Below are 7 tips in TV research:

1. Do not comb everything. TV research is not a thesis. You need to pin-point your research to match the programme slant and target audience.

2. Get a new angle to an old story. Easier said than done. Drop the first angle that pops up in your mind. That’s what everybody else is thinking of.

3. Chart what you want to research on paper first. Don’t go crazy Googling the topic. There’s a kazillion things out there and you get lost in the net very quickly. Nothing beats pen and paper. Write down exactly what you are looking for. TV is a poor medium for details, so why search the big field when you can narrow your findings first.

4. Think how much can a 23 minute TV programme contain. Then you realise you don’t have much to air. So your research better be pow-wow enough to make it on TV. If you break down a half-hour show, this is what you will get: 5 minutes of presenters links, 18 minutes of content. How much research materials can you squeeze? Not much. So if you are in doubt, leave it out.

5. Don’t be afraid to change the slant of the TV programme. Sometimes researcher stumbles on a whole new angle that works better. Approach the producer and make your case.

6. Roll your sleeves and do your ground work. Nothing beats talking to people who are experts in the field you are researching. You can’t be shy to meet people face-to-face. Get it done.

7. Three words I live by when it comes to information I want to air on TV: Accuracy, Accuracy, Accuracy.

There are of course many other stuff too about TV research. I leave it you to find out when you get into it.

Message me if you keen to do freelance research. Happy Twenty Ten.

These are their common traits:

- Easy to work with (No diva attitude. Oh Tidak!)
- Very flexible
- Demanding in the right places
- Serious about their quality of work
- Cool in stressful situations

There are of course many other attributes of a professional freelancer. It is quite easy to spot.
I find it fulfilling to work with a freelancer who knows their stuff inside out.

So how do you turn pro in freelancing?

1. Have a rates table ready. If possible, create a fix rate for all your services so that production houses can budget your rates easily into their project – instead of going to and fro checking your quote for each projects. Production houses prefer predictability in your rates. However, be ready to compromise on your own rates. Especially during bad times.

2. Keep in touch. Not just for work.

3. Give and take. When you have clocked in years of experience in the freelance business, you will agree that at times, you need to “give” before you can “take”. For regular clients, do give value-added services for FREE. Such gesture will translate to customer loyalty.

4. NEVER go back on your words. Most-disputed element in freelancing: FEES. It happened because both parties didn’t go through what was expected of the job, how many re-voicing, rewrites, filming days etc were required. It’s always better to clarify all these before taking up the project. But once you understood the terms, and agreed, get pass the issue of fees and focus on doing the job well. Resist the temptations to adjust or ask for a fee-raise even if you feel you are putting more than you should. Especially if the project is for your regular client. The industry is small and words will get around.

5. Don’t bad-mouth or gossip about your client. Nobody likes a gossipmonger.

6. Keep your integrity intact if you are servicing competing clients. DO NOT reveal any confidential matters to competing clients at all cost. You will get repeated business.

7. Be positive always. Leave the negative aura behind.

8. Be humble about your talent.

9. Be generous. Volunteer your services to non-profit organizations. Pros do it.

10. Network. Network. Network.

First, don’t treat freelancing job as merely a way to get by while you do your other job that you call full-time employment. You can really make freelancing a source of stable income and possibly turn it into a profitable business.

Just in case you are new to freelancing in the media industry, here are some roles you can freelance in:

- Voice over

- Script-writing

- Video editing

- Directing

- Translation

- Producing

- Talent coordinating / Talent Liaison

- Calefare

… this list is never exhaustive!

I started in this industry as a freelancer (voice-over) and I am still doing it even after I set up my own production company. You just cant stop something you really like to do!

I now hire many freelancers in the various fields… so the following are tips if you have just started do it:

1. NEVER NEVER put a price when you are just starting out. Whether you are a voice-over artist or a producer, always let the people who hire you set the rate. Allow them to budget your fee and accept it willingly. Don’t worry, you will have your say one day. When you are new, you just need to get as much exposure as possible. Gather your experience – that’s more valuable.

2. Make yourself available around your client’s schedule. Even if it means working at really odd hours. You must be known as someone who is really flexible with time. When you are hot and highly demanded, clients will go around your schedule. For now, bow down to erratic scheduling.

3. Under promise and over deliver.

4. Be contactable at anytime. Everytime.

5. Be ready with your sample work (if you are a voice-over talent with no sample work, quickly get your voice recorded somewhere. Best if you can record it professionally. It doesn’t cost a lot to get a sample voice-over done).

6. Never be late for any appointment. Come 10 minutes early.

7. Take criticism with an open heart. If you have to disagree, do it in a friendly manner. Nice guys last long in the freelance world.

8. Be genuinely interested in all projects that you have agreed to undertake. This will help you should you face bumpy sessions along the way. You will also be remembered if you take genuine interest in the people and company that hired you.

9. Willingly recommend another freelancer if the job is beyond your skills set or if you can’t commit to it due to some unforeseen circumstances. Admit it early.

10. Get to know the executive in the company that assigns job to freelancers. This is super important. Most production houses or agencies have a dedicated person to coordinate freelance jobs. Always stay in touch so you will always be on his/her mind.

Next post: Turning Pro ….in Freelancing