How to Produce a Talk Show

Producing a TV talk show requires lots of hard work, but it's a lot of fun. It gives you the chance to meet many interesting people you'd never meet in daily life and keeps you busy every working moment. There's no looking at the clock when you're dealing with talk show guests, hosts, cameramen and interns. If you're a multi-tasker, consider a job as a talk-show producer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Decide on a format. Some TV talk shows, like "The View" feature a variety of hosts interacting with the guests and each other. Other shows, like "Ellen" or "Oprah" have one host. If your show's theme revolves around politics, social issues or show biz gossip, two or more co-hosts or a revolving cast of reporters and hosts will highlight different views and keep the commentary balanced.

2. Hire a host. Audition several prospective hosts, rating each one on poise, intelligence, personality and looks. You should ultimately base your choice on a host's familiarity with your show's theme. If you hire the most attractive but vapid interviewer to host a political talk show and they don't know anything about the presidential race, viewers will know it and change the channel.

3. Book guests by planning in advance and doing your research as a producer. Do pre-interviews over the phone or have a trusted intern or associate do it. Always check the credentials of potential guests and brief the hosts on the guest's book, movie, CD or business.

4. Set the show length and segments. To produce a daily or weekly show on the air, a producer must act quickly and decisively. Determine the proper length of each segment and don't let it run over.

5. Learn how to write and edit. You may have to make last-minute changes in reports or other show content or edit segments. Familiarize yourself with video-editing software like Final Cut Pro and Avid.

6. Surround yourself with a professional staff. A good producer hires the best writers, cameramen, directors and interns possible to help the show run smoothly. Know when to take care of a situation yourself and when to delegate authority.

7. Handle stress well. When dealing with guests and hosts, tempers can flare and controversy will emerge. Know how to deal with conflicting ego types and when to cut to commercials. You'll also need to have a vast set of contacts in the industry to contact last minute guests if a scheduled guest cancels.

Resources

• Learn more about producing your own talk show here.
• Check out a list of popular talk shows here.