Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2001 09:08:39 -0400 (EDT)
From: Larry Moss <moss@balloonhq.com>
To: Balloon Decorator List <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>
Subject: Re: television time to fill

On Wed, 11 Apr 2001, Denise Grigg (CBA) wrote:

> I was contacted today by one of our customers.  She is the producer of a
> local television talk show that we decorate the sets for on a regular
> basis.  This phone call was an invitation for us to be a guest on the
> show.  She offered us a 10 minute segment on our store and the world of
> balloons at the studio.  I am stumped on what we could do to fill 10
> minutes of air time.  We are store front for balloon deliveries and deal
> largely in Corporate and weddings.  I would like to extend to the public
> the vast opportunities with balloons for all occasions and celebrations
> but am unsure on what to do to portray this.  This 10 minutes will be
> solely on us, without a host discussing the issues or questioning the
> possibilities. 

I love doing TV stuff.  Without a host at all, or just one working with you
on your side?  Since it sounds like you're new to being in front of the
camera (as opposed to just your work in front of the camera), it might be
in your best interest to make sure one of the talk show personalities is at
least standing next to you and holding balloons.  They know how to interact
with a camera.  The viewing public already knows who these people are and
get a kick out of seeing the hosts doing things they dont' normally do -
like wearing a balloon hat.  I can only remember one time that I had an
interviewer that wouldn't wear a hat.  Also, if you do make a centerpiece
or something small, there's a good chance you can get them to leave it on
the set throughout the remainder of the show after you're on.  This
effectively extends your time on the air.  They usually refer to the piece
multiple times with credit attached, so even people that missed that
segment hear your name.

What you actually do is less important than how you involve the others on
the set.  It may just be a matter of having them hold stuff for you, but
there needs to be interaction.  if there isn't someone on the set with you,
interact with the viewers.  That is, dont' just talk at them, but give them
something to do or think about.  for example: "If you want to try this
yourself, you can probably find a suitable household item to do exactly
this.  In fact, look around the room from the chair you're sitting in and I
bet you'll see something."  

I dont' like to talk about the ordinary stuff.  Although, you may get them
to show a picture or two of your really nice, professional, but ordinary
things.  Then you can talk about some really odd job you did and recreate
some unusual piece.  If you do want to show pictures, tell them ahead of
time what you want to show.  They'll get a shot of it that they can use,
rather than zooming in on a portfolio.  I try to get photos and stuff like
that to the studio a day ahead of time.  They often get stuff like that
ready the day before you're on when they go off the air.

Larry Moss
BalloonHQ.com