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Media Workshops

Camera Choreography Workshop

Shoot to showcase your talent. Too many newscasts work against the impact of television's enormous power by using flat, static shots. Television is a visual medium, and correctly used, your camera choreography has tremendous impact on the relationship between anchors and audience as well as the pace and flow of the newscast. For the best-paced newscast, cameras must be utilized effectively. Talent Dynamics offers the Camera Choreography Workshop to teach anchors, producers, and directors how to get the payoff from the technology. This is a practical hands-on workshop culminating in a mock newscast which allows participants to put the concept and themselves to the test. Some of the aspects covered are: Workshops

  • Using the camera to build an anchor's approachability and encourage the growth of the relationship between viewer and anchor.
  • Showcasing teamwork while improving the pace.
  • Writing well-motivated transitions that keep a natural flow in the newscast.
  • Using camera shots to support the newscast.
For more information: Lynn Gartley

Sports Workshop

Talk sports, don't talk trash. Lots of people talk sports, but people want to hear what you have to say only if you can say it effectively. Talent Dynamics combines 20 years of experience with in-depth research to develop the strategies of these workshops. Individually crafted to meet the needs and goals of our clients, most workshops are conducted over a period of two to three days and are available for groups ranging in number from three to twelve. Participants are given the opportunity to rehearse techniques in a comfortable environment and then view results with a trained professional. Subjects see for themselves immediate, positive effects resulting from our training.

  • Play-by-Play Announcing
  • Interviewing Sports Personalities
  • Projecting Your Expertise
  • Setting up Highlights
  • Television Studio Training
  • Commentaries
"I can make a major improvement after spending only a little bit of time with you."

Sports Anchor

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Command Anchor Workshop

"I will guide you through this newscast. You've been busy with your life all day, but you want to know what else is going on in your world. I've been here watching and investigating for you. Sit back, relax, watch and listen; I'll see to it that you are brought up to date."
                                                            The Ideal Command Anchor

Viewers form a relationship with their news anchors. The greater the perception of an anchor in "command" of the newscast content, the stronger the relationship and, therefore, the bond. Longevity in a market is a sure path to Command Anchor status, but we can speed up the process. This workshop keenly defines the role of anchors and helps them understand and develop:

  • The para-social relationship with the viewer.
  • The roles of the anchor.
  • Effective reaction and interaction that adds value to the team and to the newscast.
  • Effective body language, starting with eye contact, that helps build a loyal audience.
  • Vocal delivery that has authority, variety, and emotion.

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Live Shot Workshop

If you're going to be on the scene first, you need to deliver the goods. In our fast-paced world, live shots are central to most newscasts in keeping the public informed of the latest events. Viewers judge a news organization on its live, breaking stories because to them, those stories are the "real news." An effective live shot must be real, compelling, clear, honest, and concise. It should improve the pace of the newscast. It should be conversational with strong Q&A to keep it moving and understandable to the viewer.

How effective are your nightly live shots? Historically, live shots were determined by the technology available. Today, the technology is far better and everybody has it. Viewers expect that any station can bring them live stories from almost anywhere in the world, even outer space! The Live Shot Workshop can move your station toward effective live shots by:

  • Giving the viewer the feeling they're really on the scene.
  • Developing reporters who are compelling eyewitnesses, able to guide the viewer physically (motivated movement).
  • Allowing the producer and anchor to shape and control the live shot.
  • Improving the pace and conversation flow of the live show and newscast.

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Production Development

Through our many years of experience and research, Talent Dynamics has developed the expertise to offer creative assistance in every aspect of your project. Production values are extremely important in developing the entire package.

  • Writing
  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Blocking
  • Camera Choreography
  • Image
  • Sets and Colors
  • Wardrobe and Makeup
"I found this workshop to be extremely beneficial, not only as a producer, but also as an anchor. The sessions were engaging and informative, and I particularly liked the interaction – it added cohesiveness and comfort to the group."

Producer/Anchor

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Reporter Workshop

Reporters are the heart of the news. They are the eyewitnesses who dig to find the heart and soul of a story. Only the person at the scene can tell the viewer how it looks, sounds, feels, smells and tastes. Most important, the good reporter knows why the story has value and why it matters. Many stations have to hire young reporters who aren't as strong and seasoned as they wish. The Reporter Workshop can stimulate and motivate reporters by reviewing important factors:
  • Learn to judge the value and importance of a story.
  • Write an anchor lead that keeps the viewer there for the package.
  • Select good pictures and information.
  • Appeal to the viewer with strong storytelling, including plot, color, emotion, and benefit.
  • Creative and original.
  • Give stand-ups and live shots motivated action and movement.
“I came reluctantly. I left better for it. I'm impressed with your ability to help.”

