It was ten o’clock on a scorching June morning when my friend Tina and I headed to the studio for my live appearance on First Coast Living. TV host David Benfield had kindly invited me, and I was eager to experience behind the scenes of a live TV studio and meet one of the hosts!
The studio lobby was adorned with station and show logos, so I couldn't resist snapping a selfie while Tina parked the car. We arrived early for my appearance and spent about fifteen minutes in the lobby before being escorted upstairs to the live set, temporarily located on the second floor.
It's often said that cameras add ten pounds, but they must also add some square footage because the set was much smaller than I expected! The room was divided into two sections by a row of three cameras and large, wrapped cables lining the floor. In front of the cameras was an elaborate backdrop, complete with a shelf full of knick-knacks. The right side of the set featured a white high-top table with bar stools, while the left side, partially hidden by a wall, had a large gray and black table for displaying items. The other half of the room was dedicated to two rows of chairs for guests and some random props.
Everyone was incredibly friendly and polite, including a producer named Frank, pictured above. He invited me to set up my items on the table and ensured everything lined up perfectly in frame.
Just moments before filming was about to begin, Producer Frank informed us that the show had been postponed for a breaking news bulletin. We watched the TV in the waiting area as news reported on the January 6th riots, wondering how long it might go on and if our segments would be bumped.
As the clock ticked, Producer Frank kept everyone updated, creating a tense but excited atmosphere in the studio. Meanwhile, David spoke with the production team through an earpiece, laughing when the rest of us mistook his conversation for speaking to us. He radiated joy and positive energy.
Just before our scheduled 11 a.m. taping, Frank alerted us that the news bulletin was wrapping up and that taping would proceed as planned. I was instructed to get in place for my segment. After David introduced a video segment, he walked over to me, shaking my hand and making small talk to calm my nerves.
As the video played for viewers, David went over the questions he would ask me while Frank counted down to us being live again. Suddenly, I was a bundle of nerves, trembling so much that I could feel it in my bones.
THREE! TWO! ONE!
AND WE'RE LIVE!
Something clicked in my brain, and I went on autopilot. Although I remember what I said and did, I don't recall feeling present in my skin. Thankfully, with David's guidance, I shared my passion for event entertainment and provided details about my upcoming collaboration with Wick N Twisted in Jacksonville Beach.
After my segment, I watched the next two segments before Tina and I gathered our belongings and headed out. A staff member led us through the offices and down the stairs to the lobby, where my brief adventure into TV stardom came to an end.
Did you catch the segment? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
Thanks for reading, and don't forget to consider me when you're ready to add a twist of fun to your next party!
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