Marielle Ashley - A LARC Success Story

Marielle Ashley was hired as a Weekend Anchor at KTWO in Casper, Wyoming. She landed the job just a few months after finishing LARC. Here's her LARC interview.

LARC: Why did you choose LARC to help you make your resume tape?

Marielle: I chose LARC because I did not feel my packages from college were polished enough to submit to news directors. After doing extensive research on resume tape companies, I went with LARC because I wanted to be the one conducting my own interviews. I wanted a tape that showed news directors that I can handle breaking news. I did not want to send out packages of reworked stories that news directors have seen numerous times.


LARC: What are some of the most important lessons you learned at LARC?

Marielle: I learned so much at LARC. Jay really helped me with my presentation and voice. I also found the writing workshop to be very beneficial. Jay teaches you how to package your stories to get a news director's attention.


LARC: You landed a job in less than 3 months. What was your reaction when you got hired?

Marielle: I was thrilled! It all happened so fast. I had a rush of emotions all at once. I landed my dream job fresh out of college. It's an amazing feeling when all of your time, effort, and money pays off.


LARC: Talk about the interview. What were some of the questions you were asked and what interviewing advice can you give?

Marielle: The news director thought my tape was very polished and professional. The tape spoke for itself, which made the interview process fairly easy.


LARC: Finally, what advice can you give people trying to break into the business?

Marielle: Keep at it. The job hunt can get very frustrating at times, but if you truly want this, be persistent and don't give up. All it takes is one news director to notice you have potential. As someone told me, your dream is only one tape and a phone call away!


LARC: Thanks, Marielle. Congratulations!

A LARC Success Story - Trevor Connor

Trevor Connor hired by News Channel 9 El Paso. Trevor was offered 3 different reporter jobs with his LARC tape. He talks about why he chose Texas in the LARC interview.

1. Why did you choose LARC to help you with your resume tape?

Trevor: Well, I put together a tape from my school news show before I graduated from college and sent it out to a handful of small-market stations in early June. After a month, I had no responses and I started to think that news directors weren't taking my tape seriously because of the content. Around the same time, I found out about LARC and was really impressed by the number of people that went on to get jobs in the industry after doing the clinic. At first the cost seemed pretty high, but after going through the experience it was worth every penny.

2. You got three different offers before taking the job in El Paso. Were you prepared for that?

Trevor: It was definitely a case of "when it rains, it pours." I started sending out my LARC Tape in mid-July, and a month later I started hearing from stations. An email from Idaho Falls. An email from El Paso. A call from Wassau-Rhinelander. A call from Jefferson City. This all happened within a span of two weeks. What's interesting is that Idaho Falls, Wassau-Rhinelander and Jefferson City all offered me reporter jobs right away. El Paso didn't because there were no positions available (even though the news director really liked my tape and wanted to hire me). I liked the idea of starting in a Top-100 market like El Paso, so I decided to take a risk and turn the other three stations down. I had to wait until November for a news reporter job to finally open up there but a better climate, higher market and more exciting news environment made it worth it in the end.

3. Describe the job interview? What questions were asked and what did the news director want to know about you?

Trevor: What many people don't realize is that the actual interview is conducted over the phone, not in person. If a news director likes your tape, then he/she will call you to find out more about you. My boss asked me why I wanted to be a news reporter, what previous experience I had, what my approach was to writing stories and how I would come up with story ideas.
If the interview goes well, you could get a job offer before you ever see the station or the town it's located in.

4. You're on the job reporting now. What were some of the techniques you learned at LARC that are helping your today?

Trevor: The one thing I learned at LARC that is helping me the most right now is how to structure a story. Before the clinic I had no idea how to use natural sound and compelling video, no idea where to put the who, what, when, where, why and how of a story, and no idea how to end a story. After doing the writing workshop, I now have the ability to report on any kind of story that comes my way AND make it really, really good.
Another thing I learned at LARC that is helping me a lot right now is how to be a quick writer. I'm working the morning and afternoon shifts during the week and nothing has made my producers happier than finishing a VOSOT for the 5:00 pm newscast at 2:00 and finishing a package for the 6:00 pm newscast at 3:00. Plus, it's easy on the nerves when you don't have to worry about meeting deadlines because you've already finished your work so early.

