Hi all,
I found out today I will be doing a bathroom for some clients who signed up to be on a TV show. Never been on TV. I am not sure how much face time I will have, but I am expecting it to be a pretty interesing experience either way.
Anybody done anything on the tube? Will I have to make the same cut 25 times so they can get multiple angles on my saw blade?
Wish me luck (or break-a-leg or whatever…)
Replies
Wear a plain t-shirt, no logos.
Make sure your hair is neat.
White makes you look fat...er
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Tu stultus es
Why a plain t-shirt? What's wrong with a smallish tasteful logo? of his own company, of course."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
I have some meetings with them coming up...I'm definitely gonna push to wear our logo. I have seen other guys on those shows wearing theirs...?
No Coffee No Workee!
Sorry, your logo is fine. The logo for Budwieser requires blocking out in post production... making it more likely you end up on the cutting room floor.Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Tu stultus es
gotcha. That's what I thought you meant..No Coffee No Workee!
or a logo on a kilt . . . now that would be noticeable
How about a kilt and a logo shirt?
I knew this was coming, you didn't disappoint ;-)
if you want to realy be noticeable, go to work naked with the logo drawn on your chest.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
this is why you're in politics and i'm not <g>
me waltzing around naked wouldn't get me too many votes for anything... maybe votes to put my clothes back on.
<!----><!----><!---->
I refuse to accept that there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Pete Draganic
Take life as a test and shoot for a better score each day. Matt Garcia
You will get at least three votes.
Your two sons and your daughter's vote!!!!!
What's wrong with a smallish tasteful logo?
Network rules may require blurring out any logo, since there's no way to tell, all the way down to a local franchise station who is or is not advertising.
That "blur out" then becomes a bit of a visual distraction (or the subject of speculation on what is so bad it has to be blurred out).Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
If you company logo includes your motto of Fine Character, Understanding, and Knowledge... down on acronym form,you will likely get a blur blob :)Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CAAlso a CRX fanatic!
Tu stultus es
I own a home inspection company. When I was trying to decide on a name, my dad suggested "Secure Home Inspection Technology". He said it sounded like a strong name with a nice technical edge. I told him it sounded like...well, you know...
Anyway, I guess I'll find out what I am to wear in one of these meetings.No Coffee No Workee!
If this is your company logo, write a line on the waiver they make you sign that your logo will not be redacted and have the producer initial it.
write a line on the waiver they make you sign that your logo will not be redacted
Trouble with that, is that the producer may not know who the "end" network will be. Or, might know, but may not know who will be advertizing on that network.
And, those networks can have more than the "raw" national ad subscription. Meaning, in "post" they may just blur all logos, just to not have any troubles with local advertising (which gets sold "over" the national advertising).
Just all part of why local advertising is the most expensive.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Then how about putting it in the contract that our guy will be introduced by the host, including his company name?
"This is Capn Crunch of Big Hat Construction. He's gonna show us how they do it in Texas" ;-)
If memory serves, that's the way they handle it on TOH and some other home improvement shows.
Edited 11/23/2008 3:40 am by Hudson Valley Carpenter
Hey Jed,
Good for you! Thats pretty cool.
I have been on TV a number of times for the consulting work I do. I already have accrued about 4 hours on some pretty big shows...CNN, ABC. I just wish I could do it more as I love doing it and getting paid to do it is fun too!
My suggestion is just be agreeable to the producerdirectorcamerman as they can make you look REALLY good if they like you...or an idiot if they don't.
And try to remember to smile ALOT as folks like a friendly looking face.
Mike
Ahhh, yes - good advice. I hadn't thought of the whole "they can make you look like an idiot" thing (though in my case, they may not have to try too hard!). Smile and kiss butt...I think I can do that!
Thanks for the advice.
I am not totally sold on the kilt. I agree with the attention getting from it, and I am Irish, but I do like to wear under shorts.
Hey OR Mike, did they have you repeat things for camera shots?No Coffee No Workee!
Jed,
Yeah, but usually once once or twice. The tough part comes when you have to convey a whole series of ideas in a long continuous talking segment.
