How to become a TV presenter

Do you want to know How to become a TV presenter in South Africa?

If your child dreams about becoming a TV presenter, then you might need some assistance to help kick start his / her career in show business. Becoming a TV star or presenter is not an easy feat. Any job in show business requires dedication, hard work and of course, talent. If you need more information about how to become a TV presenter, it is very beneficial to talk to someone in the industry. Kids on Camera is a leading casting agent in Johannesburg and Gauteng, who has helped place many children acting or presenting jobs in South Africa.

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Kids on Camera has gained years of experience in show business, and will provide you with honest advice and all the information you need. Contact Kids on Camera today for more information about how to become a TV presenter, so that your child can start his or her acting career on the right track.

How to become a TV presenter in South Africa How to become a TV presenter in South Africa


Skills required to become a TV presenter

Although your child doesn't need any qualifications or experience to become a TV presenter, they are however a few characteristics they need to portray that will help them become successful TV presenters or actors. Confidence, friendliness, verbal skills, and being comfortable in front of the camera are a few of these traits. The more practice and experience your child gets, the more confident and comfortable they will feel when going for auditions. This is why Kids on Camera offers audition training / acting classes for young aspiring actors. During these classes they will learn all the tricks of the trade, learn the ins and outs of auditions, as well as get some 'on camera' practice. This is of great advantage to children who wish to make it in the entertainment industry, because they will feel more confident and prepared when going to auditions for acting or TV presenting roles.


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Register your child with a professional casting agency

If your child really wants to land a part as a TV presenter, you will need to put in a lot of hard work to find suitable auditions. This is where the assistance of a professional casting agency in Johannesburg comes in - if your child is registered with Kids on Camera, he or she will be listed on our database, along with a description and attributes. When production companies inform Kids on Camera of any acting opportunities or roles for children (as they often do), it is easy to identify possible candidates for the audition. Many production companies prefer working with casting agencies when scouting for new talent, because a database of children is readily available to sift through.

Let your child's dreams of becoming a TV presenter become a reality - Register him / her with Kids on Camera today. Although Kids on Camera cannot guarantee any presenting or acting jobs, we will do our best to arrange suitable auditions for them. Contact Kids on Camera today for more information about registering your child.

A Comprehensive Guide: How to Become a TV Presenter in South Africa

Television presenting is an exciting and rewarding career that many dream of pursuing. South Africa, with its diverse and growing entertainment industry, offers numerous opportunities for aspiring TV presenters. Whether your goal is to present on children’s shows, lifestyle programmes, talk shows, or news broadcasts, there are essential steps to help you break into the industry. In this article, we will guide you through the process of becoming a TV presenter in South Africa, highlighting key skills, training, and opportunities available to help you on your journey.

  1. Develop Essential Skills

TV presenting requires more than just being comfortable in front of a camera. Successful presenters possess a unique blend of skills that enable them to engage and connect with their audience effectively. Some of the most important skills include:

  • Communication: Clear and engaging communication is the foundation of a TV presenter’s role. You must be able to articulate ideas, news, and opinions in a way that resonates with the audience.
  • Confidence and Charisma: Presenting on live television requires self-assurance and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
  • Adaptability: Whether reading from a script, improvising, or interviewing guests, TV presenters need to be adaptable and quick-thinking.
  • Research and Preparation: A presenter needs to thoroughly research topics and be prepared for various segments of a show. This includes knowing about the programme’s theme and guests.
  • Teamwork: TV presenting often involves working with a crew, co-presenters, and producers, making collaboration essential.
  1. Pursue Relevant Training and Education

While natural talent is important, developing the right skills through education and training can set you apart from the competition. Several institutions in South Africa offer courses in TV presenting, communication, media, and performing arts. Enrolling in a relevant course will help you build your confidence, learn industry standards, and gain exposure to different presentation styles.

