Getonit Freelancer

Getonit Freelancer

Getonit Freelancer

http://www.giancarlorojas.com/ Colombian graphic designer that provides illustration and animation solutions, periodically experiences in drawing, painting and computer graphics, he has rised professionally and served as teacher in Colombia at the National School of Cartoon and ¨Los Libertadores¨ University. Giancarlo has been working over 8 years for publishers and advertising agencies in pre-production of commercials, TV series and print media. Speaker at the Latin American Meeting of Design at the University of Palermo, 2011, he also has participated in exhibitions like ¨Salsa Pa´ve!!!¨ and ¨Romanticasos¨ (displayed in Bogotá, the Image Festival in Manizales and the International Design Festival of Buenos Aires CMD), his degree project was selected 2009 by the MAC (Museum of Contemporary Art at the ¨Minuto de Dios¨ University of Colombia ), an annual showcase of the best degree works at national level. Giancarlo artistic proposal is a combination between manual and digital, using traditional tools and software like Photoshop, Painter, Illustrator, Swift 3D, 3D Max, Z-brush, Maya, After Effects, Premiere, Flash and others. Giancarlo uses his free time practicing english, theater (the Puppet Procession-club 2009), walking, swimming and enjoying Buenos Aires Argentina, where he lives ahead of personal projects with emphasis on concept art and character design. less

by: Claudia Amezcua

A week ago I was given the privilege to cover my first concert featuring one of my absolute favorite So Cal bands. Not only was I excited about the assignment, but also a ball full of nerves. Sure, being a California native living steps away from the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world; this would be a piece of cake right? Well I soon found out, its much more than just a few pictures and a few
paragraphs about the band.

Like many journalists seeking a career in entertainment journalism, you really don’t know what you are getting yourself into when it comes to covering concerts. This is why I wanted to provide you all some tips and a few tricks I help when covering your first big show.

Do Your Research! That’s right, the first mistake you can do is show up to the venue and have no idea what songs are being played in the set, let alone what bands are playing. Sure, you are there primarily to cover the headliners, but give some tender love to the little guys! Hey you never know, you might be the first to stumble upon the next big thing. Also, listen to the music and identify what style (pop, rock, alternative, etc.) and their major influences. If you are confirmed an interview, read up on past interviews with the band to aid you on developing new questions. Trust me, these musicians have been asked about their influences many times, asking something new would make your article stand out.


What’s Your Number?
Which means, keep in the loop with the PR Company and/or band manager if you can. If you are looking to get that interview, you have to get on it. Make sure a clear line of communication is kept open and make sure an interview is set. My own mistake on this one was keeping up with the PR guy and making final arrangements for the interview. Remember, it never hurts to keep the line open.

Venue: Check out the venue a few days prior to the show by doing a drive by or checking out their website. Pay special attention to their media policy, such as when the media is allowed to approach the stage for pictures (in the venue I visited, I was only allowed to go up during the first three songs of each bands set), where to park, credentials, etc. Every venue is different, so make sure there is a clear understanding before you arrive.

Game on! It’s finally here, the day you have been anticipating for weeks. Now all you have to do is be ready for anything. Keep in mind, you are going to a concert! Make sure your are wearing comfortable shoes because you will be hopping, running, and ducking around fans, other journalists, photographers, stage divers, etc. Make sure your equipment is fully charged and have back ups if needed.

Earplugs! I can’t stressed this enough! I know many of you have been going to concerts for years and have had little of no effect on your hearing, (but then again you might have been sitting out in the nose bleed section) this is not the case here. You will be leaning on the stage right next to the speakers, give yourself a favor and wear those earplugs. It will save you the next day ear buzzing sound experience (yeah, I found that one out the hard way! Ouch!).

Claudia Amezcua is a freelance multi-plaform reporter and production assistant based inf Los Angeles, CA. She is a graduate of California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelors in Communications, and is currently pursuing an Associates Degree in On-Air Radio Broadcasting from Mt. San Antonio College. Ms. Amezcua’s work experience includes anchor, reporter, and DJ at 90.1 KSAK in Walnut, CA, and as a freelance production and library assistant for CNN. You can follow Claudia on twitter by @ClaudiaAmezcua, or visit claudiaamezcua.com.
In all my first concert reporting experience was fun, I didn’t get the
interview as much as I had hoped for, but I did managed to get an
experience that I will soon never forget!

Tags: advice, bands, employment, entertainment journalism, entertainment reporting, entry level positions, Gen J, Gen Jers, generation j, job, journalism, journalist, journalists, music, Society of Professional Journalists, spj, storytelling, young journalists, young reporters