#FilmFriday is not just about the big screen, Box Office smashers, but also about local, homegrown talent doing worthwhile, brilliant projects that they should be supported for. That's what I intend to do with my mate Charley-Jai's excellent new web series that launches tomorrow - 24th May, via the new channel. Aware that many others like myself, had some questions for her, she finally agreed to answer everything we wanted to know at once, so to find out along with me, lets go Behind The Scenes...
As most of you will know by now, I have been working on a new project for YouTube. THE REAL TALK TV SERIES is one which aims to positively inspire, encourage, inform and motivate upcoming talent, semi-established artists / performers as well as serve as an opportunity for such creative persons, businesses and the alike to raise their profile. Hopefully a number of ‘big-wigs’ in the entertainment/media field will take an interest in the talent featured ;)
Where did the idea for the show come from?
For many years I have been doing various work which sees me provide opportunities for others – Journalism, Youth Work, Blogging, Radio, Motivational Speaking etc and after being asked to present for several on-screen projects, of which the aims were to inspire others, I felt that there is a need for that to be a regular thing but one which isn’t filtered; where there is a real and honest look at all aspects of various industries, people, jobs etc including that of an aspiring TV Presenter who is learning on the job.
Why be the face of The Real Talk TV Series?
I spent just under 2 years auditioning aspiring TV Presenters (only females showed an interest) who would volunteer in the role and although they were each beautiful in their own way, fun and quirky, the second the camera was on them they turned into Newsreaders! Although not (yet) an amazing TV Presenter myself, I have a personality, a no-fear approach to such work and am not afraid of looking silly so, as was decided and agreed by the team, it made sense for me to present the show. For now…
How is the show being funded?
There is no funding as such. We, the team, cover costs such as travel expenses, tapes for filming, refreshments for the screenings etc.
Will each episode focus on something specific?
Yes – this is the aim although we are still working on how best to do this as we know it is important to have the show be entertaining whilst being informative.
How did you get people to be on the show?
I contacted people I know, with whom I have a friendship or have worked with in the past. Also, having hosted live events, my own radio show and through journalism etc, I’ve met so many people who are extremely talented!! I reached out to them, pitched the idea of the show and (to date) each person I’ve approached has agreed to be involved.
What is the length of each episode?
Ideally, I would have liked each to be no longer than 4 minutes however; that is so unrealistic based on what we are trying to achieve so, 10 minutes is the aim.
When will the show launch and how often will there be a new episode?
Hopefully 24th May 2014 and weekly thereafter.
Why YouTube?
Why not? Currently it is the biggest platform on which to launch anything and everything!! Also, despite the many connections I have in the arts industry, I am without the power to simply have my work debuted on TV.
How did you get sponsorship from Happy Chap Clothing?
I met the founder (Raymond Mfon) a couple years ago after randomly coming across ‘Happy Chap Clothing’ on Facebook. I contacted him and asked if he would like his label to take part in a fashion show to be included in a Listening Party showcase event by NLPR Ltd. He agreed, we remained in contact and I later approached him about The Real Talk TV Series. He really liked the concept and so decided he’d love to be on board.
Where did the idea for the animation come from?
Like almost everyone in the world, or so it seems, I’ve always wanted an animated version of myself however not the standard (sims or cartoon) type that others have. I wanted something pixilated; quite 80s or 90s looking. I had the exact idea of its look and of the opening sequence to the show in my head but, I didn't know how to articulate that using the correct jargon or who to approach. In my frustration I shared my thoughts with Natalie (Production Assistant) and Emma (Videographer/Photographer/Editor) and they mentioned Chieze from Shining Concept whom they later introduced me to. I spoke with him and, like Raymond; he loved the whole concept of the show and agreed to come on board.
Obviously, nothing starts out being 100% spot on but, what is hoped for The Real Talk TV Series long term?
That it is recognised and supported by a TV Network with an interest in showing it on their channel. Evidently the first series is very rough around the edges! With series 2 we are implementing all that we learned from filming the first time round. We hope by series 3 (if not 2) to have the show be super on point and for it to have a committed audience. Obviously the hits will be the deciding factor as to its future. That said I’ll always be happy that I chose to launch the project and will remain proud of myself and the team for our incredibly hard work!!
2 screenings will be held prior to its launch. Since when do people hold a pre-launch screening for a YouTube show?
We may indeed be the first (ha-ha) however, it was of huge importance to me to have constructive feedback from professional industry persons, as well as those I trust, to be completely honest about how we can better the project. I don’t believe we will get such criticism from the general public. These days it seems more and more people are all about slating just for the sake of it rather than supporting genuine movements.
How are people able to put themselves forward to be involved?
Whether their interest is to feature or to join the team, they need only send their full name, BIO (or details of their past and current work) with reasons as to why they want to be a part of the show, together with a clear photo to realtalkuk_creative@outlook.com addressed to RTTVS.
TEAM
Chieze Ihecherenoma – Instagram
YouTube – to launch May 2014
Pictures taken by Emma Obichukwu and Edited by Charley Jai
Logo's supplied by each company, Edited by Charley Jai
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Congrats Ms. Jai, on your new undertaking, and your courageous approach. I'll be watching - will you?
Until the next...
ES ;)
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