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CAREER DAY PRESENTATION:

 

Hi. My name is Naz Sohni Uppal and in my career, I have work as:

 

Writer, Director, Executive Producer, Artistic Director, Videographer, Narrator/Voice, and Storyboard Artist. Owner, Author, Storyteller: Summayah’s World, September 2008-present

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On-Air Radio Host, Writer, Program Creator and Producer, Content Director, Music Selector, Scheduler, and Director, Film Critic: 101.7 World FM, March 2006-December 2020

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Multimedia Journalist, Social Media and Web Content Creator/Producer, Promotions, Imaging: 101.7 World FM, September 2012-December 2020

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Television Personality/Writer/Producer/On Air Special Expert/Co-Host/Storyteller/Film Critic/Celebrity Gossip Specialist/”The Bollywood Girl”: City TV, March 2016-October 2018

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Television Personality/Co-Host/Writer/Journalist/Producer (Culture and Arts): OMNI Television, September 2012-June 2013

 

and

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Columnist/Journalist: Various: Suhaag Wedding Magazine; Web, Radio Website and Social Media; Chai Time Newsletter; Lok Awaaz Newspaper; Westword Magazine


(Photographer: Sears Portrait Studio)

 

I have done a lot of work since 2006 when I started in radio and since 2012 when I started in television.

 

So that’s probably why I was asked to speak to you today.

 

IN SHORT, I AM A PRODUCER, TALK SHOW HOST, REPORTER, VIDEO EDITOR, CRITIC, ANNOUNCER, SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST, AUDIO OPERATOR, CREATIVE WRITER, ANIMATOR, AND SHORT FILM DIRECTOR

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TOP SKILLS I THINK YOU SHOULD HAVE:

 

  • Composure and awareness of your movements in front of the camera or microphone. A pleasant sounding voice, good voice projection, excellent personal grooming habits, and a good sense of timing.

  • Be entertaining. Friendly and comfortable being recognized in public. Fluent in another language and able to pronounce names accurately. A genuine interest in people and an ability to relate to your audience. Loves to attend events, festivals, awards shows and industry activities. Passion for your work.

  • Tells a great, creative story using visual narratives and research that stimulate public interest and discussion. Guides discussions in a direction that is entertaining, interesting and informative.

  • Can produce a variety of programs like sports, news, talk, current events, music, entertainment, and interviews, working with others in a well coordinated team environment where each person understands their role in the creation of a project.

  • Under tight deadlines, can gather, research, coordinate, and edit information well and present it by shooting, writing, directing, and producing. Is able to imagine the finished product and convey ideas to others as well as take constructive criticism.

  • Computer Skills like: audio and video creation equipment; audio and video editing equipment; on-air tools; website and social media management tools; single-camera and multi-camera environments; music, videos and other news materials. For all my media work: I operate audio, video, computers, and other equipment. I organize and co-ordinate all aspects of production and gather materials to be used in the medium of communication I have chosen.

  • Can work long days or unusual hours of the day; can work in studio or outside in the field

 

Employment and Advancement:

 

Radio producers are employed by radio broadcast companies.

Television producers often are hired on contract for specific shows.

Theatrical producers are usually hired by individual theatres, to produce long-running shows.

Film and television Producers work on documentaries, training films, music videos and commercials as well as television programs and feature films.

 

How to Find Work:

 

  • You apply for jobs using audition tapes, demo reels, portfolios, and personal interviews

  • You can start at small radio and television stations outside of major cities or develop a following with an independent podcast airing on social media

  • After having popularity and experience, you can work for larger stations or move into a larger role

  • Movement from station to station is common as announcers seek positions with larger audiences, or return to smaller stations in management positions

  • You can move into positions as program director, station manager, or executives in broadcast companies

 

  • In the film industry, films are expensive to make so producers rarely hire inexperienced directors. Aspiring directors need years of related experience before being given full responsibility to direct a film. To gain experience and build their reputations, they may apply for arts grants. They use these to produce their own projects, which they then enter in film festivals and gain experience to put on their resumes

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WAGE AND SALARY:

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Freelance – varies from one year to the other

Part time – typical salary $30,000 to $40,000

Full time - Typical salary $60,000 to $100,000

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Based on responsibilities, popularity on-air, and size of audience