5. Finally, what's the best advice you can give to people trying to break into the news biz?

Trevor: Besides signing up for LARC and having Jay Jackson help you put your tape together? I'm not kidding when I say that you need a tape that news directors are going to take seriously, so whether you put it together at school, at an intership or at LARC, you need to have material that will grab someone's attention. And there's no better of a combination to have on a tape than raw talent and great stories.
I advise people to be resourceful. Wikipedia.org has a list of all 210 television markets in the United States, with links to the websites for all of the news stations in each market. And each news station usually has a "Job Opportunities" page with listings for anchor and news reporter openings. This was the easiest way for me to pick out a starting point and move forward in the job search process.
I advise people to be persistent. After sending out a resume package, you should also email the news director a copy of your resume and clip of your tape. Then call the station and leave a message on his/her voicemail letting them know what you sent them. Sometimes email adresses won't be listed or stations will tell you not to call. Do whatever you can to get their attention.
I advise people to be patient as they pursue their first job. It took me five months between the time I sent out my first tape and started my first day at NewsChannel 9. You'll spend a lot of time putting together resume packages and a lot of money mailing them out. It can get frustrating sometimes, especially when you go a couple of weeks without hearing from anybody. But just when you think nobody's interested, you'll get some calls or emails from a few news directors at the same time.
Finally, I advise people not to be afraid to send their tapes to higher markets. By the time I heard back from NewsChannel 9, the idea of working in El Paso was an afterthought. I was mailing my tapes to smaller markets with the thought that it would be easier to get a job that way. Then I thought about how great it would be to get my first job in a market where people usually get their second job, so I decided to go for it. The moral of the story: While one news director might take a look at your tape and never call you back, another might take a look at your tape and think you have a lot of potential. You just never know.

Great advice, Trevor. You're going to do great. Congratulations!

A LARC Success Story: Crystal Fisher

Crystal Fisher is a reporter/producer at WLVT in Bethlehem, PA. (dma #68) While at LARC, Crystal covered a drag queen beauty contest and a murder in South LA. Crystal is also a brilliant documentary producer/director. LARC has no doubt she will be very successful. Here's her LARC interview.

LARC: Why did you choose LARC to help you complete your resume tape?

Crystal: I decided to do the LARC program because I needed
to get a reel together that didn't seem inconsistent. In graduate school we did a lot of work, learned a lot about journalism and came out with an awesome documentary. But, as far as getting a job was concerned, I had no useable tape. My hair was different lengths, I had never sat at an anchor desk and I was terrible at walking on camera. So, after both of my friends, Perrine (Bakhshay) and Jackie (Reeves) did your program and got jobs, I thought you must have some secret strategy that is working. And you do, you make stars! (Inside joke)

LARC: What do you think was the most valuable aspect of the class?

Crystal: Hmmm... it's had to say that there is one aspect that is the most valuable. I think that if I had to choose... learning to tailor my questions to get a full SOT (sound-bite) and not wasting time asking questions I didn't need answers to was what I needed the most help with.

LARC: You were called for a job less than week after finishing your LARC tape. How exciting was that?

Crystal: Extremely exciting. And, it is a great job! I am a reporter/producer at PBS, WLVT, in Bethlehem, PA, which contrary to popular belief isn't that small of a town. We have more than 2.5 million viewers, and reach all the way from the Jersey border to Philly. It's truly wonderful.

LARC: What questions did the news director ask you during the interview?

Crystal: She primarily wanted to know if I had the drive and determination to get stories done, and done well, under tight deadlines.

LARC: When you were offered the job, describe your reaction, feelings, emotions, etc.?

Crystal: It's hard to say. I totally went blank. I had so many feelings I didn't really get to register any of them. I was elated, excited, overwhelmed and kind of scared. But, I think after i tall settled down a little I am mostly genuinely happy and relieved that now I am working. And I am working in a great place, close to home, with the most incredible boss out there!

LARC: Finally, what advice can you give up and coming reporters?

