Looking for a second producing job-

[Slave to the Grind]

So here's the deal:

I'm on my first job, producing in a smaller market (110-120 range), with a little more than a year on my contract.

My first job search took me about 3 months. I'd say I started in February of 2007 and had a couple of interviews just before graduation.

Recently, our Executive Producer, and another producer, made the jump to a top 5 market, Dallas. It was a huge upgrade for them, straight to a big, competitive city.

My goal has always been to move back home as quickly as possible, home being Philadelphia (market 4).

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Is it realistic to target my hometown as a first jump? It would be a 110 market swing. If our other two producers could do it, why can't I? I'm just wondering what kind of experience a large market like Philadelphia is looking for in a producer. I don't want to get in over my head.

People have also told me to begin my job search with a whole year left on my contract. Isn't that a little bit early? I don't want to get stuck without a second gig, but what happens if I start early and find a job way before my contract is up?

I'm also not sure what I should be putting on my resume tape. I've been told to just put "last night's show" on a DVD and send it along. My original tape had an entire newscast, with the packages cut out. The job I have did not even require the tape.

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People tell me all the time that producers are in high demand and can move up quickly. I guess the veterans here would know more about the changes in the industry than I would.

I'd just like to go home sometime, and if I can avoid 2 years of living in a brand new place again, that would, obviously, be ideal.

thanks

[RollTide98]

If you don't want to get in over your head, DO NOT make Philly your next stop. I did the equivalent of a 140-market jump from my first job to my second job (when I was producing), and it took me a while to catch up.

In order to enhance your skills, you should jump up to a market in the 50s or so, and you'll see the differences between smaller stations and larger ones... Then look to either move on to an even larger market... and THEN to Philly. And when you think about it, in the grand scheme of things, a few years is not too long.

You'll (hopefully) be a much better producer for it.

You'll also be paid better for it. These top 10 markets that hire newbie producers are doing so because they know they're CHEAP. And with 2% or 3% annual raises, you'll never catch up to a salary that's decent for the cost of living.

[TAFKA wacowx]

RollTide98 offers fantastic advice, but if money is no object (or rather lack of money) then I see nothing wrong with having Philly in your job hunt. What's the worst thing that can happen? You are out 30 bucks or so because you send all the local stations your tapes? If that is really where you want to be and you don't want to move again (which appears inevitable in this current state of television), send away.

That being said, you will be surprised how your ideal location changes as you get older. I am big on traveling to radically different places to see what life is like outside of my comfort zone. I am currently in Houston but I never would have even thought of coming to Texas if my wife didn't prod me several years ago. Now, I would never go back to PA for so many reasons. I would have loved to go back to my hometown (NEPA) in the past, now I don't think I would ever consider it unless there were some impressively good reasons.

What about some markets close to Philly? Like NEPA or Harrisburg? Or something a little farther out (VA gets my vote :) ), but still a reasonable drive 'home'? You will have the experience of living elsewhere, but still be able to make it home should you want to visit friends and family.

Target these markets, first with an email with your resume or send snail mail with resume and cover letter with an offer to send along a tape to those interested. I landed all of my TV jobs this way. Didn't acknowledge whether or not anyone had openings currently (unless I knew for sure they did), just sent a letter which basically said I was looking and interested in their market/area for whatever reasons and would like them to consider me if and when an opening should come up. I got two full time gigs this way and one fill-in.

Lastly, I just wanted to say that it sounds like you are in TX right now and move to an east coast gig may be a rough one since markets tend to look close by for talent to avoid moving expenses...especially for behind the scenes people. You producers moving to Dallas sounds like a nice move up, BUT it's likely not much of a physical move (100-200 miles?) for them I am guessing.

[ae468]

The producers that made the jump? I am assuming that it wasn't just the second job for the EP, and perhaps even the other producer. Also, how long had they been at your station? Longer than one year? So, don't always compare yourself to others. It's different with every person and every job. Perhaps the station they went to in Dallas was hiring a ton of producers and they got in on the right time. It's an ebb and flow right now with jobs. So, just keep looking, but don't lock yourself into one area. You are in the South right now? Augusta, perhaps?. So, just enjoy the nice weather (if it's still nice) and take your time. The right job will show itself to you and it will just "work".

Good Luck

[thepowerproducer]

When I was producing, I started out in a 50s market, then made a jump I felt comfortable with. I think you need to do what's right for you. I'm no longer producing, but if I was still on that track I would be in a Philly-size market at this point. Just know that if you have a year or two of experience, you won't be making Philly money. You have to look at tons of factors -- including cost of living. Good luck!

[ZuZu's Petals]

My advice won't be specific to producing... but if Philly is home - here's my thinking: The next time you are home visiting, schedule visits with the EP at each station.
Tell them you want to work your way back home, let them see your work and critique it if they are willing.
Develop a relationship with these people. (Or just one of them if that is all that is willing.) They'll let you know whether or not you are ready for the jump.

In the meantime, take a gig someplace where you can be happy. Two years will fly by. Keep sending your 'mentor' in your ideal/home market the newscasts you are proud of... they'll tell you when you are ready - and you'll be first in their mind when there is an opening. Better still - you'll already have a relationship with someone you trust and you'll know if you can bear the environment in that shop. The ones that won't befriend you, might not be the best people to work with.

my .02

[Slave to the Grind]

What about some markets close to Philly? Like NEPA or Harrisburg? Or something a little farther out (VA gets my vote :) ), but still a reasonable drive 'home'? You will have the experience of living elsewhere, but still be able to make it home should you want to visit friends and family.

