Sunday, October 21, 2007

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.



Sunday, October 07, 2007

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.