Casting Director Renee Godbout explains how you can get on set as a tech advisor
By Renee Godbout
Q: I love crime shows like Law & Order and CSI. In the credits, I often see people called "Tech Advisors." What are tech advisors and how do they help a TV show?
A: Tech Advisors are people who specialize in areas that are useful for both television and film. Writers don’t know everything about the occupations they write about. So every cop drama, medical series, and forensic team show have tech advisors who work in these fields to advise the production.
Even though TV is fictional, it’s important to keep things as true to life as possible. For example, on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, we always have a tech advisor readily available to show the lead detectives proper use of firearms.
Have you worked on a police force, in the military, or in an emergency room? Then you might make a great tech advisor! It’s a good opportunity to connect with production staff, directors, and lead actors. And tech advisors aren’t just limited to certain areas of expertise: In the past I have even needed a lacrosse coach when a scene called for a lacrosse practice. Any number of specialties can suddenly come up in a script that a production has never had before.
If you’re interested in getting into tech advising then do some research online of possible sites where you can register or TV shows that may need your expertise. Put together a resume highlighting your work experience and any advising you might have done, even if it was teaching a group CPR as a favor to a friend. Include anything that shows you are both knowledgeable and can teach, but never embellish on your skills or knowledge.
Tech advisors are an important part of the entertainment industry and I have known several who act as well. They are paid well and treated with respect on set. It’s yet another way to become part of the industry!
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
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