Becoming a Successful Television Researcher
A television researcher plays a critical role in the pre-production process of a TV show. Their job is to gather and analyze information, scout for locations, source contacts and contributors, and assist in script development. Here’s a guide on how you can become a successful television researcher.
1. Education and Training:
While a degree is not a strict necessity, having an educational background in media, communications, journalism, or a related field can be beneficial. It can help you understand the television industry, the production process, and the techniques of research. Also, look for courses or workshops that specifically focus on research methodology, media laws, and ethics.
2. Gain Experience:
Internships or entry-level jobs in production companies can provide a practical understanding of the industry. This can involve roles such as a runner or production assistant. Even work in other sectors that require research can be useful in developing skills transferrable to the television industry.
3. Develop Research Skills:
A successful television researcher must possess excellent research skills. This involves being able to use a variety of resources, from online databases to public records, personal interviews, and more. It’s crucial to understand fact-checking, data analysis, and synthesizing information into a format useful for the production team.
4. Enhance Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are vital as a television researcher often liaises between different departments. They also reach out to potential contributors, conduct interviews, and negotiate access to locations or information.
5. Understand the Audience:
A deep understanding of the target audience is critical. You should be able to anticipate what will interest them and know how to find and present information that will cater to their tastes and needs.
6. Stay Informed and Curious:
Staying informed about current affairs, popular culture, new trends, and developments in the television industry is a must. A successful researcher should be naturally curious, eager to learn, and willing to delve deep into a topic.
7. Networking:
Building a network of contacts within the industry is important. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with people who might provide valuable information or assistance for your projects.
8. Adaptability:
Being adaptable is key in this role, as you may be working on different genres of shows or dealing with different topics. This requires being open-minded and flexible, able to shift focus as needed.
9. Persistence:
Research can often be time-consuming and challenging. It requires patience and tenacity, with the understanding that persistence often leads to the best information.
Conclusion
A career as a television researcher can be both challenging and rewarding, offering the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and contribute significantly to the success of a television program. By developing the right skills and gaining the right experience, you can carve out a successful career in this field.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a television researcher, consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This program provides a comprehensive overview of the television production process and can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the industry.
