How To Submit Videos To Metro TV: A Complete Guide
Hey guys! Ever dreamed of seeing your video on national TV? Well, if you've got some awesome footage you think Metro TV viewers would love, this guide is for you. We'll break down everything you need to know about submitting videos to Metro TV, from the kind of content they're looking for to the nitty-gritty of the submission process. So, grab your camera, get editing, and let's get started!
Understanding Metro TV's Content Needs
Before you even think about hitting that submit button, it's super important to understand what kind of content Metro TV typically airs. Metro TV is known for its news, current affairs, and documentary programming. They also feature talk shows, interviews, and special reports. Therefore, your video should ideally align with these themes. Think news-worthy events, compelling human-interest stories, insightful documentaries, or anything that sparks meaningful conversation. Avoid submitting content that is irrelevant to their format, such as cat videos or random personal vlogs. While those might be great for YouTube, they're probably not what Metro TV is looking for.
Think about what makes your video special. Does it offer a unique perspective on a current issue? Does it tell a story that needs to be heard? Is it something that will inform, educate, or inspire viewers? These are the questions you need to ask yourself before you even consider submitting. The better your video aligns with Metro TV's mission and audience, the higher your chances of getting it aired. Also, pay close attention to the news cycle. If your video relates to a trending topic, it might get more attention. However, make sure it's still relevant and offers something new to the conversation. Submitting a video that's already old news is unlikely to get you anywhere. Remember, Metro TV is looking for fresh, engaging, and relevant content that will resonate with their viewers. So, do your homework, understand their programming, and tailor your video accordingly. Trust me, it'll make a huge difference!
Preparing Your Video for Submission
Okay, so you've got an awesome video idea that perfectly fits Metro TV's content. Great! Now, it's time to make sure your video is technically sound and ready for prime time. This means paying attention to things like video quality, audio clarity, and editing. Let's break it down step by step.
First, video quality is key. No one wants to watch a blurry, pixelated mess. Make sure your video is shot in high definition (HD) – ideally 1080p or even 4K. This will ensure it looks crisp and clear on television screens. Pay attention to lighting, too. Good lighting can make a huge difference in the overall look and feel of your video. Avoid shooting in dimly lit environments or with harsh backlighting. Natural light is always your best friend, but if you're shooting indoors, invest in some decent lighting equipment. Next up, audio clarity is just as important as video quality. If people can't hear what's being said, they're not going to watch your video, no matter how visually stunning it is. Use an external microphone to capture clear, crisp audio. Avoid using your camera's built-in microphone, as it will likely pick up a lot of background noise. If you're conducting interviews, make sure your subjects are speaking clearly and that there's minimal background noise.
Editing is where you really get to polish your video and tell your story effectively. Use a video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or even a free option like DaVinci Resolve to cut out any unnecessary footage, add transitions, and create a compelling narrative. Keep your video concise and to the point. No one wants to watch a rambling, unfocused video. Get to the heart of the story quickly and keep the pace moving. Add captions or subtitles to your video. This will make it accessible to a wider audience, including those who are hearing impaired or who speak a different language. It's also a good idea to add a title card and end credits to your video. The title card should clearly state the title of your video and your name or organization. The end credits can include a list of people who contributed to the video, as well as any copyright information. Before you submit your video, make sure to export it in a format that's compatible with Metro TV's systems. The best format is usually MP4, but it's always a good idea to check with them directly to confirm their preferred format and resolution. By following these tips, you can ensure that your video is technically sound and ready to impress the folks at Metro TV. Good luck!
Finding the Right Contact Information
Alright, you've got your killer video ready to go. Now comes the crucial part: getting it to the right people at Metro TV. This can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, we'll walk you through it. The first thing you'll want to do is hit up the Metro TV website. Most news organizations have a contact page or a section for submitting content. Look for links like "Submit Your Story," "Contact Us," or "News Tips." These pages often have specific instructions for submitting videos and the email addresses or forms you need to use. If you can't find a dedicated submission page, try digging around the "About Us" or "Editorial" sections. These might list contact information for different departments or specific editors. If you're feeling extra resourceful, you can also try using LinkedIn to find journalists or editors who work at Metro TV. Look for people who cover topics related to your video and send them a polite message introducing yourself and your video. Keep it brief and professional, and be sure to include a link to your video. Another option is to monitor Metro TV's social media accounts, like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Sometimes they'll put out calls for user-generated content or ask for viewers to submit videos related to specific news events.
