Two for one.

[Shishio]

I suppose it might seem strange to ask two completely unrelated questions in one thread, but I think it would be stupid to make seperate threads for such minor things.

Question 1: Does anyone here know anything about Television studio procedure? More specifically, how talk shows are created? Does someone who wants to make a talkshow write up a proposal, audition and meet with executives, or do executives decide "Hey, let's make a talk show," and seek out a suitable host? Or do both things happen? What are the chances of a completely unknown getting a talk show of their design on the air? (And no, I'm not trying to create a talk show.)

Question 2: What are your opinions on putting references on a resume? I have always thought you should, but a career counsellor I know is adamantly opposed to the idea.

[Klilynkun]

1. i'm only aware of television study procedures after the show has already been determined as i've worked in a television study for about 3 years.

2. If you have a lot of work experience in which your resume is spanning more than 1 page then I wouldn't put any references. I would put something like; reference supplied if needed....or something to that effect.

But if you have a 1 page resume i would definitely put the reference.

[Trump]

References, I would put a note saying they are availble on request. I am against giving out other people's information unless someone is going to use it for the right purposes.

[Firefly]

References, I would put a note saying they are availble on request. I am against giving out other people's information unless someone is going to use it for the right purposes.


I took a communications class last semester that had a huge chapter on just simply resume's alone, and we were told absolutely not to do this. Our professor told us she had hired/fired hundreds of people, looked at thousands of resumes, and that if she saw a resume with this on it she would throw it in the trash. Why? Becuase if you have them upon request, put them on the resume. She shouldn't have to ask for it, just give it to them.

You should definitly have references on there. Personal and Professional. If you're a student your resume should be no longer than a page (unless you have a lot of good related work and absolutely need it to be longer) and make sure you have a cover letter.

Good luck, I can give you tons more advice on resumes if you need it.

[haterllnation]

[QUOTE=Shishio]

Question 1: Does anyone here know anything about Television studio procedure? More specifically, how talk shows are created? Does someone who wants to make a talkshow write up a proposal, audition and meet with executives, or do executives decide "Hey, let's make a talk show," and seek out a suitable host? Or do both things happen? What are the chances of a completely unknown getting a talk show of their design on the air? (And no, I'm not trying to create a talk show.)

It depends. People can pitch show ideas or an Exec. can be like we need a talk show. They are pretty inexpensive to produce. An unknown can do it. That person must have personality. If they can't attract an audience due to their personality or lack thereof, they won't get the job. Tom Green was pretty unknown, but his off-the-wall personality brought him up rather fast. Chevy Chase was well known and his show bombed.

[Shishio]

Why? Becuase if you have them upon request, put them on the resume. She shouldn't have to ask for it, just give it to them.

You should definitly have references on there. Personal and Professional.

Good luck, I can give you tons more advice on resumes if you need it.

That's what I always thought. I can agree about cover letters as well, but I don't think they're important when applying for dead end jobs, which is all I'm qualified for. Although the career counsellor I spoke with agrees with Trump, but also said that an employer should get to know you first through an interview, before hearing second hand accounts about you. And she thinks that if a reference and an employer happen to know each other, but there is enmity between them, then that may ruin your chances as well.

Thank you for your generous offer, I just might take you up on it.

[Firefly]

That's what I always thought. I can agree about cover letters as well, but I don't think they're important when applying for dead end jobs, which is all I'm qualified for. Although the career counsellor I spoke with agrees with Trump, but also said that an employer should get to know you first through an interview, before hearing second hand accounts about you. And she thinks that if a reference and an employer happen to know each other, but there is enmity between them, then that may ruin your chances as well.

Thank you for your generous offer, I just might take you up on it.


Trump has a point about putting people's information out, but you should NEVER put someone down as a reference without permission first. I can't stress that enough. You MUST get permission first. The only information you really need to put down is their full name, phone number, occupation, job, and maybe a city. No direct address should be needed.

The employer will ususally interview you first. THEN call your references. I've never had my references checked before an interview.

[Trump]

True, I would probably just leave off the note. They can still ask for references. Now that I think about it, for space reasons I have left it off my resume since like junior year in college.

I guess I also want to know of I'm actually being considered for a position. If they ask for references, it means they are seriously considering me.

[Pierrot le Fou]

As stated, ask your references for their permission to act as references. Before switching my job, I called up my former employers and asked them if they would be comfortable with me putting them down as references. They didn't end up getting called, but it's still important to list them, with their information, so that the employer doesn't have to ask you for something when you're the one who wants the job.

Either you put them on and give the info, or you leave them off. Not halfway. I have heard the exact same thing about folks not getting hired because they put 'references available upon request.'

[FOBulous]

I've been trying to pitch a sitcom and what I've learned is you better have mad contacts. I guess a talk show is a different though. I assume you have to be a recognizable person already or else your opinion won't be respected. But you have to start somewhere. Maybe radio or a random show on cable.

[Shishio]

Thanks again, everyone.

FOBulous, could you tell me more about the process of pitching a sitcom? I know it's tedious, but I want to learn as much about T.V. studio procedure as I can. Did you mail in a pitch? Or did you know someone who could bring it to the attention of an executive? Etcetera.

[FOBulous]

It's all about making contacts. Knocking on doors and getting them to read your stuff, and then having them pass it along to someone who can pick up my show. Most of it socializing. Making friends in the industry. Drinking, hanging out with the right crowd.

Personally, I think it's bullshit. I hate this ass kissing kind of stuff. But Hollywood is all about who you know.