Crystal: Don't give up! Don't trust that the first opinion you hear is the right opinion. People may tell you to lose weight, dye your hair, talk faster/slower... maybe they are right. Listen to them, but don't be destroyed by their comments. Be happy and grateful that they gave you advice, an opinion/advice to offer. Take everything you can get. And be yourself. You don't get hired for being "newsreporterlady/man #1". You get hired for being you. If you aren't you, who is? Good luck!

LARC: Great advice. You're going to do great!

A LARC Success Story - Nikki Burdine

Nikki Burdine is a reporter at WHAG.
It's her dream job and it's close to her home.
While at LARC, Nikki interviewed Martin Sheen.
She also covered an emotional Memorial Day exhibit in Santa Monica.

LARC: Why did you choose LARC to help you make your resume tape?

Nikki: LARC was recommended to me by a friend
who had recently got her tape
done at LARC and landed her dream job as a result.
After researching
other workshops, I realized LARC really was the best.
 I made a
commitment to myself to get my dream job,
and in my mind the only way
to do that was to have a great tape.


LARC:  What do you think was the most important
 thing you learned during
your LARC experience?

Nikki: The workshop as a whole was very informative.
I loved the feeling of
being an actual reporter...on the job.
It really gave me a sense of
how it would be. Jay gave me control
 to chose the stories and write
them how I wanted. Even though I did
have a lot of freedom, I never
felt misguided because Jay was always
there to provide guidance and
suggestions. Another important part
 was the writing workshop. Jay
actually sat down and gave me tips,
writing suggestions and other ways
that will make me a better reporter.
 Not only did I get a great tape
from LARC, but I gained a lot of tools
 and knowledge that will
definitely come in handy.


LARC: Describe the job interview?
What were some of the questions news
directors asked you?

Nikki: I was actually given a written
test in my first interview. It was
definitely tough! It included history
 questions, public policy
questions and various political questions.
 In addition to the multiple
choice test, I was give two writing tests.
 I was also asked why I
wanted to be a reporter, what my ultimate
goal is, why they should
hire me, and what my weaknesses are.

LARC: Talk about the moment you got the job?
 What did the news director
say and how did you feel?

Nikki: After my interview, I felt great.
 It went really well and I thought I
would hear from them within the next week.
 When 2 months went by I was
very discouraged and thought they had
 given the job to someone else.
After calling the news director at least
 once a week for 2 months, I
decided to give it one last try.
The news director finally took my
call, and offered me the job. I felt
 a huge sense of accomplishment,
because he hired me solely based on
 my talents and what I had to
offer. I then called Jay immediately
 and told him the good news!

LARC: Finally, what's the best advice
 you can give people who are trying
to break into the business?

Nikki: I know its cliche, but never,
 ever give up. If you truly know in your
heart that this is what you want to do
 with your life, don't let
anyone tell you you can't. Make sure
you have thick skin and don't
take anything personally. Timing is
everything. Just keep pursuing and
it will happen! Last but certainly not
least, the most important thing
for any reporter is to have a great reel.
 If you don't have that, you
won't get anywhere. It's worth the time
and the investment if you are
serious about your career.

LARC: Thanks, Nikki. Congratulations on
your success. You're going to go very far in this business.

A LARC Success Story - Jackie Reeves

Jackie Reeves was hired as reporter and anchor for KTWO in Casper, Wyoming less than 2 months after finishing her LARC tape.

LARC: Why did you choose LARC to help you make your resume tape?

Jackie: I researched other resume tape services, and felt like LARC was the most thorough and professional method to making a resume tape. After grad school, I did not have the footage necessary to make a great tape, and I felt like Jay had the background and knowledge to assist me in putting together a resume that could get me my first job.

LARC: What do you think was the most valuable lesson you learned at LARC?

Jackie: There were many things I learned at LARC that were very valuable. Jay really helped me work on my voice, camera presence and presentation, and made sure that everything that I put on my tape was professional. He also gave me valuable information on the business, including methods in how to send my tape out, the right people to contact, and what to do during the interview process.

LARC: You got hired fairly quickly. Talk about the interview process and what did the news director think about your tape?

Jackie: I received really positive feedback from my tape. Every director I talked to thought it was a polished, professional resume. In fact, this made the interview process easy, because they felt like the tape spoke for itself.

LARC: Talk about your reaction when the news director offered you the job?