Political Reporter

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Teamwork Workshops

Go Team Go! OR...No Team No!!! Viewers want their anchor teams to be likable, approachable and credible. They want relevant news content matched by visual congruence. Sound impossible? Talent Dynamics can help you make it not only possible but also probable. Teamwork goes beyond the anchors. The well-produced newscast has many opportunities to showcase the team. The two-shot tease is the weakest, yet most often seen example in use today. Our Teambuilding Workshop teaches directors, producers, reporters and anchors to make the best of their newscasts through:

  • Better reaction, interaction, and body language between anchors.
  • Effective interaction, which propels the newscast, adds information and builds a team image.
  • The role of the rundown.
  • Real relationships between anchor and reporter.
  • Leads and tags.
  • Sufficient "face time."
Every anchor must hone their delivery skills so that the material adds the necessary variety and emotional texturing to the newscast.

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Weather Workshops

A major battlefield in the quest for ratings and shares is fought everyday in the weather segment. Viewers have to trust and "love" their weather person. "Weather" is the most frequently stated reason for watching the local news. Most people care nothing for isobars or overly detailed national maps. They do care when the wind wrecks their outdoor barbecue or rain threatens a garden wedding. Research shows that most viewers tune in for the forecast; they want tonight's, tomorrow's and especially the extended forecast. On the other hand, meteorologists approach weather from a very logical, scientific view. Talent Dynamics' Weather Workshop helps weathercasters see themselves and the weather from the viewer's perspective, helping them to connect with the viewer. Major material covered includes:

  • Research. Hearing real viewers comment on what they like and want in the weather can be a real eye-opener!
  • Pacing the weathercast.
  • Using visual aids correctly.
  • Emphasizing the local forecasts

For more information: Lynn Gartley

Personal Imaging

No kidding, this coaching is as effective for men as it is for women.

There is no second chance to make a first impression. The influence of one’s appearance is essential to their credibility and acceptance. Talent Dynamics' Image Specialist will help you develop your own comfortable, natural character through proper use of makeup, wardrobe and accessories.

Sessions are videotaped so that you have at your disposal a record of the session for future reference. To help you recreate the same look every time. You receive a detailed workbook with product and color recommendations. All consultation is customized for you to reveal the best in you.

“Maybe I have been only listening to the news and weather in the early morning show. Today I sat down with my coffee and watched. Did the ladies have makeovers? They looked so great; I spent an extra 20 minutes on myself before heading for work. Nice influence, ladies!”

A Former Listener Turned Viewer, WCAX-TV

Our Image Specialist is an award-winning designer who understands lighting in the field as well as in the studio. She has worked as a makeup artist and designer in television, film and theater.

Women
  • Makeup Coloring
  • Makeup Application
  • Wardrobe Coloring
  • Clothing Styles for You
  • Appropriate Use of Accessories
  • Eyewear
  • Special-Occasion Dressing
  • Shortcut Tips
Men
  • Color for Men
  • Body Analysis for Wardrobe Selection
  • Grooming Tips
  • Appropriate Use of Accessories
  • Eyewear
  • Special Occasion Dressing
  • Shortcut Tips

Also Available: Private Shopping, Hair Styling, and Clothes Closet Updating

Personal Image sessions are best completed one on one. However, there could be economic advantages to group sessions with 2 or 3 individuals. Workshops are also available for groups from 4 to 12.

New ! "On-Air" Cosmetics and Accessories

Make-up for those in the "hot seat"’. Our clients had continuing difficulty using cosmetics that wilt in heat. So we went in search of a line of cosmetics that maintain their freshness under the heat of lights, anxiety and stress, yet can go from the "hot seat" to the street with ease. We've acquired this line of cosmetics for you -- and it won't cost you a fortune! (Caution: If you have sensitive skin, as with anything you put on your skin, test your makeup first.)

In our search we also found accessories that look great under the bright lights and can be worn anywhere – these are available to you at a considerable discount from what you would purchase in department stores.

makeup2.jpg - 8740 Bytes

Visit our special Makeup and Accessory Website for products and ordering.

Private Consultation

Private makeup and wardrobe sessions are available by appointment. Talent Dynamics' sessions are videotaped so that you have a record of the session to help you recreate the same look every time. You will also receive a detailed workbook with product and color recommendation. We'll work together to bring out the best in you.

For more information: Mary McGrew-Cunningham

Workshops

Workshops are a practical and economical way for co-workers to come together and receive individualized attention and advice on tools, techniques and tips for bringing out their personal best.

Tape Critiques

As someone often on camera, you many begin to lose objectivity about your makeup and appearance. Perhaps you feel your look is out-dated or stale. The cosmetic saleswoman behind the counter at your local department store is not trained in the application of makeup appropriate for camera work. The lights and set colors strongly affect your on-camera appearance. Only professional artists can determine the appropriate shading and application necessary to capture you in the best possible light.

Clothes change dramatically under harsh television lights. Your favorite pink blouse might make you appear washed out, or five pounds heavier.

Our trained makeup and wardrobe specialist is available for consultation even if you are unable to meet personally. Send in a VHS tape of your on-air work and receive a written, extensive visual critique and a follow-up telephone call complete with color suggestions, makeup, hair and wardrobe advice.

For more information: Mary McGrew-Cunningham

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