Mike
Jed
Ive done 3 series of shows on local tv. The last one was halted because of 9 11. Producer was remodeling his own house and the job was 3 times more than he budgeted. I was on maybe 50 or more episodes, find out up front where they want you to look when you talk. The camera is in your face and even if someone is talking to you there will be tendencies for you to talk to the camera. If you are good at that, then they may want more of you depending on how cool you are. I did some of that but with most episodes I spoke to the host and they bounced back and forth with other scenery and music when it was cut. Believe me, you will be inconvenienced but you will also be the one to tell them when the best action will be happening on the job. Wear a collared shirt, clean your fingernails in case they show your hands with a tool, turn the cell off and have a lot of patience. I developed a lot of business from the shows i did. I even signed autographs for some kids at a home show who saw me on tv earlier that morning.
Edited 11/23/2008 9:14 am ET by shellbuilder
"My suggestion is just be agreeable to the producerdirectorcamerman as they can make you look REALLY good if they like you...or an idiot if they don't."
Mike, I think you are way off. I think he should try to act like a complete raging idiot. If he does, they'll likely give him his own show on ABC Sunday night. That's how it's seemed to work for others at least.
Now there's an idea! I am great at being an idiot. They'll love me!
I could start an argument with their designer to add some drama, and then maybe have some secret love affair with one of the producers..."Desperate Carpenters"...
I'll remember you guys when I'm famous for giving me these great ideas. Thanks!
BTW...as far as screwing up my schedule as someone mentioned here...we are slow enough that it will not impact my schedule (I would have to have a schedule in order to impact it). But good advice - thank you.No Coffee No Workee!
joe,
You might be right as even with all the TV stuff I have done, Hollywood has never called but folks like that guy you are mentioning seem to get the BIG shows. Doesn't seem fair does it?
You know, Harrison Ford was a carpenter when he was discovered. I tell my wife that when I know I will be on and then sit by the phone waiting for Hollywood to call. After I have been sitting there a few hours staring at the phone, she will just look at me and say "I think you should probably go to work now". :(
Harrison Ford was a carpenter when he was discovered
So was Bruce Springstein. Well, he didn't work much, but when he did...he frmaed houses, I think.No Coffee No Workee!
I can definitely see Gunner starring in a remake of 'Smokey and the Bandit'.
Dinosaur
How now, Mighty Sauron, that thou art not broughtlow by this? For thine evil pales before that whichfoolish men call Justice....
Hijack - here's my 15 minutes of fame. About 3 years ago USAA sent a photo crew to our house for about 4 hours to shoot a huge number of "family" pictures for possible future use. They shot something like 1500 pictures. It took a while, but we eventually got used to the clicking. They paid us for the time, and there was no guarantee that any of the pics would ever get used. DW kept checking the magazine, and finally she saw somwething that made her dig a bit deeper. They have a whole series of brochures, and we managed to get into about 8 of them. This one is me and grandaughter on the cover of one, she was sitting on my lap and I was reading to her. DW and I are in other pics. They used about 4 shots for about 12 insertions. GDD, who is 6+ now, gleefully points out to mama and auntie that she and pappy, and sometime mimi, are in print, "but you're not!".
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
What a great picture.No Coffee No Workee!
I suggest that you watch all of the Rocky movies, two or three times each, before the shoot begins. And wear a stingy brim Fedora, brim up in front. ;-)
My biggest concern, no joke, would be about being distracted, trying to do something, knowing I was on camera, and cutting my hand off.....Be careful!!
Bing
>>>OK - I've seen a few that were attractive but those involved thong underwear too.
Given that most forum members here are male, that conjures up an image that just made me choke on my cheerios........
;)
Scott.
Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”
I once knew a trim carp whose daughter worked for him. I'm thinking she was maybe 24 YO. She liked to wear a halter top and Daisy-dukes on hot days and let's just say that she had no trouble what-so-ever with her tool belt sliding down like I do. It was a real "show stopper".
pictures please.
Ahhh..... that's better; good for the digestion.....Scott.Always remember those first immortal words that Adam said to Eve, “You’d better stand back, I don’t know how big this thing’s going to get.”