 

Ex: I started out as a volunteer who worked part time and now I make $50 an hour but I only work 25 – 30 hours a week

Ex: I know one employee who did similar work to me but with less responsibility and she only made $15 an hour

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Demand:

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DEMAND FOR ON-AIR/PRODUCER, RADIO AND TELEVISION: low – makes $39.29 per hour or $78,000 per year

DEMAND FOR TELEVISION CAMERA OPERATORS: medium

DEMAND FOR ANNOUNCERS: low - makes $29.00 per hour, or $42,000 per year

DEMAND FOR REPORTER: medium - makes $34.00 per hour, or $68,000 per year

DEMAND FOR SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST: medium

DEMAND FOR CREATIVE WRITER: low

DEMAND FOR CRITIC: medium

DEMAND FOR FILM DIRECTOR: low

 

EDUCATION:

 

My education:

 

  • Received highest marks in English at the university level

  • Very interested in creative writing courses including writing comedy

  • Liked social studies and liked geography, history, economy, politics, media law, and social life of the communities and countries I work in

  • Knowledge in basic psychology, graphic design, or computer sciences

  • Able to write clearly and concisely

  • Kept up to date on current events and entertainment

  • Specialized knowledge in certain areas, such as art

  • Learned as much as possible about each station I wanted to work at

  • A compelling demo reel of previous work

  • Portfolios of previous work

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ABOUT ME: I was first discovered as a model who worked for local newspapers and websites as a result, I am really good at cosmetology. I then started in the radio business, who worked in broadcast radio one day per week. Then the film business, then back to radio and television, both on air. At the time I was also a student earning my Bachelors at the University of Alberta. From that, I worked my way up. I have always been good at communications, at writing essays, and at creative writing. In school, I loved social studies, history, economics, and I had a solid grasp of grammar. I was exposed to a lot of art and performing arts in my life and I have a very strong background in my interest area: music, films, and art. All which led me to my career in broadcasting and journalism where I have developed my research, writing, and organizational skills.

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To date, I have a certificate in Television Production and Training. I write my own short films and I have a good understanding of visual storytelling, photography and lighting and hands-on experience in production.

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For this reason, if you want to be in this industry, you can come from varied backgrounds

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Employers generally prefer applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, information technology, journalism, public relations, business, graphic design, or communications. But I didn’t. I had a background in Cell Biotechnology and Biological sciences.

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Related High School Subjects:

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What I took: English Language Arts, Drama, Social Studies, Languages other than English (French, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi)

Also Recommended By Me (because I took these): Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics

 

Related Post Secondary Subjects:

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What I took: Fashion, Introduction to Film and TV, Fine Arts and Performing Arts like Dance, Music, and Visual Arts

What You Can Take: Communication Technology, Media, Design and Communication Arts

Also recommended by me: Business, IT

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Most would recommend NAIT: 2 year diploma in either radio or tv

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Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

www.nait.ca

NAIT's Radio and Television programs are 2 distinct, yet interrelated full-time diploma programs. Each of these dynamic 2-year programs takes a non-traditional approach to teaching that will provide you with learning opportunities through hands-on experiences. Undertake the typical job functions found in radio and television stations by acting as the staff for NAIT's campus radio station (NR92) and television newsroom (NAIT NewsWatch). Using industry standard digital equipment and labs, and while working in modern studios, you'll hone written, technical, communicative and production competencies. Our instructors are highly-qualified professionals with years of industry experience and our program is well-recognized across the country. If you flip on your TV or radio at any given time, you're likely to see or hear NAIT alumni working across North America. ALSO: SAIT (Calgary)

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 

  • work long, irregular hours or split shifts

  • often are present in the station or on set when the production is being shot

  • may work entirely at a station or at various remote locations

  • may work in comfortable or sometimes crowded locations filled with noise, interruptions, and distractions like performances, exhibits, and events

  • may work indoors or outdoors in all kinds of weather

  • work shifts could include afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays

  • may include early mornings or late nights

  • may have to write and file reviews late at night, after a performance

  • spend a lot of time interviewing, researching and writing

  • tight schedules and deadlines can sometimes be hectic

  • broadcasting allows little room for error

  • may involve considerable travel

  • Some assignments can be dangerous. These can range from covering wars or natural disasters to spot news, including fires, vehicle collisions, and police standoff

