When I got back to Miami, I could finally breathe again. I hung out with my boys, we went to eat we cuddled and we talked and reminisced.
Even though it was my first full day back in town I had plans already. I went to a young professional networking event to see who I could meet. It was very nice event and I ran into a magazine publisher which translated into a few freelance writing assignments for me.
Other the next few days I really dove into planting seeds for my career here in Miami. A friend of mine from highschool had contacted me prior to me even knowing that I would be moving to Miami. He told me that he was working at a television station and could get me in.
He did. Within days of my arrival I was touring the station and then paired with one of the long time writers to begin my tutorial for television writing. I filed an application with the station and kept going back everyday, learning how to format the stories, the language, how to script for television news packages, how to choose compelling footage to go along with the stories that I wrote.
I’ll admit, all that shit was foreign to me on my first day there and since I’m a perfectionist I went home crying. This type of writing isn’t anything like newspaper or magazine journalism. First of all, you have to write everything in the present tense as if it’s happening now..
Breaking news…Bombs dropping on the South Side Of China, Residents fleeing amidst turmoil
Everything has to be written as if its happening RIGHT NOW. And you have to make it all sound so dramatic.
You get a tip sheet of facts about the story or maybe a press release. Then you go find corresponding video footage in the video file. Then you write the story and it has to be either :20 seconds or :40 seconds long. So your writing has to be succint, yet compelling.
After my first day breakdown, I went back in with a vengeance and I nailed those damn practice stories! And everyday the assignments got more difficult. And everyday, I nailed that shit.
I can write anything…
This went on for about a month. The cool thing about having access to a television studio is the fact that you get to see all of the television personalities up close and believe me they look NOTHING like they look on TV.
Another cool thing about working/volunteering at a TV station was the fact that when they did the noon news show, my seat was directly behind the anchor desk so..if you watched the show you could see my head!
I called my Mama. “Mama, turn it on channel 7 and look at my head in the background!”
I loved going in there and meeting everyone. Everyone kept asking me when I was starting and I had no clue because no one from HR had contacted me yet. I just kept going back and practicing and learning until my money for gas started getting low.
Before I allowed that to happen I decided to make my move.
There is a department there that I would like to work for. It’s an entertainment news show that’s been around for a long time. When I was 16 me, Tamara and Anna were at the mall and the video crew asked us to be a part of the video they were shooting and the next month it aired on the show. We were riding the carousel with a rap group and singing Come and ride that train. You remember that song? The show actually aired on my birthday.
The other writers in news were telling me that I had to start as a news writer and work my way up to entertainment but I was like..I don’t have time for that.
So against the advice of the man who was training me, I popped a stick of gum in my mouth, freshened my lip gloss and walked right up to the department to introduce myself.
Before I even ascended the stairs I ran into a man who asked, “Are you looking for *Name of show*?”
“Yes, I am.”
“Are you looking for Carla?” he asked.
Bingo! Now I got a name to ask for when I get up there. “I sure am.”
“Oh well she’s right up there to the right. How do you know her?”
“I’ve been working in the news department learning the ropes of TV newswriting. I’m a journalist, but I’m in print and I’m hoping to make the transition to television. I’m very creative. I think this might be a good match.”
“And I love your personality,” he told me.
“Thank you.”
“Well go on up and talk to Carla then. Hopefully you’ll be around when I get back and we can chat some more.”
So I went up, said a prayer and walked into the office, smiling at everyone. I gave the superstar intro of who I am and where I’ve been and I also gave my objective. “I’m a magazine journalist which will translate well into entertainment because I have to produce feature packages on a regular basis. I know I can learn how to be a producer if I had the chance. Is there any way that I can be given a test assignment so that I can show you what I can do?”
“Well, we just filled the producer position that we have posted but from time to time we do need guest hosts to do the party patrol. Maybe you can start with that.”
“Thanks. I can do talent. That’s nice but I really understand the power behind producing and I’d like to learn how to produce a show. I’ll volunteer. I’ll assist. Whatever is necessary. I know I’ll be good at this.”
“Ok, give me your card and I’ll be in touch with you.”
I passed her my card and walked out the door.
Hmm..I heard there was another department up here somewhere. I found the office and again..I introduced myself to everyone and asked for the department head. When I foundher office I walked up and spoke my piece. She gave me her card and asked for my resume.
The next week I followed up with another visit to all 3 departments and reminded them of who I was and what I could do.
There was nothing left for me to do but continue to pursue other avenues and I began looking for receptionist and assistant jobs because I really enjoy those type of jobs and I’m good at them.
I still hadn’t heard anything from the TV station until last week when Carla emailed me asking me to contact her after sweeps week.
~crosses fingers~
I wonder what’s going to happen.