3, 2, 1, Action!

Over the last few weeks, I got a behind the scenes look at the making of MLGW’s television show, Memphis Energized.


When I went to visit the Household Hazardous Waste Center, the show’s producer, MLGW’s very own Tamara Nolen, and Randy Paige, a cameraman from Media Source, came along with me to conduct an on-camera interview with Environmental Programs Coordinator Lisa Williams and shoot some footage for the show. Tamara was really good at putting Lisa—who was extremely nervous about being on TV—at ease. In addition to the interview, Randy filmed the various items that were stored in the bays. (He went back on a busy Saturday morning to get footage of customers making drop offs.)

I quickly realized that putting together this thirty minute show takes a lot of work. Tamara is responsible for selecting the show’s content, scheduling and conducting interviews, coordinating filming and voiceovers, writing the script, editing, and who knows what else!


The most fun I had behind the scenes, was at the Media Source studio in Bartlett where the show’s hosts—MLGW’s Chris Stanley and local anchorwoman Jane Segal—film their segments. The Memphis Energized set closely resembles a living room thanks to Media Source President, Joe Incardona, who says he’s the only man who regularly shops at Hobby Lobby. Much attention is paid to the greenery in the background, the magazines on the coffee table, etc. to give the show a “homey” feel. (Joe also spent a good deal of time extolling the virtues of his new in studio fluorescent lighting.)


I got a real kick out of watching my coworker, Chris, apply hairspray and make-up, worry whether his green sweater made him look fat, and flub a few of his lines. Jane kept everyone entertained between takes with tales of her Ebay adventures. I learned a lot of TV lingo thanks to Joe, Randy, and Tamara. (If you ever want to know what “Over Video,” “On Screen,” “One Shot,” or “Two Shot” means, then I’m your girl.)

It was amazing how much material is covered in one show. For the upcoming March/April episode there are spots on MLGW’s Energy Smart Program, Plus-1, free energy kits from TVA, online bill payment, the TVA rate increase, the new look of our Meter Readers, the Household Hazardous Waste Center, this blog, and much, much more!

Because I was really interested in the Household Hazardous Waste Center, Tamara let me do the voice over for the video segment. I much prefer the written word, but I did my lines in only two takes. (Take that, Chris!)

Please tune in to the show and let us know what you think!

Memphis Energized Schedule
March/April 2008

WKNO
3/2 at 9:00 a.m.
3/30 at 9:30 p.m.
3/31 at 2:30 a.m.

WKNO 2
3/1 at 8:30 p.m.
3/31 at 9:30 p.m.

WREG Channel 3
March 1 at Noon

The Library Channel
Sundays at 1:30 p.m.
Mondays at 6 p.m.
Tuesdays at 1 a.m.
Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m.
Thursdays at midnight and 7:30 a.m.
Fridays at 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.

My 50 TV
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.