Some options to consider include:

  • Media and Journalism Degrees: Degrees in communication, media studies, and journalism can provide a strong foundation in understanding how the media industry operates.
  • Short Courses in TV Presenting: Various institutions and agencies, including Kids on Camera, offer short courses specifically designed for TV presenting. These courses often include practical workshops, voice training, and on-camera practice.
  • Acting Classes: TV presenters often draw on acting techniques to present in a dynamic and engaging way. Acting classes can help you improve your voice projection, body language, and overall stage presence.
  1. Build a Showreel

A showreel is an essential tool for any aspiring TV presenter. It’s a short video that showcases your presenting abilities and demonstrates your versatility. A strong showreel should feature a variety of segments, including interviews, scripted segments, and live presenting. This is what casting agencies and producers will review when considering you for roles.

If you’re just starting out, here are some tips for creating your first showreel:

  • Record yourself presenting: You can create mock presentations in different scenarios to showcase your versatility.
  • Use quality equipment: Ensure that your video is clear and of high quality. While professional production isn't required for beginners, good lighting and clear sound are essential.
  • Keep it concise: A showreel should be between two and three minutes long, highlighting your best work.
  • Seek feedback: Ask experienced presenters, mentors, or instructors for feedback on your showreel.
  1. Gain Experience

The best way to refine your skills as a TV presenter is by gaining experience. Look for opportunities to present in any capacity, even if it’s not initially on television. Some starting points include:

  • Community TV and Radio: Community media channels are a great place to gain on-camera experience and develop your presenting style.
  • YouTube Channels: Starting your own YouTube channel allows you to practise presenting while building a portfolio of your work.
  • Local Events and Competitions: Participate in talent shows, presenting competitions, or host events to gain experience in front of an audience.
  • Volunteering: Offer to present for local non-profit organisations, schools, or businesses looking for promotional videos.
  1. Join a Reputable Casting Agency

One of the best ways to access opportunities in the TV industry is by joining a reputable casting agency like Kids on Camera. Agencies have connections to casting directors and producers who are looking for fresh talent. By registering with a casting agency, you’ll be alerted to auditions for TV presenter roles and other on-screen opportunities.

When choosing a casting agency, ensure it has a good track record, clear contracts, and a strong network of clients in the industry. Kids on Camera, based in Johannesburg, has a long-standing reputation as one of South Africa’s leading casting agencies for both children and adults, making it an ideal partner for aspiring TV presenters.

  1. Audition and Network

Auditions are a crucial part of the journey to becoming a TV presenter. Attending as many auditions as possible will not only increase your chances of landing a job but also help you become more comfortable with the audition process. When registering with Kids on Camera, you will be added to our database so that we can inform you of all suitable acting and presenting auditions. We will aim to get you as many auditions as possible.

Networking is another important aspect. Attend industry events, join media-related groups, and maintain a professional social media presence to connect with other industry professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions about Becoming a TV Presenter in South Africa

  1. Do I need a degree to become a TV presenter? While a degree isn’t always necessary, studying media, communication, or journalism can be beneficial. Many successful TV presenters have formal education, but others break into the industry through experience and talent.
  2. How do I find auditions for TV presenting jobs? Joining a casting agency like Kids on Camera is one of the best ways to find auditions. Acting agencies will inform you of casting calls, guide you through the audition process, and help you secure roles.
  3. What should I include in my showreel? Your showreel should showcase your versatility as a presenter. Include a mix of scripted and unscripted content, interviews, and any live presenting experience. Keep it concise, around 2-3 minutes, and focus on quality.
  4. Is it difficult to become a TV presenter in South Africa? Like any competitive industry, becoming a TV presenter requires dedication, perseverance, and ongoing skill development. However, with the right training, experience, and connections, it is possible to build a successful career in TV presenting.
 

Becoming a TV presenter in South Africa is an exciting and achievable goal for those who are passionate and willing to put in the effort. By developing the right skills, gaining relevant experience, and working with reputable casting agencies like Kids on Camera, you can position yourself for success in this competitive industry.


What Our Clients Say

I am very impressed with how fast your agency sourced auditions for my son Asante. I'm looking forward to working with you.

Lerato Rikhotso

Once again thank you, I really appreciate it is not long she registered with you but she started to work already. I'm positive that more work is coming for her and she really enjoys it.

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Hi Natasha, just updating you about the audition you sent us to on Saturday for Oreo. It went well & hopefully will hear from them and thank you so much for the hard work you do.

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