A LARC Success Story: Chie Saito

Chie Saito is KCFW's (NBC-Kalispell, Mt) newest reporter. Chie sent out fewer than 15 tapes before getting offered a reporter job.

LARC: Talk about your LARC experience?

Chie: It was very intense. But I learned a lot about writing an effective package, going out and interviewing people and what it takes to put a good story together.

LARC: You sent out only 14 tapes, were you surprised the response came to quickly?

Chie: Yes. I actually wasn't prepared for it.

LARC: Describe the moment you got the call that you got the job?

Chie: It was kind of a surreal experience. It was something that, when you're looking for the job, that you play it in your head what it's actually going to be like. But until it actually happens you can't describe the emotions when you actually get offered the job. It's kind of a mix between shock and a surreal experience.

LARC: Did you have any hesitations about going?

Chie: Nope. I didn't even come see the place before I took the job. You know, wherever you have to go. Some people say I'll go anywhere, but when it actually comes to down to it, they get picky saying, I'll only work on the east coast or the west coast. You know, you have to go wherever you get your job.

LARC: What do you think the most important thing you learned at LARC that will apply to your day-to-day reporting?

Chie: The most important thing I learned is the importance of making your story about people as much as possible. I had a writing test as part of the process to get the job here and I think that's what separated me from the other candidates. Making stories about people and the lessons I learned in the LARC writing workshop.

A LARC Success Story: Carole Carr

Carole Carr is a reporter and fill-in anchor at WCBI in Columbus, Mississippi. Before going through LARC, she sent out 200 tapes trying to find a job, but no luck. After LARC, she had more calls then she could handle.

LARC: Talk about your experience at LARC?

Carole: It was really a positive experience. Looking for a job in this business is difficult, but to have the support I got while at LARC really made things easier. Jay also made sure I never gave up and I didn't. Now it's all paying off.


LARC: You interviewed Martin Lawrence while at LARC, Cheech Marin, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa... talk about your resume tape and what was it like making it?

Carole: It was really nice to have the expertise from a working reporter while making my tape. I had all my questions answered and I came out with a great tape. It can be intimidating doing some of the interviews, knowing the questions to ask... but Jay really made it easy while letting me do the work. That really helped me because it's exactly what I'm doing now.


LARC: Describe the moment when you first got the reporter job?

Carole: It felt like when it rains it pours. After I got one job, I was offered two jobs. The first tape I made myself. Got one call. But with LARC, I got three calls immediately, two interviews and two job offers. It all happened so fast. I'm just glad Jay was there with the advice he gave me.


LARC: What is it like being a reporter?

Carole: I've never been happier in my life. It's something that I always wanted to do. I always had that uneasy feeling that I couldn't do it, but when I got the job, I said yes, this feels right. And with the writing tips LARC gave me, it really gives me confidence on the job. My life, right now, couldn't be better.

LARC Happenings

It's been a busy few weeks at LARC. We've started a campaign to be more aggressive with contacting news directors about our clients and their tapes. Apparently it's paying off. Over the last three weeks, 3 LARC grads have been hired... One as a main anchor. I'm starting to hear more news directors talk more about LARC tapes and in particular the training they're getting at LARC. That's cool because in a few years, having LARC on your resume will be like having a respected award on your resume. Next, we plan to take a trip to the RTNDA/NAB convention in Vegas. While there, LARC will be holding free tape critiques for reporters. This trip won't be to sell people on LARC, but show how our expertise will help divide the contenders from the pretenders. See you in Vegas, baby!!!