Page 24 - 2018 July Voices

BEHIND THE CAMERA

How to Get Ready for Your Close-Up

Erik Bergman, DTM

When the camera’s red light comes on, it’s show crafting sound bites and telling their stories.
time. Another segment of TV Toastmasters is Members also can be reimbursed for the cost of

underway, and the success of the show depends classes that teach the basics of TV production,
on the advance work done by the host and guest so they can be certified to use studio equipment
to deliver a smooth, engaging interview. Despite and work in the control room or editing booth.
their excitement about shooting a TV show, both I’ve been an associate producer for TV

parties need to relax, stay calm and enjoy their Toastmasters in its Beaverton studio for a year,
time on-camera. and I know I have improved my interview and
Meanwhile, members on the tech crew are hosting skills with constant practice. Still, there’s
doing their part in the control room by choosing more to learn, so I asked for some insider tips

the camera shots and monitoring the audio levels. and tricks from a true pro—Allen Schauffler,
Everyone involved must stay alert during the 11 former TV news anchor and freelancer. (Full
minutes and 30 seconds of a typical segment to disclosure: he’s also my cousin!) His TV career
produce a high-quality show to air on local cable includes more than two decades as news anchor

access channels. at NBC affiliate KING-TV in Seattle, where he
TV Toastmasters gives members firsthand covered seven Olympic Games on location,
experience as on-air hosts while their guests and as Northwest correspondent for cable news
gain experience answering interview questions, network Al Jazeera America.

24 ONE COMMUNITY