A. Martin Webb writes:
This is a double-edged opportunity. You’ll get the chance to let millions of viewers know all about you and your new venture, but if things go wrong, your life will be laid out for the world to see.
The secret is to be honest with yourself. If you’ve been asked to participate, the producers will have seen something in you that will make good TV. Perhaps you’re a colourful character, or they can predict chaos accompanying your every move. They won’t have selected you for being cool or likely to succeed without raising a sweat. If you can’t see why you’ve been selected, ask someone you trust for their honest opinion.
If you decide to go ahead, remember that the TV crew will be there for days at a time waiting for something to happen. The director will want to know when you’re having meetings, when deadlines are set – in fact, everything in your life that could result in that killer TV moment. They’ll try and catch your unguarded moments and may even be filming when you think the camera’s switched off. So be on your guard at all times.
Try to be as charming, happy and professional as you can, and don’t start yelling if things go wrong, as that’s exactly what they’ll want.If you get through it, make sure that you’re ready to take advantage of the spike in business that will accompany the airing. The phone will ring and emails will flood in. Some will just be curious, others serious customers. The volume of new business will directly correlate to the way in which you’ve handled yourself. Taking part is a big risk, but not taking part is likely to be the bigger one. Happy filming!
Martin Webb runs People’s Pubs, which gives its profits to local charities, and two commercial pub companies. He also presented Channel 4’s Risking It All.
www.peoplespubs.com