I once knew a trim carp whose daughter worked for him. I'm thinking she was maybe 24 YO. She liked to wear a halter top and Daisy-dukes on hot days and let's just say that she had no trouble what-so-ever with her tool belt sliding down like I do. It was a real "show stopper".
This reply is useless without photographic evidence.
I once knew a trim carp whose daughter worked for him. I'm thinking she was maybe 24 YO. She liked to wear a halter top and Daisy-dukes on hot days and let's just say that she had no trouble what-so-ever with her tool belt sliding down like I do. It was a real "show stopper".
This reply is useless without photographic evidence.
I've got copy of that old pic that used to pop up around here occasionally, if anyone wants it.
Lord knows posting it these days would get me bozo'd in a heartbeat.
Edited 11/23/2008 1:03 am by deadman1
deadman,
Ohhhh, I remember that pic! But to jog my memory EXACTLY, you should probably send it to me via my email in my profile. ;)
Congrats, Jed!
I got my 15 min. No carpentry, though.
It all started when the local paper contacted the local paddling shop about doing an article on Winter canoeing.
So the shop called me, lent my wife and me some colorful whitewater jackets (all of my stuff is grungy!), and we ended up with color pictures on the front page of the sporting section of various city papers around Michigan.
Next thing you know, some TV channel in Lansing calls to set up a shoot.
This time about 3 or 4 more guys and gals come with us. We get to play around for a while in our little solo canoes in the same set of rapids, then watch it all on TV later!
Of course, the TV folks angle on it was "These people are crazy!", but it was all a media idea in the first place.!
AitchKay
Beware of the scam where they say they're doing a show but then hit you up for money and never actually get the show on the air.
A more important question than the color of your T-Shirt, or whether you can wear a logo, is how the TV show will impact your schedule.
I've never done it, but I've heard that the contractor is often at the mercy of the film crew and that his/her schedule is scrondary to the film crews needs for setting up a shot, retakes, etc. That 10 minute job to pull the toilet might take all morning. - lol
In the late 70's I had a job working for a neighborhood development co. in Boston, working with academically challenged HS kids, showing them how to do simple winterization projects the last time we had an energy crisis. I was sort of a community organizer, like that other guy.
We ended up doing a public service spot for the NFL. John Smith, then the kicker for the Patriots, was in the bit. It was fun, ran on TV during a few games. Other than my family, no one seemed too impressed with my ability to not fall off a ladder. It was pretty simple, only a few takes, climbing up and down etc.
Getting a bit serious for a moment, have you considered what negative sides there may be to this kind of venture?
For example, every postive response you receive from friends and business associates will be balanced out by others who are envious and will look for ways to criticise you, both openly and behind your back.
When I was a young carpenter and seeker of inner wisdom I became friends with a married couple who worked for PBS as documentary film makers. They rented an old farmhouse near my small place where they spent weekends, up from NYC.
Being the same age with similar backgrounds and adverturesome spirits, we enjoyed each other's company and spent time together almost every weekend, swapping stories about our lives as well as our current work.
After about a year, they surprised me with a request to do a short documentary about my life as a 60's drop out and seeker who was making a new life as a country carpenter.
My inner response was clear and swift. It reminded me how happy I was in my quiet new life there in the woods and how a small moment of fame might impact my simple, friendly relationships with the local people, as well as my own ego.
I couldn't imagine anything good coming from it, not considering what my life's aims were.
TV tends to exploit people. Even a sensitive portrayal of someone's life or work is usually missing one or more key ingredients. In a situation like this, your professional reputation could be in jeopary.
As others have mentioned regarding the final results, how you're portrayed will be at the mercy of the producer and director.
Edited 11/24/2008 12:54 pm by Hudson Valley Carpenter
Thank you for your insight.
I most certainly agree with you on these points. When it first came up, it was just another job in a time when we are not turning much down. When the TV part was brought up, we nearly walked away from it because of the point you brought up here. Yeah, being on TV is "cool" but these days, the dumber they can make you look, the better it is for ratings.
What made us decide to go ahead is the nature of the show. It is heavily homeowner-focused. The premise is that they show the HO how to do certain things, and they save money. Our price remains the same as it would if it was not on television, and I am there to make sure things are done to my standards (yes, this is what the producer told me). They said I would probably get some face time, but it would mainly be the owner.
