Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 11:39:42 -0400
Subject: Television Time
From: Bruce Walden <walden@uplifter.com>
To: <drballoons@odyssey.on.ca>, <balloondeco@balloonhq.com>

Denise asked for help with how to fill 10 minutes of television time. Here's
my advice...

10 minutes will FLY by if you think of this as a chance to EDUCATE the
viewers. Make sure they leave feeling they've learned something and it will
be rewarding television.

Teach them about:
-Where balloons come from (latex is a natural product where trees are
planted - not harvested, they're not made from plastic, they biodegrade
etc.)
-Amaze them with balloons they may not have seen before - bring on a 5'
black and white agate or show them balloons inside Sparklets.
-How easy it is to twist 260s into simple figures and why it's a great hobby
for both kids and adults. Make something in front of them.
-Where helium comes from and why it should not be inhaled.
-Why balloons float, why they stop floating and how Hi-Float works.
-Special effects they likely haven't seen... Like exploding balloons,
distortion effects or better yet, demonstrate an Uplifter! (no bias here!)
-The power that balloons can have to lift people's spirits... and why the
color and motion of balloons is perfect for gift deliveries or special event
decorations. Have them pre-record a series of photos from your portfolio or
from Images magazine (get permission first... you're free to use any of my
work as long as it's clear that they are general photos from the industry
and not your own) to show people the wide variety of decor that can be
created.
-Show a heart sculpture and talk about why balloons are such a great choice
for wedding decor
-Make something fun and simple in front of them... like gluing eyes, nose
and mouth onto a 24" balloon to make a silly floating face.
-Get some volunteers and run a one minute contest to see how many 260s they
can blow up by mouth.

I'm sure if you focus on teaching and entertaining the viewers you'll have
lots of ideas of your own. I've done a few television shows and you'll find
that once you get started 10 minutes won't be nearly enough!

Best of luck!

Bruce Walden
Walden Productions Inc.
http://www.uplifter.com