Workshops and Classes 

We can help you...

Authors
Want to successfully market your book and make a name for yourself? Get the attention you truly deserve by learning how to be Media Ready and Media Savvy! Become a media darling with industry insider Alison Hill.
This is a 3 part workshop. Sessions can be taken separately or you can purchase all 3 for a special discount price! This series of workshops is designed for seasoned and aspiring authors, whether traditionally or self-published.

Filmmakers
Learn pre-production techniques with Emmy nominated television producer, Alison Hill. Invaluable information for those wanting to learn the fundamentals of good producing!
This 3 part workshop teaches aspiring producers how to create quality programming - from concept development, research, and treatment, to shooting, scripting, and beyond.

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Media Ready, Media Savvy
What to say? How to say it? Who to say it to?

Part 1 - Be prepared!
Writers and authors:  With this workshop you'll be ready to tackle any media appearance and interview. You'll learn how to successfully promote your work, build new readership, and make a name for yourself.

You will learn the following skills:

• What to say?
  How to prepare your material and spiel - your message. What's your book about? Who are you? Why should anyone care?
  (Write compelling synopses that will attract readers and create a bio that will get you noticed.)
  
• How to say it? 
  Presentation skills. How to promote yourself and your work in a succinct and professional manner.
  (Learn how to clearly articulate your message.)
  
• Who to say it to?
  Reach a level of confidence while interacting with journalists, producers, hosts and reporters. And always remember the audience - you want to keep them listening! Keep it simple, keep it short, keep it interesting!
  
  

Come learn how to be media savvy with Alison Hill. Be prepared for when that producer or reporter calls! This 3 hour workshop includes interactive exercises, a bargain at only $99 per person!
Next Workshop: Saturday, July 10, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: 133 Sharp Top Trail, Apex, N.C.

Media Ready, Media Savvy
What to say? How to say it? Who to say it to?

Part 2 - Putting your plan to work...
Writers and authors:  Now that you have your 'Media Ready' material, it's time to contact the press! Your goal: to be invited as a guest on television programs and radio shows, and to be featured in newspapers and online articles. Wouldn't it be great if someone wrote a book review on your work? Or invited you onto a 30-minute talk show?

You will learn the following:

• How to prepare a Media Savvy package.
• How to  develop your pitch. Again remember the questions: what's your book about? Who are you? And why should anyone care? Make them take notice!
• Where to market your book - you'll be surprised at the opportunities available once you know the playing field! We'll give you insider tips on who to approach and how to approach them.
  
  Successfully interact with media professionals, get them interested in your work, and build lasting relationships.

All this and more in a two hour intensive workshop for only $79 per person!
Next Workshop: Saturday, July 17, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Location: 133 Sharp Top Trail, Apex, N.C.

Media Ready, Media Savvy
What to say? How to say it? Who to say it to?

Part 3 - How To Ace an Interview!
Writers and authors:  Learn effective presentation skills for radio and television appearances and get some industry insider tips on how to ace interviews every time.
If you've taken the other two workshops, you already know what to say and who to say it to. This workshop will teach you how to say it. This is your chance to put everything you've learned to the test and shine!

• Hands-on interview coaching - how to build a rapport with the interviewer and engage with the viewer - endearing yourself to possible readers out there!

• Want to know how you appear on-screen? Participants will be individually interviewed by Alison Hill. The interview will be taped and reviewed. Alison will offer constructive criticism on each author's performance.
  

• Drawing on extensive professional experience, as a TV journalist, PBS producer, interviewer, host, and BBC radio commentator, Alison Hill can teach aspiring authors interview techniques that get results!

Each interview and appearance is an opportunity to spark interest for your book. Make it memorable. Make it work for you. Get the attention and status you deserve.

Cost for workshop: $130 per person.
DVD copy and upload: $20

Next Workshop: Saturday, July 31, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Location: 133 Sharp Top Trail, Apex, N.C.

Special offer: Book all three workshops and save! Only $279 per person.

For booking information, please contact Seren Media's Business and Marketing Manager,
Anora McGaha at: 919-741-9449 or e-mail at: anoramcgaha@yahoo.com
Payment by check or cash at the door.
Location for all three workshops: 133 Sharp Top Trail, Apex, N.C.
Click here for Map.

Television/video pre-production
Next workshop - TBA
So you have an idea for a TV show, documentary or film but are not sure how to proceed? 
A good finished product in TV requires excellent pre-production skills. It’s imperative that a producer spend time planning before venturing out on a shoot. Drawing on almost 15 years professional experience in the TV industry, I can offer simple yet effective techniques. Starting with a vision of the proposed show I can help budding producers bring their dream into reality. All it takes is careful planning a good idea and a little skill.
Anybody can learn all of the above – but it does take time, patience and practice! 
I'll cover the following elements for location and studio shoots: ideas/concepts, research, recon/location scouting, treatment/outline, shot lists, networking, guests, interviews, crew lists, paper work - permits and releases, and much, much more... 

Cost for this 3 session Workshop (total of 6 hours) - $150 per person (minimum 8 participants)

Future classes are determined by the level of interest. Please e-mail me for further information.
serenmedia1@yahoo.com

News Media and Journalism Classes

Teaching goes beyond mere instruction and the sharing of information. A good teacher inspires a lifelong exploration of ideas and encourages critical and analytical thinking. My teaching material comes from the journalistic trenches and my methods from a tradition of open discussion and sharp analysis. This is what I endeavor to bring to my classes, be they for adults or children. I want my students to discover their passion, listen, learn, make up their own minds, then go forth and achieve their best!

Overview of course
An exploration and analysis of the role of journalism and journalists in society. Are journalists fulfilling their roles adequately? Are citizens fully informed?

1. The definition of journalism.
2. News Mediums.
3. Different types of journalism.
4. Stories.
5. Elements of a story.
6. Political coverage.
7. Analysisof stories/newscasts.
8. Project – an exercise in information gathering, analytical thinking, research, organizational and writing skills.

• Alison Hill has presented many talks to classrooms at the Metropolitan College of Denver, discussing the role of journalism in society, and encouraging students to fully participate in the critical analysis of this very important issue.
• The above Media and Journalism course was taught at a private school in Asheville.
• Alison Hill has also worked as an instructor at the Ohio School of Broadcasting in Denver, Colorado, teaching "Introduction to Television" classes, focusing on the basic skills needed to pursue a broadcasting career.

If you're a teacher, professor or group leader and are interested in hiring Alison Hill to give a talk, speech, lead a discussion or teach a class, please e-mail for more information:
serenmedia1@yahoo.com

Voice-overs and On-screen work
Alison Hill is also available as a host, interviewer and voice-over talent. Alison has performed voice-overs for PBS, ITV1 and several independent production companies. She's voiced documentaries, PBS underwriting spots, news reviews, program roll-ins/segments, a weekly Crimestoppers slot, and radio promotions. Alison has hosted several shows, including the PBS Emmy-nominated series Dropframe, and Quantum Factor, and has also appeared on BBC television, ITV 1 Wales and Channel 4 Wales.
She’s worked with established authors, academics, activists and politicians, and has interviewed high profile guests, including Jason Alexander, Michael Moore, and a Baghdad City Council Member. She’s filmed events with the Dalai Lama, Andie MacDowell, Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Barack Obama.
Please click here for Alison's demo. A voice-over only demo will be available soon.