  • must be ready to take stories on short notice, so daily personal grooming and wardrobe organization are essential

 

Related Education - Networking Associations – for workshops, networking, or lectures:

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MY DUTIES:

 

ALL:

 

Producer: ALL

  • AKA: TV PRODUCER, RADIO PRODUCER, FILM PRODUCER

  • I am in charge of coordinating the making of television show segments and full radio programs, and determining program content by creating, writing, producing, and executing professional and engaging audio and video content for a variety of audiences

  • I work closely with executive producer, director, and production managers to maintain the vision for the show including everything from the initial concept to direction to production to promotion and wrap-up

 

Talk Show Co-Host: ALL

  • I research and host for radio and television shows and guide discussions with a variety of guests and topics of interest for the general public

 

TV: OMNI TV, City TV

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Reporter: OMNI TV, CITY TV, PRINT

  • AKA: BROADCAST REPORTER, DIGITAL JOURNALIST, JOURNALIST, MAGAZINE REPORTER, MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST, NEWSPAPER REPORTER, ONLINE PRODUCER, RADIO REPORTER, TELEVISION REPORTER

  • I produce stories that are accurate, fair, and balanced and make news events available to the local, national, and international public by gathering information, researching, interviewing, organizing, and verifying information

  • I shoot and edit photos, audio and videos and maintain a presence on websites and social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Flickr, blogs, and forums writing stories and posting breaking news

  • I help to direct camera operators who are filming news events

  • For magazines, I cover a beat, publishing longer feature stories with more detailed research

  • I speak or emcee at events such as business and industry conferences, charity events, or convocations

 

Video Editor: OMNI TV

  • I assemble raw footage and blend video recordings together, then add in video effects, music and audio effects

 

Critic: CITY TV

  • I review and comment on the quality of artistic works, entertainment, and live performances like plays, films, books, music, concert, and dance performances, then give my reviews and summary based on personal knowledge, judgement, and experience via radio, television, social media, and websites

  • I attend as many arts and entertainment functions as possible and conduct interviews with performers and artists

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RADIO: 101.7 World FM

 

Announcer: 101.7 World FM

  • AKA: BROADCASTER, DISC JOCKEY, MUSIC ANNOUNCER, NEWSCASTER, NEWS CORRESPONDENT, PODCAST HOST, RADIO ANNOUNCER, TALK SHOW HOST, SPORTSCASTER, TELEVISION ANNOUNCER

  • I prepare stories for audiences, long features or short ones, or copy from wire services, by gathering, researching, preparing, editing, and writing my own material to be aired. I also comment on music, local events and interest stories by using humour, small talk and background information

  • I operate control boards and announce on-air programming, news, sports, weather, commercials, public service announcements; offer giveaways and prizes to listeners; respond to calls, texts and social media posts; and follow a predetermined schedule for airing commercials

  • I select, set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, recording, editing and reproducing equipment to record, edit, mix, dub, and reproduce sound input. I operate any number of sources like consoles, computers, tape machines, microphones and sound processing equipment.

  • I have a social media presence and make public appearances at commercial businesses, shopping malls, special events, charity events, or local station events and promotions

  • I preview and schedule new music; prepare material for future shows; and edit text, audio or video blogs for the station's website and other social media websites

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Social Media Specialist: 101.7 World FM

  • I create, monitor, and manage the station’s public profile on social networking sites by using blogging, live streaming, and podcasts to build online communities and build the organization’s branding using Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, blogs, social bookmarks, tags, and hashtags

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Audio Operator: 101.7 World FM

  • I work in the control room and set up, prepare, operate and adjust audio, mix and co-ordinate sound inputs and feeds, and regulate the technical quality of sound. I also record, edit and produce audio material.

