Meet Christina Nicholson – the new Head Coach of our Demo Reel Bootcamps in South Florida! A TV veteran and storyteller, Christina will oversee shoots in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and more. Meet her, love her, and email us if you’re in South Florida and are looking to get out in the field and shoot a reel with us. We shoot the last weekend of every month!
MEET CHRISTINA …
Tell us about your TV Experience …
I have worked behind and in front of the camera for about a decade. From New York City to Miami, I have covered everything from hurricanes to national sporting championships and everything in-between. My last station was the NBC station in Miami where I worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor. After having two kids, I left the TV business to launch my own full service public relations firm, Media Maven. As a journalist, I typically didn’t read more than two sentences of what a publicist sent. It was too long, didn’t have anything to do with what I covered, wasn’t newsworthy, didn’t relate to the geographical area I covered, and the list goes on. They all wanted a free commercial for their client. Because of this, I decided to leave the news business and do that job, but better.
Craziest Memory from your 1st TV Job …
I think every reporter’s first job is not only the most memorable, but it’s also the most fun. It’s when you are motivated to learn and do everything… and super nervous learning and doing everything. It’s also where you meet life long friends. Here’s a funny story: It was probably my first week on the job at News 12 the Bronx. It just so happened to be February and there was lots of snow on the ground. Long story short… I got the news car, which happened to be a little Prius, I got stuck in the snow and strangers had to dig me out. A couple weeks later, I also waved to police officers right before making a right turn at a red light. They pulled me over. Apparently that’s illegal in New York City. Oops!
Your Favorite Types of Stories to Cover …
I love features! While breaking news gives you a rush and is fun every once in a while, it’s not usually a happy topic, and I like the feel good stories. I also like doing entertainment stories. I loved touring the Versace mansion, interviewing David Beckham, celebrating the Miami Heat’s national championship win at the parade in downtown Miami, and tagging along a children’s hospital while they are surprised with gifts by local police officers.
What makes a Reel Memorable? …
Being different, but being yourself at the same time. No one else can be you, so you’re already different. Use that to your advantage. Also, put your best stuff first. You are one of hundreds in a news director’s office. If you don’t get his or her attention in the first 10 seconds, you’re done. Look your best, speak your most conversational, and be your most creative right off the top.
Why Coach? …
This always go back to when I was a college student at Ohio State interning at the local ABC/FOX station. The reporters and photographers there were so helpful. They taught me more than I could have ever learning sitting in a classroom. Experience is the best way to learn and I want to pass on what was done for me that helped me in my career to another person in the position I was in then.
Check out all the types of reels we shoot here … If you are interested in shooting a reel, learning about our payment plans and where people get jobs after working with our coaches … email us, info@reelmediagroup.tv.