How to Prepare for a Live TV Cooking Segment

In a world brimming with talented chefs, many culinarians dream of their skills being displayed in front of a large TV audience. All it takes, however, is one whoops to ruin a reputation and annul all the previous accrued 'Atta-boy's'. Getting it right the first time can boost ones career and bottom line.
Communication with the shows producer is paramount. How long the segment runs, dictates what dish will get the desired attention.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Burner for cooking
• Extension cord
• The appropriate pan or pot
• Small uniform glass bowls or ramekin for ingredients
• Stirring spoons,forks,and serving utensils
• Tablecloth
• An attractive display platter
• Seasonal table decorations for eye candy
• Notes and highlight important points
• Recipe ingredients, pre-measured
• Make-up

How To Prepare for a live TV Cooking Segment

1. If there are promotional screen graphics or recipe, provide the producer with the information several days before the shoot.
   Do your homework. What makes this dish special?
   Make a packing checklist of all the gear needed to cook off premises.
   Double check the list.
   Pack efficiently. Load-in should be quick and efficient.
   Arrive at the studio 45 minutes before air time.
   Bring a cart to transport equipment from the car into the studio.
   Digital TV cameras can be unforgiving, so bring along some make-up.

2. Locate your wireless microphone then finagle the wire discreetly up your shirt or blouse.
   Have the floor director turn it on and check it's position.
   Be aware of all camera's. Ask the floor director to provide a path to the cooking set.
   Walking in front of a camera is the kiss of death.
   Be quiet at all times, act like this is another day at the office and do not gawk. Practice social propriety.

3. 
   People eat with their eyes.

   Bring seasonal table decorations. The camera loves color.
   The floor director will give timing cues. Be set up 15 minutes before the segment. Walk out in front of the cooking table and see what the camera sees. Is the table cloth even? Display the ingredients balalnced in uniform fashion. Be sure that the ingredient labels are faced out for the viewers convenience.

4. Before the segment, offer the host some suggested questions.
   Always refer to the host by his or her name and thank them.
   Make direct eye contact.
   Smile, smile, and smile.
   3,2,1 and your on-air.
   Leave as soon the table gets broken down. Do not linger

Tips & Warnings

• Smile, smile, and smile.
• In the day of Digital TV, the camera can be unforgiving
• Do not talk to the anchors unless spoken to. They are deeply focused.
• Always check burner to insure it works.
• You will be asked to do a sound check. Testing, 1,2,3...
• The camera loves when food sizzles, bubbles, and flames.
• Talk to and make eye contact with the host.
• When talking to the third person, the audience, look directly into the camera that is focused upon you.
• Always be aware of the red light.
• Consider the time of the segment. Quietly ask the floor director.
• Be aware of how much preparation is involved.
• Can the dish be completed and plated in the allotted time?
• It is imperative that the dish be plated on air within the allotted time.
• Cook the dish half way if needed to hit the timing mark.
• Talk with authority and confidence.
• Some 'Talking heads' will ask distracting, non-relevant questions.
• Say, "I'll answer that next, but right now let's add the salt..."