'How-to (survive)' in TV -land

Some day-to-day top-ten tricks and tips.

1) Write everything down. No, I mean everything. Yes, yes if chewing gum paper is all you have you better scribble away or get a super-speed memory that would make every surgical intern in the world jealous right about now. If you haven't got that, write. everything. down! I don't care if it's a side-comment about a client's dislike for pepperoni, or your boss ex's work number, it all goes! And if anyone EVER mentiones a time, a phone number, a name, or a number that seems to hold absolutely no meaning (let's not even start with when the boss, or bosses boss, or anyone really above you in the food chain who has anything to do with your career or pay cheque, start having a 'creative moment' however insane). WRITE IT DOWN!
You'll thank me later...

2)Be on time. Always. If you're too early, hide out in the cafe down the street, stall in the parking lot, do whatever. But NEVER be late. Ever. At all.

3) Know numbers and facts off the top of your head (i.e. make use of post its and keep em visible or at least handy).

4) Learn to pick your battles. Shouting back or making a snide remark is actually sometimes the answer. But mostly, it's just a bit no no.

5) Expect the unexpected, the expected, and the impossible. And never judge in front of the person you're, ehm, judging. And NEVER comment on anyones age. And if anyone ever asks you how old they/their wife/girlfriend looks, always lie to the lower scale (and feel free to bash anyone else so they feel better).

6) Learn to work the phone. The office phone, the speed dial, and the cell phone. Make sure every part of your rolodex is updated and available 24/7 in your cell phone. the Barry is your friend (or the I whatever!).

7) "I need a whole production crew, a make up artist, catering of the Atkins-revised diet and some sushi rolls and some chinese herbal tea (FROM CHINA! direct!), and I need prices and confirmation within the next ten minutes." Don't stutter. Don't panic. Just take a deep breath and say something along the lines of "That shouldn't be a problem, I'll need to double check the best suitable crew first though, and then I'll just need to confirm some details, but it shouldn't be a problem. Let me get back to you as soon as I've got all the details?"
Anything. Is. Possible.

8) Freebies... The world goes round on them some days. Stickers, posters, super glue, special designer usb sticks, clothes, hell on occasion even crew. Suck. Up. Lie. Be sweet. Phone flirt. Be creative. There's tons of free goodies to get your hands on out there (and impress with).

9) Stay calm. In the face of panic (which in this business seems to occer at least 24 times ever 24 MINUTES) practice the deep breathing. It'll be worth it, and you're heart will stay healthier.

10) Possible as important as no 1. STOCK UP ON SUGAR! The day will run on, lunch breaks are never a guarantee, and solid (healthy?!??? what's that!) food much less so. Keeping snacks in your desk drawer is often a life-saver, and works like magic with coffee. Think smal chocolate bars. Juice packs. Dry fruit packs. Even chewing gum.

It's all pretty straight-forward stuff but, oh well...Enjoy!

xoxo

Pecah