Jackie: I was estatic! It all happened so fast, and this has been my dream for a long time. When it finally comes true, it is a wonderful feeling.

LARC: Now that you're "in the club", what advice can you give people trying to break into the business?

Jackie: Be persistent and never give up. It is a hard business to break into, but the work is worth it. As a journalist every day is an adventure, which makes the job challenging, but so much fun.

LARC: Thanks Jackie. Again, Congrats.

A LARC Success Story: Perrine Bakhshay

Perrine Bakhshay is the new weekend anchor at KTWO in Casper, Wyoming. Perrine landed her job less than 3 months after sending out her tapes. Perrine received several offers after sending out fewer than 20 tapes.

LARC: Why did you choose LARC?

Perrine: I decided on LARC as it was the most comprehensive approach to putting together a solid resume tape. After having finished graduate school for Broadcast Journalism I still didn't have what I needed to put together a great tape. Jay not only helps you package yourself for beginning markets, he teaches you the fundamentals of how to work under deadlines and get it done. Having a great product is just a bonus.

LARC: How was LARC most beneficial for you?

Perrine: LARC gave me more insight in a few days than I ever could have imagined possible. The coaching and mentoring, the writing skills, the interview skills -- all of this came together. It almost sounds like it's not possible (and I can be fairly skeptical). But, it is. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence and assurance to pursue my dreams.

LARC: You were offered two jobs in a matter of weeks. Why do you think that happened and what was your reaction?

Perrine: I was shocked! I felt very blessed and fortunate but I think it speaks to LARC's ability to really bring out the best in each individual.

LARC: What were some of the questions the news director asked you during the interview?

Perrine: News directors want to know what kind of person you are. By this I mean, because you are probably starting out in an entry level market, they want to know what kind of a work ethic you have and what kind of an attitude you have. And why you want to be a journalist. They are interested in the basics. Having some ability to shoot and edit is also helpful, but that is easy to learn on the job.

LARC: You're on the job now. Describe what it feels like to be living the dream you've been dreaming about for so long?

Perrine: It's wonderful. It is so exciting to be out on the job everyday, in the community, telling stories that matter to people and are important for the community you are part of.

LARC: Finally, what advice can you give to people trying to break into the news business?

Perrine: Stick with it. Determination and discipline are everything. Anything worthwhile can be difficult -- it wouldn't be meaningful if it wasn't. Journalists have the best jobs in the world in my opinion. If you love what you do, keep at it.

LARC: Thanks, Perrine. Congratulations.

A LARC Success Story - Evan Kelly

LARC graduate Evan Kelly was hired as main anchor at KYMA (Yuma, AZ) less than 2 months after finishing his LARC tape. While at LARC, Evan covered a deadly police shooting and the preparations for the Oscar Award ceremony in Hollywood.


LARC: Why did you choose LARC?

Evan: Living in Los Angeles it was a natural choice and in my search and talking to those who are working, they recommended LARC. Also, I watched Jay Jackson on my local news and knew he had a working knowledge of the biz.

LARC: You were hired as one of the main anchors for your very first job. How
did your LARC experience prepare you for that and is the training still
helping?

Evan: Jay knew from the moment I walked in the studio I would be destined for the desk. I had faith in that and listened to all of his direction. That and I feel the confidence he built helped as well.

LARC: Describe the interview? What questions did the ND ask, what did you
talk about?

Evan: The news director was nice and was mainly worried about me being able to sign a two year contract. Questions were geared towards my passion for the news business and how well I could be 100 per cent dedicated. It was a real easy interview.

LARC: You were offered the job right around the time your first born came
along. Talk about your feelings and emotions in that time of your life?

Evan: I knew being a new father that I needed to find a career that I would love, could be excited about everyday, and would have longevity in the long run. I was unsure about doing this huge move at that time, but whenever I start to question my decision I look at a picture of my baby and know it is well worth it.

LARC: Finally, what's the best advice you can give someone who is trying to
break into the business? In particular, what advice can you give them
about their resume tape?

Evan: Well, the tape is important, and if you are good it will show. You need to bring your A game and never think you are over the top. Everyone in this business want you to be you. But spend time on writing! It is so important to know how to tell the story. Just focus on the facts and showing people at home what is going on.

Thanks Evan