BID 2013 Expedition Anne Marie Westra-Nijhuis
"Too bad, she's not on the participants list. And it just seems so inspiring to me to take a look behind the scenes of Pernille La Lau, RTL4's ancher woman, who each year presents the BID awards in such a natural way." Besides, it would give me a unique opportunity to turn Pernille, a very talented presenter, who also runs her own coaching and training company, inside out with questions. I really wanted to learn from her!
Because I've already had met Pernille before, my decision just to ask her quickly had been made ... "My pleasure," she responded, "and I will immediately ask the BID organization to add me to their expedition participants list," continuing "I also want to learn from you!"
For sure my BID Expedition would start with a visit to the Coffe Time Studios during a live broadcast of this daily RTL 4 morning show. Pernille just wanted to combine it with an interview for this TV show outside the studios. "Because I definitely want to offer you something special."
Early in the morning, on a rainy autumn day, I drove towards the Coffee Time Villa, situated in the woods of Eemnes, near Hilversum. So here are their TV recordings! At the TV location it already was a hive of activity. After Pernille welcomed me briefly, the recording assistant further took me under her care and brought me to the floor, where she handed the TV script out to me. With this script, I would be able to see when Pernille and her co-presenter of the day, Loretta Schrijver, would speak during the live broadcast, what they would speak about, where they would be standing on the floor and which camera they had to look. "In five, four, three, two, one ..." The second half of the show, I was in the control room. Never before did I really realize that so many people are involved in one TV show. It was really nice that, after the show, right on the spot, I had the opportunity to ask the control room director some questions. I had heard and seen a lot happening around me, but as a communications professional, I wanted to know for example who was responsible for what and how their communication could run so smoothly.
Just enough time for a snack of the "dish of the day", cooked by Chef Caspar Bürgi, and then quickly to Pernille's personal dressing room, preparing for this afternoon's location shooting. While Pernille was changing clothes and getting her make-up done again there was an opportunity to bombard her with my questions and to exchange our mutual professional knowledge. After further briefing, where I received a script again, and of course a moment to snap a picture, we left for Amsterdam.
The first shoot on location would take place in a cozy pub in the middle of De Pijp. But first let's have lunch and get to know the crew, my colleagues for the rest of the afternoon. There was Lisa Portengen, who would tell and show Pernille how she inspires women how they can get more out of life. My job as the assistant floor manager this afternoon was much appreciated. After a long shoot day, where even the sun came out, Pernille and I said goodbye to each other, and I went home feeling happy and satisfied.
"Pernille, thank you so much for showing me around the world of TV and presenting and let me discover all it entails behind the scenes. I think it's very impressive that you "present off the cuff," without using any autocue. What I have particularly appreciated is, that you explained things to me continously, all day long. I really enjoyed a very interesting day which I look back to with great pleasure!