I am familiar with the Allentown area. I grew up watching channel 69 news from time to time and would have no problem working there.

Harrisburg isn't really my favorite area, though I would be close to my alma mater. I have family near the Poconos as well, but a jump to Scranton would be a wasted opportunity I think.

I have a friend at Temple for med school, and another who is going to get a teaching job in Philly. That's the main reason for me wanting to get back ASAP, so I can be with those two guys again.


Lastly, I just wanted to say that it sounds like you are in TX right now and move to an east coast gig may be a rough one since markets tend to look close by for talent to avoid moving expenses...especially for behind the scenes people. You producers moving to Dallas sounds like a nice move up, BUT it's likely not much of a physical move (100-200 miles?) for them I am guessing.

I'm on the east coast already, Augusta. I don't have anything to hide, so I guess I can divulge that.

Wouldn't my familiarity with Philadelphia be an advantage for me, compared to other candidates?

[Slave to the Grind]

The producers that made the jump? I am assuming that it wasn't just the second job for the EP, and perhaps even the other producer. Also, how long had they been at your station? Longer than one year? So, don't always compare yourself to others.

Good call, I should have specified that.

I believe the producer had 2-3 years of experience.

Our EP was at the station for, I think 5 years. He actually hired me, but took off one month later.

I started doing television in high school. While it's probably a stretch to call that real "experience", I've been involved in journalism for awhile. I learned a lot in that amount of time.

That EP said that part of the decision to hire me was based on that high school and college experience. So, it obviously can't hurt I guess.

Both of the Dallas people were very good at what they do.

[Slave to the Grind]

My advice won't be specific to producing... but if Philly is home - here's my thinking: The next time you are home visiting, schedule visits with the EP at each station.
Tell them you want to work your way back home, let them see your work and critique it if they are willing.
Develop a relationship with these people. (Or just one of them if that is all that is willing.) They'll let you know whether or not you are ready for the jump.

Thanks for this advice. Perhaps this summer I can do this.

[TVMattNYC]

There's nothing wrong with targeting Philly in your search right now, but don't expect them to bring you in as a full producer. If you're lucky, you'll be an associate, or maybe even someone's assistant.

Getting a few notches under your belt before you hit Philly will enable you to eventually enter Philly at a much higher level (both responsibility AND pay-wise). Blowing your load now and going back too early will almost certainly guarantee you'll be pigeonholed at a much lower level for considerably longer, while the kids who stuck it out in the mid-markets will be brought in ahead of you.

[TAFKA wacowx]

I am familiar with the Allentown area. I grew up watching channel 69 news from time to time and would have no problem working there.

Harrisburg isn't really my favorite area, though I would be close to my alma mater. I have family near the Poconos as well, but a jump to Scranton would be a wasted opportunity I think.

Philly is in a unique positon as a top-10 market with good sized, mid markets right next door. A nice target for you coming from Augusta with your abilities would be a 40s/50s market and BOTH Harrisburg and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre fit that bill. I wouldn't consider ANY next move a wasted opportunity, although in Scranton I would only work for WNEP. You need additional experience or, as everyone said, you will end up SORELY underpaid in the future.

I have a friend at Temple for med school, and another who is going to get a teaching job in Philly. That's the main reason for me wanting to get back ASAP, so I can be with those two guys again. Not a great reason for limiting your next move. It's taken me 17 years to get in the same city (and industry) as my college roommate, and it took both of us moving to Houston to do it! (He was originally from Philly btw.) Don't throw away your earning potential down the road beacuse you want to spend more time with your buddies.

Wouldn't my familiarity with Philadelphia be an advantage for me, compared to other candidates? I would think so. And your willingness to work cheap would also be appealing. The people on here have given some good advice about the potential crippling effect such a jump could have on your relatively new career.

Trust us, when you are making 50% less that co-workers in 5-10 years, you will not be very happy with the choices you made.

[trunky]

web producers looking for a second job? Is it the same kind of deal regarding crippling damage to future salary?

Don't jump from a 60-80 market to a top 30 with only two years experience or else you'll get the money shaft later?

[TAFKA wacowx]

web producers looking for a second job? Is it the same kind of deal regarding crippling damage to future salary?

Don't jump from a 60-80 market to a top 30 with only two years experience or else you'll get the money shaft later?

I don't think it's as large a concern for you...you are making a jump that is about right for your circumstances I would say: about 30 markets, not top 10 or even top 20 with the ideal situation paying you more than your current salary by 20% (at least) and moving you up the ladder?

Not that market-size is the end all and be all, but in general, a 30-market jump is certainly a reasonable goal and in your situation, I don't see how it can harm your earnings in the future. Just don't ignore any lower market jobs which might actually pay more or offer you better opportunities. :thumbsup:

[east coast producer]

I am familiar with the Allentown area. I grew up watching channel 69 news from time to time and would have no problem working there.

WFMZ was my first gig out of college.

I believe I just saw a listing for a producing with WFMZ. Remember, they know have an agreement with WPVI in which the two share each other's facilities for bureaus. A reporter/shooter from WPVI work out of WFMZ and vice versa. You'll be based in Allentown, but your tape at least will show original content from Philadelphia.

I think I noticed WPVI posted a weekend morning gig. I'm sure you'd have a shot at that.

[CKMD]

a smaller market (110-120 range) , Recently, our Executive Producer, and another producer, made the jump to a top 5 market, Dallas.

Ummm...did your EP move up as just a producer, or an EP or something else?