On TED.COM

TED talks, in case you have missed it is an inspiring web site that gathers some of the most famous speakers and share like its tagline says “ideas worth spreading”.

In 2010 there were several speeches that conveyed powerful messages to bring positivity in our modern society; one example of this isSacha Ditcher’s “generosity experiment”. Another video that became viral in the World Wide Web is Seth Godin’s “This is broken.” In this presentation the author exemplifies how many things we utilize in our everyday life are “broken” due to the fact that nobody has compromised to fix it. Watch the video andnotice how funny yet embarrassing things in today’s world are. 

Maybe one of the most watched videos in the web has been laying in the TED database way before the death of its author. Steve Job’sgraduation at Stanford University titled “How to live before you die” is one of the most empowering speeches of the decade. In it the former CEO of Apple transmits an honest and deep message about the way we should approach every day. At the time nobody knew about Job’s health issues and now, long after he is gone his word becomes more powerful.

Finally, there is a video that may change the way you perceive internet video as a whole. The founder and executive director of TED.com Chris Anderson presented a topic we are all familiar with. In the video Anderson identifies the three most essential factors to improve virtually any aspect of the human life.  CROWDS, LIGHT AND DESIRE are the elements that we, as society, have utilized to achieve the next step in the human evolution. A crowd is the number of people that are excited or passionate about certain activity or topic, the light is described as the access to information that most human beings have through online videos and the desire is the willingness that this group of people has to make their interest a more compelling category, whatever it may be. 

In his speech Anderson incorporates basic techniques of storytelling that because of its simplicity are universally understood. He is able to communicate with humor, anecdotes, and research and real time connections to deliver one of the most engaging virtual communications I have ever been a witness of. Anderson’s speech and moreover his TED initiative are an efficient and very inspiring told that anyone can relate to and everyone could use.

Get you an Emmy Award!

It is no secret that the entertainment industry, just like many others, relies on connections to facilitate your way up into the corporate ladder.

This is particularly true in the television industry, where not only proving what you can do in front or behind the camera will secure the job that you want. That is precisely why professional organizations are one of the most essential and valuable investments you can make as an up and coming professional.

When it comes down to choosing one professional organization there are thousands of options to pick from. Some of the ones I have previously been part of are the National Broadcasting Society, Radio Television Digital News Association, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, National Association of Broadcasters.

However, there is one particular option that can really boost your resume and networking: the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. 

For the inexpensive rate of $40 you will be part of the institution that rewards the best programming in the television industry. The EMMY, an internationally recognized award, is given by NATAS every year to the best news content in various categories, sports features, kids programs, documentaries and investigative reports that have been broadcasted on national or local television.

Local, local, local!

That is the key of success in this blog post. By joining this organization at your local chapter you will have the opportunity to compete for the very same Emmy award that is given to your favorite stars in Hollywood or New York!

But the shinning statue is not the only thing you could get out of your membership with the NATAS. As a member you will receive a newsletter with valuable information such as news and important moves within the industry. Also, you will be invited to the gala events where the best television content will be awarded. Do not forget to bring your business cards!  

Every chapter of the NATAS is encouraged to post local industry news and even job openings within your market.  The other members are usually really good at getting back to you and the entry fees ($35-40) are quite decent for the potential benefit of a nomination or the prestigious award.

Please remember that you must be a professional working in the television industry to join this organization or a student interested in the field.

Now go on and get you an EMMY!