How to
Approaching tv stations with your music
David Chislett | 27 Jan 2015 11:50 AM
Right now South African television is providing more outlets for music videos than ever before. All of the SABC stations play videos as filler inbetween shows, and they also all carry programmes that present music as part of their content plans. The same goes for eTV and Multichoice.
Your challenge as an artist is once again to identify the programmes and channels that feature your kind of music and make sure you get your video to them. Also be aware that the SABC and the Multichoice channels have different preferences for the sound settings. Make sure you know whether they want the video to be set with Dolby-on or Dolby-off before preparing your stock.
Potential interviews
Apart from the filler flighting of videos, the reason why TV is still so important as an outlet for your video is interviews. With a good video under your belt you are far more likely to get TV interviews from programmes. This is because most shows like to use what they call cutaway footage to intersperse with interviews. Seeing as many programmes are actually made on a shoestring budget, your providing a cutaway video means this footage does not have to be shot. Therefore, from their point of view, interviewing you will not only look good, but will also take less time and cost them less. Bear in mind of course that JUST having a video is not going to get your face on TV - you will still have to have a story behind you, and a reason to be interviewed - but once you get there, a video will make your life a whole lot easier.
Research needed
In order to reach the right people at each programme you will have to do some research. Find out what shows on the various channels feature music. Then watch them and see what kind of music they feature. Most importantly, watch the end title sequence. This is so you can pick up which production house makes the show. You will need that name so that you can reach them to send in your video. Once you have the company name from the titles you will need to speak to them. Of course you won’t have a name necessarily, but the trick is to ask for the production manager on the show. This is the person that coordinates all the shoots, interviews and crews, and they will definitely know who the right person is to send the video to. Again, do not just drop off a video. Make sure you have a name and that you have spoken to them before you deliver. When delivering, make it into a package and include a copy of your CD, as well as photos, a printout of your biography and again, any press clippings you might have of the band. This is so that the programme knows whether they can take you seriously or not and gives them material to work from so that they can interview you properly should they decide to.
Originally published in David Chislett's One, Two, One, Two: A Step By Step Guide To The South African Music Industry. Download a free copy of the book at www.davidchislett.co.za.
[David Chislett]
David Chislett is a multi-talented South African speaker and writer. He graduated to national radio in 1994 when Barney Simon used him as a live radio correspondent on 5FM from London. David delivers a key note address, “Unleash Your Inner Rockstar” with Martin Schofield which teaches the hidden secrets of success from the music industry to businesses.
