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.
The
Real Talk TV Series does not aim to be a carbon copy of anything
already out there or something polished. Its purpose is to give to others an
online hub of all things positive, productive and beneficial in the hope that
it will somehow be a source of inspiration, help and encouragement! There will
never be a goal too big to reach. Let your self belief be your motivation!! x
TEAM
Charley Jai - @CharleyRealTalk / INSTA: charleyrealtalk
Chieze Ihecherenoma – INSTA: shiningconcept /
Natalie L Royer - @natalieleonna /
Emma Obichukwu - @EmmaObichukwu /
Raymond Mfon - @HappyChapClo
YouTube
The Real Talk TV Series UK – to launch May 2014
Pictures taken by Emma Obichukwu and Edited by
Charley Jai
Logo's supplied by each company, Edited by Charley Jai