  • Inputs and feeds include: pre-recorded material, records, CDs, digital audio devices, videotapes, live microphones, satellites and microwave trucks

  • Sports Operator: I broadcast live games from television to radio and present summaries and highlights during commercial breaks

  • I prerecord news or entertainment shows for listening at any time through computers or mobile devices

 

FILM: Sumayyah’s World Productions

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Creative writer: SUMAYYAH’S WORLD

  • AKA: AUTHOR, NOVELIST, PLAYWRIGHT, POET, SCRIPTWRITER, SCREENWRITER, WRITER

  • I compose literary works such as novels, short stories, essays, magazine articles, screenplays, scripts and other works like children’s stories

  • I work closely with publishers, art directors, graphic artists, illustrators, costume designers, photographers, or others on book covers, layouts, and other visual ways to enhance my work

  • I do a considerable amount of public relations work, such like book tours, media interviews, signings, and readings

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Animator: SUMAYYAH’S WORLD

  • I create the illusion of movement by manipulating sequences of still image using mostly 2D to make short films

  • I develop a concept, characters and sets, sketch a storyboard, assemble images, create a voice track, edit scenes frame by frame, and mix additional tracks like music and sound effects

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Film Director: SUMAYYAH’S WORLD

  • AKA: DIRECTOR, DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR, DRAMATIC DIRECTOR

  • For Film: I interpret scripts, prepare sketches and layouts, select cast, determine filming sequences, and advise in the delivery of the performance and the direction of the photography

  • I write, direct, and produce films. My genres are short films and animation

  • I develop an artistic vision for a film and work with a small crew to implement that vision and make my stories come alive on screen

  • I communicate the approach I want for the scene, comment on characterization, explain the blocking and run through the scene before shooting. I work with actors and producers to discuss shots and changes to the script; I work with the art director to create or approve storyboards. I work with the cinematographer about desired mood and plan shots. I identify sets, props, costumes, and locations needed

  • I work with film editors, composers and sound editors as the film is edited and the soundtrack added

 

OTHER: various

 

Model: EDMONTON SUN NEWSPAPER, VARIOUS

  • I strike looks, poses, and expressions to present clothing and retail merchandise to audiences through photographs and to capture what the photographer wants and to highlight the fashion designer’s newest styles and accessories

  • I sometimes select my own hair, makeup, and wardrobe; I sometimes don’t

 

Photographer: SEARS PORTRAIT STUDIO

  • AKA: CAMERA OPERATOR, CAMERA PERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER (PORTRAIT / WEDDING PARTY/PHOTOJOURNALIST)

  • I operate the photo camera; adjust focus, exposure, and lighting; determine camera angles and backgrounds; take pictures of individuals, families, groups and public; edit photographs; print or deliver photographs to client

  • I hold photography sessions to capture meaningful images at significant moments of peoples’ lives, events, fashion, and other subjects on cameras, film, and digital media,

  • I set up, retouch, manipulate, and deliver images to clients, producing quality work

  • I am able to work with groups or individuals and to help people relax in front of the camera

  • As a photojournalist, I am  a visual reporter who creates picture stories by taking photographs and writing narratives, headlines, and captions for news outlets and magazines all to document, “capture the moment,” and tell news stories about events, people, places and objects

 

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MY DREAM JOB: BECAUSE EVERYONE NEEDS DREAMS

 

METEOROLOGY

 

Meteorologists study the physics, chemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere and its interaction with land and water surfaces, weather, climate and climate change. They study the effect of these factors on people’s health and safety, the economy and the earth’s ecosystems. AKA: Climatologist, Weather Broadcaster / Forecaster

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Duties:

  • Provide weather forecasts and other weather information to the public via television, radio and the Internet

  • Consult on the weather and climate, air quality, sea and lake ice, or hydrology

  • Apply meteorological knowledge to problems in air pollution, water management, and  transportation

  • Communicate the weather forecasts, warnings and advice to the public

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Traits and Skills Meteorologists need:

  • Communication skills

  • Decision-making skills under the pressure

  • The ability to think conceptually

 

Educational Requirements:

  • a bachelor of science (B.Sc.) degree in atmospheric sciences, or a B.Sc. in a related discipline with 9 or more courses in atmospheric sciences.

  • Or a master’s degree program in meteorology or atmospheric sciences and a B.Sc. in math, physics, chemistry, meteorology or atmospheric science with a minimum specified average in the last 2 years of study

  • Meteorologists who have doctoral degrees may be employed as instructors and researchers at universities

 

Certification Requirements:

 

Other Info:

  • ECO Canada website: www.eco.ca

  • Environment and Climate Change Canada, weather and meteorology website

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