WHAT TO WEAR: Avoid wearing red, white and black, cameras have trouble with these colors. Stay away from big bold patterns, they can be very distracting and unflattering. Small, tight patterns and pinstripes can cause moiré patterns on the screen and makes the picture look bad, and no shiny fabrics.
Your best bet is to go with bright, solid colors as they usually look best on camera. Choose rich colors such as a royal or deep navy blue, hunter or kelly green, deep purple, chestnut brown or maroon. Wear comfortable clothing that is tailored. DO NOT wear puffy or loose sleeves, especially if you are doing a demo. Three-fourth length sleeves are perfect, as they stay out of the way, do not drag through the food and are not distracting.
Don't wear flashy or jangly jewelry. You don't want the viewer distracted by your jewelry whether it is the light reflecting, the swinging earrings or noise from a bangle bracelet. You want them focused on you and what you are saying and doing. In the case of QVC, they suggest small stud earrings and a simple necklace. QVC does not want the distraction, but they also don't want the viewer calling in wanting to order your necklace (that you most likely did not get from QVC) instead of your cookbook.
Even if the studio provides a salon for hair and makeup, you should arrive at the studio with your makeup applied normally as you do every day so the stylist can see what your normal look is. They will then 'enhance' your makeup, hopefully keeping it natural looking. If you choose to do your own hair and makeup you will want to choose a matte lipstick and stay away from bright red and apply loose powder to help eliminate shine. Even if you normally don't wear makeup, a little will help to keep you from being washed out looking under the bright lights. QVC offers a salon. I used the stylist once but have found I am more comfortable doing my own hair and makeup and I have not had a local studio to offer the service.
LIVE VS TAPED: I have more live TV experiences than taped and they are very different. With live TV you have a very short timeframe to get your message across and your host can make or break the segment. It is important to establish a relaxed relationship with the host immediately upon meeting him/her. The ultimate goal for each show is a little different. If you are selling a cookbook, your goal is to sell more cookbooks, whether the show is QVC or local noon talk show such as Nashville’s Talk of the Town; however, the goal of the show is not always the same as yours. Of course QVC's goal IS to sell books – therefore, the dialogue with the host is all about the selling features of the book, and tasting recipes – talking about the book. On the other-hand, the goal of a local talk show is to entertain their viewers, give them some information that will improve their life. While they understand your mission is to sell more books, the presentation is completely different and that is NOT the focus as it is on QVC. Of course, there are exceptions to this, but that should be discussed and agreed on with the shows producer early on.
MEDIA TRAINING? QVC requires every On-Air guest to complete and pass an online test in addition to attending their On-Air Guest Certification Training. During the training, you actually are taped with a host doing a segment, then you go with a mentor to watch and critique the tape. Then you tape another segment and review once again. Noone enjoys this process. You always hear actors say they never watch the movies they are in, now I believe them and understand, it is very hard to watch yourself on screen; however, it is VERY helpful. I strongly recommend Media Training, but if this is not possible, then have a friend video you and give you constructive feedback.
DIFFERENCES IN APPERANCES & DEMOS: A QVC spot is longer, 7-10 minutes and is much more expensive yet much easier than doing a demo. You pay a stylist who prepares the recipes you have carefully selected and you and the host talk about the amazing recipes, other selling features within the book, and the host will taste 4 or 5 recipes. With a live TV demo, you must do the planning, shopping, prepping, which takes a lot of thought and time. Sometimes you might have a recipe prepared in 2 or 3 different stages and then the final stage. You also must take a lot of stuff with you. I have taken a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer, blender, griddle, and I took a small counter top oven to one show in Memphis that has a great kitchen set, but none of the appliances work. You must take all of the utensils, bowls (use clear bowls for your ingredients so the views can see), plates, paper towels, cutting board, knife, can opener, etc. Once on Talk of the Town, I was making quesadillas and I forgot a spatula. It is really hard to flip a quesadilla without one. So be prepared to improvise on the fly.
ONE MORE LESSON: Another lesson I learned is when you are cooking on TV, you do not have to be exact with your measurements, I was preparing a bread pudding and the actual ingredients combined filled the bowl so full that I could not stir without spilling – the host suggested next time to just not pour all of the ingredients in the bowl – no one will ever know.
Just roll with the flow and have fun with it.-- Sheila Thomas, Favorite Recipes Press (picture with her son, Layne, at a cooking demonstration for In the Kitchen with Kids.)
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