our of your seat - you will likely need to have your microphone removed as well, so please stay in place a moment longer.

There are regular guests on news programs and they will often take media training to prepare for this exact situation, but for the occasional guest, media training may not be practical. I hope these tips help. If you need additional information, please contact me and we can put you in touch with companies that specialize in media training - some of which use our studio as the classroom.