This can be a great way to get your video seen, but make sure you follow their instructions carefully. If you're still striking out, you can try calling Metro TV's main switchboard and asking to be connected to the news desk or the assignment editor. Be prepared to briefly explain your video and why you think it would be a good fit for Metro TV. Keep in mind that these folks are busy, so be respectful of their time. Once you've found a potential contact, do your homework. Learn about their beat, their previous work, and their interests. This will help you tailor your pitch and show them that you've done your research. Remember, getting your video seen is all about building relationships and making connections. The more you can network and get your name out there, the better your chances of success. So, put on your detective hat, do some digging, and find the right contact at Metro TV. Your video deserves to be seen!
Crafting a Compelling Submission Message
Okay, you've got the perfect contact at Metro TV, and your video is polished and ready to shine. Now, you need to write a submission message that grabs their attention and makes them want to watch your video. This is your chance to sell your story and convince them that it's worth airing. So, how do you do it? First, start with a strong subject line. Make it clear, concise, and attention-grabbing. Avoid generic subject lines like "Video Submission" or "New Video." Instead, try something like "Compelling Documentary on [Topic]" or "Exclusive Footage of [Event]." This will immediately tell the recipient what your video is about and why they should care. In the body of your message, start with a brief introduction of yourself and your video. Explain who you are, what your video is about, and why you think it's a good fit for Metro TV.
Be specific and to the point. Don't ramble on or use jargon that the recipient might not understand. Highlight the key elements of your video that make it newsworthy or interesting. What's the unique angle? What's the human-interest element? What's the potential impact on viewers? Use strong verbs and vivid language to paint a picture of your video. If you have any relevant credentials or experience, be sure to mention them. This will add credibility to your submission and show that you're a reliable source. If your video relates to a specific news event or issue, make sure to provide context and background information. This will help the recipient understand the significance of your video and its potential impact. Include a clear call to action. Tell the recipient what you want them to do. Do you want them to watch your video? Do you want them to contact you for an interview? Do you want them to share your video with their colleagues? Make it clear what you're hoping to achieve. Finally, proofread your message carefully before sending it. Check for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. A polished message will show that you're professional and detail-oriented. Remember, your submission message is your first impression. Make it count! A well-crafted message can be the difference between your video getting watched and getting ignored. So, take the time to write a compelling message that sells your story and convinces the recipient that your video is worth their time.
Following Up (Without Being Annoying)
You've sent your killer video and your persuasive message to Metro TV. Now comes the hard part: waiting. It's tempting to constantly check your email and call the newsroom every hour, but trust me, that's not a good look. You want to follow up, but you don't want to be annoying. So, how do you strike the right balance? First, be patient. News organizations are busy places, and it can take time for them to review submissions. Give them at least a week or two before following up. If you haven't heard back after that time, send a polite follow-up email. Keep it brief and to the point. Remind the recipient of your original message and ask if they've had a chance to review your video. Avoid being demanding or accusatory. Remember, they're doing you a favor by considering your submission. In your follow-up message, you can also offer to provide additional information or answer any questions they may have. This shows that you're proactive and willing to help them in any way you can. If you still don't hear back after your follow-up email, it's probably time to move on. Don't keep pestering the same contact. It's possible that your video just isn't a good fit for Metro TV, or that they're simply too busy to respond.
Don't take it personally. Instead, focus on submitting your video to other news organizations or platforms. While you're waiting, you can also try promoting your video on social media. Share it with your friends and followers, and encourage them to spread the word. You never know who might see it and be interested in sharing it with a wider audience. Remember, getting your video seen is a marathon, not a sprint. It takes time, effort, and persistence. Don't get discouraged if you don't hear back right away. Keep submitting your video to different outlets, keep promoting it on social media, and keep creating great content. Eventually, someone will notice, and your video will get the attention it deserves. So, be patient, be persistent, and don't give up on your dream of seeing your video on Metro TV! Good luck, and happy submitting!