OUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS SECTION
Below is a list of the type of questions we get asked the most by artists, when first contacting Presenter Promotions. If you have a question that isn't on this page, please firstly go to our free advice pages and if it isn't answered there, please go to the contact page and send your question to us and we will answer it as quickly as we can.
Q: What is Presenter Promotions?
A: It is a unique resource for anyone working as a presenter or voice artist or wanting to make it their new career. We have an extensive range of services on offer all specifically aimed at helping you find work in this high competition industry.
Q: Is Presenter Promotions an established and a reputable company to use?
A: Yes, we have been here a long time, we have 20 years plus experience, and in that time we have seen unknown artists become house-hold names. We are a comprehensive resource for newcomers and established artists alike.
Q: Who are our services aimed at?
A: Anyone who is currently working (or wants to work) in TV, Radio or the associated industries. We also help Production Companies find the artists they are looking for.
Q: What is Presenter Promotions success rate?
A: We pride ourselves in offering unique, tailored advice to each and every client. indeed in our time we have helped to launch many faces that are now household names. Presenters like Natasha Kaplinsky (Sky/BBC Breakfast) is just one example of someone who used our services (for her back in 1995). Jamie Theakston was a member too, alongside many others (its a long list) who are now on your screens. You can see numerous comments from customers on our testimonials page.
Q: How does Presenter Promotions compare to similar companies?
A: There is no other company like us, there are many who in the past have tried to copy or imitate what we do, however in true style they don't appear to hang around for very long. We do not make claims of earning loads of money, nor do we say you will be on TV next week, indeed our advice is always realistic but achievable for those prepared to work hard in achieving their goals.
Q: Can you help me find a job?
A: Yes, thats what we are here for, to make the industry more aware of you and your talents. Our Presenter Club members get a weekly job sheet with lots of job vacancies.
Q: The Presenters Club has a list of jobs! Where do the job vacancies come from?
A: As we have been here for a long time, the industry knows we are here, consequently the jobs tend to find us. We also do lots of pro-active searching when we hear whispers about a job coming up. We work for all club members like an agent, but you are not tied to us in any way.
Q: So, are you an agency then?
A: No, we do not represent individual artists or take any commissions from any work you do, we offer services that can help get you work and where you want to be. For example if you joined The Presenters Club and got a job through it, all the money you earned from it would be yours.
Q: Who uses you?
A: Wow, over the years the list is very long. All the national broadcasters to start with BBC, ITV, Channels 4 and five, both TV and Radio as well as the digital networks like Sky TV, and absolutely hundreds of independent production companies working in video and audio too.
Q: Are any of your services free?
A: All of our advice is free, both on this site or over the telephone, but the services we offer are chargeable. Please see individual services for the individual costs concerned. Please note all conversations and communications are completely confidential and we don't sell or pass on your details to anyone else either.
Q: I already have a showreel or voice demo, but I still can't seem to get work, can you help?
A: Yes, our Presenter Club members all have the benefit of a FREE non-bias evaluation of what their reel is saying about them. Want to know more? Then pay a visit to The Evaluation Desk in The Special Club Members area.
Q: Do I need any special qualifications to work in the industry?
A: Well, talent, enthusiasm and a desire to succeed are of paramount importance, although for arguments sake if you wanted to present a documentary series about engineering for example, you would need to know your stuff. It's mainly common sense really.
Q: Do I need to be a member of Equity?
A: Most presenting jobs do not require an equity card, however it is still regarded by many to be a proof of commitment and professionalism, and if you are a member you can often negotiate a better rate of pay than a non-Equity member.
Q: Are there any conditions?
A: No, anyone can use our services, you can be any age, young or old. There are rules to some of our services, but we have many new people and likewise, many very established personnel using our services. As mentioned earlier we have been here for over 20 years helping individuals within the industry.
Q: I want to be famous, will you help me?
A: There is no real short cut to being famous and to be honest if thats all you want then you are likely to get a frosty reception wherever you go. All good presenters and voice artists will agree that the fame thing is just an added bonus to doing the job that they enjoy. Although, there are many people who would agree that there is a lot of celebrity status connected with being a Presenter.
Q: Do I need any tools to get started in this industry?
A: Presenters need a showreel and voice artists need a voice demo, both will need a CV or profile to send with it. Showreels and Voice demos can be expensive, so do your research before you lay out your hard earned cash. I suggest you see the notes on the advice pages of this site too BEFORE you spend your pennies, as there are a large number of very dodgy scammers out there, who have their eyes on your money, in exchange for lots of compliments and shoddy promotional showreels and demos, so you have been warned.
Q: I need a list of companies to send my material to, do you have any?
A: Yes, our Contact File has hundreds of contacts like this, however when you first start out it's best to steer clear of agents, as they like to see that the industry will pay to see you perform before they take any risks with new-comers. See further more comprehensive advice on this subject on our advice pages.
Q: I currently have a nine to five job, will I need to leave it?
A: No, not at first, in fact most new-comers keep the day job until they start earning in the industry. Your new career will take some time to build, and you might need to invest money in your new career at the beginning too.
Q: So, what sort of money can you earn?
Figures vary from programme to production, television to radio, and corporate video to voice-overs. I'm sure you will read about six figure fees in the papers, however a bulk of the jobs are not in this league. Most work is freelance, this means you go from place to place for the type of work you want. There are salaried jobs, these are mainly in radio and tv journalism and tv continuity. Equity set a guideline for a whole range of positions and these can be viewed on their site
Q: I am very keen to break into the industry, is it easy?
A: No, its hard work, with hardly any praise. In fact, if you are the sort of person who cannot stand rejection, then don't even start, as it's a high competition industry. However, if you are determined, hard working and thick skinned then there's a good chance you can climb to the next rung of the ladder.
Q: Will I need to get an accountant?
A: If you start to earn money, I recommend you find an accountant to file details with your local tax office and complete a tax return form for you every year. In the UK you will have to complete and return an assessment form and it must sent in by the end of January every year. Under the Self-Assessment scheme, you must keep full records of income and expenditure and preserve them for five years. During the year, as you earn you should put some of your earnings aside as you will have to make payments of any tax due in two, half-yearly chunks, in January and July. These payments are estimated amounts paid on account with a refund or surcharge made the following year once the actual figures are known. When you register as self-employed you will be given a tax reference number, so make sure you know yours as this can be helpful in proving to clients that you are properly registered as self-employed with the Inland Revenue. The tax system is somewhat complicated and it can be a minefield if you put a wrong figure into your accounts or a tax return. It would be advisable to obtain the services of an accountant who can advise you further. I recommend you have a chat with Cherri via Email: cherri@cmaccounting.co.uk or telephone her on 01634 291220.
Q: So what is the first step?
A: Firstly I suggest you read up on our free advice pages, then if you are still convinced that this is the industry for you, then make a telephone call to us or drop us an email and we can then get your career moving in the right direction. Once you have read our advice pages and you are still convinced that this is the career for you then you must make contact.
Q: I have another question?
A: Before you pose that question, there is a good chance that you will find the answer to it on our advice pages. If not, then please go to the contact page and send your question to us and we will answer it as quickly as we can.
Q: Before you leave this page
Please can I ask you to keep me up-dated on your progress? Also, if you get stuck in the future and need an answer to a question, please remember us and re-visit. Oh, and one more thing . . . Lots of luck with your career and if you need help, please ask . . . I don't bite.
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