Unsolicited Tapes...

[Stiffler]

I've been debating whether or not I should send tapes to a few outfits that don't have jobs open. Have any of you ever tried this? Does it work? Is it worth the postage? Do you ever get feedback?

[WalMartNation]

Originally posted by Stiffler:
I've been debating whether or not I should send tapes to a few outfits that don't have jobs open. Have any of you ever tried this? Does it work? Is it worth the postage? Do you ever get feedback?E-mail somebody before you send a tape... at least they'll know it's coming and there's a better chance they'll look at it.

We'd get some at my last shop... most never got a peek. I suppose in some cases it has worked before... so if you have postage $$ to burn... then let it be.

[Produce man]

I think that reporters should have to start sending DVD-R's. I mean, how useful are VHS resume tapes anymore? There used to be a time when they were good for taking home and recording our favorite shows on. I haven't had any use for a VHS tape in years. C'mon people, send us something we can use!

[Big Country]

Originally posted by Stiffler:
I've been debating whether or not I should send tapes to a few outfits that don't have jobs open. Have any of you ever tried this? Does it work? Is it worth the postage? Do you ever get feedback?I got my first job this way. graemlins/cheers2.gif

[photog78]

I think that reporters should have to start sending DVD-R's. I mean, how useful are VHS resume tapes anymore? There used to be a time when they were good for taking home and recording our favorite shows on. I haven't had any use for a VHS tape in years. C'mon people, send us something we can use! But if you send something unsolicited, then how do you know if the news director has VHS or DVD in their office? As I've said before, send what they ask for. Some still have "outdated" VHS.

[DoneThatToo]

Originally posted by photog78:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr /> I think that reporters should have to start sending DVD-R's. I mean, how useful are VHS resume tapes anymore? There used to be a time when they were good for taking home and recording our favorite shows on. I haven't had any use for a VHS tape in years. C'mon people, send us something we can use! But if you send something unsolicited, then how do you know if the news director has VHS or DVD in their office? As I've said before, send what they ask for. Some still have "outdated" VHS.</font>[/QUOTE]You have to read between the lines, or rather just the last line. " . . send us seomething we can use!" He's too cheap to buy his own DVD-Rs. :rolleyes:

[we'reinblack]

yes....it shows you have interest in the station. Your tape will stand out. When a job is open, managers are flooded with tapes from people in the biz, as well as all sorts of loopy wanna-be's.
Much better to establish your self with the station when there is not a landslide.
Write a good cover letter about why you are a good fit for the specific station.

[New and improved...No Talent Hack]

Originally posted by Big Country:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Stiffler:
I've been debating whether or not I should send tapes to a few outfits that don't have jobs open. Have any of you ever tried this? Does it work? Is it worth the postage? Do you ever get feedback?I got my first job this way. graemlins/cheers2.gif </font>[/QUOTE]Charlottesville, eh? Way to shoot for the stars.

Kidding. Unsolicited tapes can work to your advantage, if you send them to someone other than the HR person. An unsolicitied tape to the ND, EP, AND or a producer - with a "heads up" - can do the trick...just don't be so 'unsolicited'.

This day and age, it's in your best interest to try to network - even just an e-mail or two to develop a relationship - before taking the $4 postage hit. That money really start to add up...quick!
Good luck

[wxgeek]

Originally posted by Produce man:
I think that reporters should have to start sending DVD-R's. I mean, how useful are VHS resume tapes anymore? There used to be a time when they were good for taking home and recording our favorite shows on. I haven't had any use for a VHS tape in years. C'mon people, send us something we can use!"Give me somethin', somethin, I can use...give us dirty laundry..."
graemlins/icon_kidra.gif

Sorry, mate. Couldn't resist.

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

I never did it...got a job before I had to...but it was good advice nonetheless. Old colleague told me to befriend someone at the station. Read all the BIO's, find something you share with one of them(like school, or part of country they lived), use that to get the bond, then ask if they'd pass along your tape(by hand)to the ND if you mailed it to the person in question. You have to tweak the scene to your liking, but it sounded like it'd have worked.

[Gail sirens]

Deliver it in person.

[Big Country]

Originally posted by New and improved...No Talent Hack:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Big Country:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Stiffler:
I've been debating whether or not I should send tapes to a few outfits that don't have jobs open. Have any of you ever tried this? Does it work? Is it worth the postage? Do you ever get feedback?I got my first job this way. graemlins/cheers2.gif </font>[/QUOTE]Charlottesville, eh? Way to shoot for the stars. </font>[/QUOTE]I like it here! graemlins/moon.gif tongue.gif

[Pro]

It won't hurt. But the odds aren't good. Still, sometimes it is effective.

Just be prepared to get no response from most of the mailings. But it's kind of like direct mail, where 1-2% response is considered a success.

And like I said, it can't hurt - except in your wallet, for postage costs.

BTW, most ND's still have VHS decks in their offices.

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

Originally posted by Gail sirens:
Deliver it in person.That never worked in ANY shop I've worked. Receptionist takes tape, says ND is busy, and the tape is put with all the others.