Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon O’Dowd.
Shannon, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve been a commercial spokesperson for major companies over the last 15 years (OfficeMax, Sunsweet Raisins, Keurig, Cable One, etc.) as well as an international infomercial host and QVC presenter. After making a career in front of the camera, my mentor/teacher asked me to begin teaching for her. I instantly fell in love with giving back of all that I had learned over the years and seeing my students and clients go onto do big things with their own careers. I think coaching will now always be part of my life in some capacity.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As on-camera talent, I think it’s impossible to have a completely smooth road without obstacles. When the writer’s strike happened about 10 years ago, I had just left a fun recurring on a soap to be a series regular for a scripted drama on TLC (a new thing for them). It was a medical drama and I played the head radiologist and even had a love scene! But after the first season, the show didn’t come back because of all the insanity in the industry caused by the strike. It was a blow to me…I thought my theatrical career was going to keep going strong but the industry became so unstable I started doing commercials…then spokesperson work for commercials. And the rest is history.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Expert Media Coaching story. Tell us more about the business.
I have been an on-camera coach for over a decade and I specialize in prepping clients on how to prepare for both a single appearance, as well as a full career in front of the camera.
I have always trained aspiring hosts, but with the rise of unscripted/reality TV in the entertainment industry over the last decade, the climate has changed for what is on TV (not to mention how we consume content). All the agencies and managers in Hollywood that originally only represented professional hosts, now need to represent doctors, realtors, DIY experts, fashion designers, and Influencers. People who are great at what they do, but may not be trained on-camera talent.
I specialize in training, both on-set and off, by getting clients camera ready. My focus is not only camera technique, but also brand messaging, talking points, and sounds bites so clients call feel set up for success when they are doing their any type of appearance.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Luck=Opportunity + Preparedness
There is no truer formula. There has definitely been luck. Especially in this business…. But I worked my butt off to have everything together and be ready to go when opportunity knocked. I’ve been very blessed to have had a lot of success in my own on-camera career as well as training my clients to be successful on huge major networks. I’m like a proud mom when my clients hit the national stage and thrive.
Contact Info:
- Website: ExpertMediaCoaching.com
- Phone: 310-254-6063
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @mediacoachshannon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mediacoachshannon/
- Twitter: @mediacoachshan
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/expert-media-coaching-tv-hosting-coach-and-media-trainer-los-angles
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6XFb3kP9b9y2UP8w9gKqQ
Image Credit:
Kat Tuohy
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