As I have said in past posts, I have some pre-production meetings to attend before I know everything, but I am confident that this is a good thing. If not for publicity then simply because it's a job at a time I might otherwise not have one.
That's also why I started this thread to get advice from folks who had done it, and help avoid pitfalls before I've done it. Thanks to all who have replied so far. There is some good advice here, as well as some good stuff to laugh at (BTW-I have decided against the kilt-sorry).
I plan on keeping my nails clean (thank you for that), and wearing a logo shirt unless they won't let me (which is fine as well). My wife is buying me a couple pairs of jeans.
Thanks again for your thoughts. Consider them as well-taken advice. You can say I told you so if it blows up in my face.
JedNo Coffee No Workee!
Jed, I have been in the entertainment business for over 20 years. The majority of my work has been in feature films, but I have done my share of TV. I don't know the scope of your production, many of the shows I have worked on average about 2 million dollars per episode. The most important part of any series is the production schedule. Your schedule and life are a distance second even if you are the star. No one wants to turn there TV on and see a blank screen because the crew went home early. You will often see people on TOH working at night even outside because that segment must get done before anyone goes home. We have a saying in the TV game called Fraturday. (a contraction of Friday & Saturday). It comes from going to work on Friday and not leaving till Saturday. (I recall an episode of Law & Order, I went in at 11:00AM on Friday and we did not finish till 2:00AM on Saturday)I think your production will not have such a demanding schedule, but even the best run shows will have there bad days. You will have situations where you will do many takes of the same action so the tape can be edited different ways, this can get very tiresome. Then there is the dreaded "hurry up and wait". You will spend many hours sitting around waiting for your segment to be taped and then they will go like gang busters to get that segment in the can.Again, I hope your production is very easy going without too many egos and you have a good show with a long run."That's a wrap"Danny
Thanks, Danny! I have already told my wife to eat dinner without me while this project is on.
I witnessed, but was not part of, a home improvement show taping once. They had the granite guys remove the granite from the truck 5 times to get "the right angle". Once they finally got in inside, thet informed the producer or whomever that the granite was going in once, and she had better get their cameras in the right spot the first time!
The slab with the cutout for the cook top broke - on camera.
Thanks again for your thoughts.
Jed No Coffee No Workee!
"Our price remains the same as it would if it was not on television, "
I guess I would lose the job after the first meeting. I was curious about how you would change your rates. I was thinking along the lines of four times the standard, and I wouldn't work fixed bid, it would have to be hourly rates for any labor, for the whole crew.
I wouldn't stand around and watch the camera guy clean the lense, or pay my help out of my pocket so the director could run through another shot.
I think my problem would be I would consider our company to be "the talent", as opposed to getting a lucky break and hopefully snag some "free advertising". I also would not do it unless company logo's were allowed to be worn.
Even if it is public television, someone somewhere is making a dollar on the deal, and I would want my cut. Again, I would also most likely not be asked to come to the second meeting. Good Luck, Vic
Again, I am doing the job for the work. The other contractors they spoke with felt as you do and jacked their price up noticably (4-5 times normal). I am assuming that they were busy enough to turn down work.
I am not paying any help. Just me. No, this will not interfere with my other scheduling (read earlier posts).
The show is a national cable based show. The production company is local and sells the show to the network. I'm sure they are making a lot of money.
I am not insinuating you said I was, but I am not a total idiot. I will be insisting on some things during the upcoming meetings, and my contract is good and gives me some lee-way for this project specifically. I am not going to jeapordize the company to get on TV.
I really appreciate your concern for me and my company. I'll be sure to let everyone know how this turns out (or how it is turning out). Maybe I can be of some help to someone else in my current position later.
Thanks again.
JedNo Coffee No Workee!
I am not a total idiot
Just part idiot and part crazy? :)"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Mostly crazy. I just play an idiot on TV!!No Coffee No Workee!
>>The show is a national cable based show. The production company is local and sells the show to the network. I'm sure they are making a lot of money.
There's probably several different ways these work, but I know of one show where the producers either give the show to the network or may even have to pay to have it aired - they have to chase their own advertising to make money.
Don