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| Ladybug by Fabrizio Bolzoni |
Recently, I've been reflecting on how the realities of daydreaming about and preparing for media exposure simply can not measure up to the reality of what ultimately gets published. In the past month I've been privy to two very different opportunities for media exposure. The first was, of course, the presence of the Today Show film crew that accompanied correspondent Jenna Wolfe to the Balloon Fashion show featured at Balloon Summer Camp. The second was a chance to contribute to an AP article concerning my part in a citizen science project that happened to produce some note-worthy results.
While in Las Vegas, I kept my eyes open. I wanted to learn something about preparing for media exposure. I...
Footage of Larry Moss, Robbie Furman, Debbie Stevens and the Greenfields was all included in the balloon industry feature that ultimately aired on the Today Show. A lot, and I really mean A LOT of great stuff was captured that didn't make the final cut. I wondered how much of what I'd seen being filmed would end up being used. I'd seen general conversation topics and potential jokes outlined before taping. Music snippets suggested during filming were used as background music. The intended focus of the piece as a lay person's look at a balloon convention was evident. It was also obvious that all balloon artists interviewed were given a chance to be professional and showcase their creations. All in all, I was extremely pleased with what made it to air. I knew that there were many many television viewers responding favorably to the piece, saying to themselves "I never knew that you could do THAT with balloons!"
When participating in my own interview with an AP print reporter, I was struck by the lack of a sense of direction for the conversation. I was invited to describe my experiences in the most general of ways. I didn't get a clear sense of what the ultimate focus of the piece would be. I thought that perhaps the details of what I said might not have been clearly understood, and sent a follow-up email (hoping that that wasn't too pushy). When the article was published, I was pleased at the final content but had some mixed feelings. Was the worst of what I'd said used? (no... whew!) Was I the super-hero of the story? (no... but that's OK, didn't think I would be). I could see what did and did not make the cut, out of the information I provided. I could only blame myself if I, in retrospect, would have emphasized other details. I should have focused my responses more carefully, to only provide the facts that I thought were most relevent.
Larry and I talked about the pros and cons of each of these types of situations... a driven interviewer with a clear overview of the information they want to convey vs. a more open ended opportunity. In either case, you don't get a chance to have a final review before the piece gets released. If you're lucky, you might get a shot at follow-up interviews. To be prepared, consider if there was either a lot more to the story than what had been covered, or if there is an exciting new follow-on activity coming soon. I got the opportunity to speak with a local reporter about furthur details of what happened during my summer vacation, while Larry did a good job of generating press for his next balloon art project.
I hope these reflections are helpful for the next opportunity to showcase the balloon industry.
Larry Moss competes at ArtPrize
Sheena Beaverson contributes a news article for the Lost Ladybug Project
As our industry gets more attention, you never know if you're going to be the next person interviewed. After all, you've been in business or a while. You have expertise to share. It's your chance to shine.
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| Social Hour by Robbie Furman |
Robbie Furman, of Balloons by Robbie in West Orange, New Jersey skillfully applies the best techniques of both balloon entertainers and decorators throughout his artist portfolio. Robbie challenges himself to create new and interesting balloon designs each week.
Visit the portfolio of Robbie Furman
