Frequently Asked Questions
If your questions aren't answered here, feel free to call us toll free at 1-888-810-LARC. And, if you feel other questions need to be addressed here, send us the question and we'll post it along with an answer. Our email is reportersclinic@hotmail.com
-How many people are in the class?
Answer: At the Los Angeles Reporter's Clinic, all of our classes are one-on-one. That means all of our tapes are unique. Some services have 8 to 10 people in a class! The problem with that is all of their tapes are the same and filled with the same phony reports. News directors rarely even take the time to look at those tapes that they've seen somebody else do.
-Will this tape guarantee an on air job?
Answer: No, of course not. If anyone promises you that, run away. But having a tape that shows a news director you can handle real news will get you a lot further than tapes filled with phony stories. News directors have seen those fake tapes hundreds of times and pay little attention to them. But when they see something new and unique, like all LARC reports, they pay attention. That's when they call you for the interview. There's a reason why LARC tapes have helped more people get jobs than any other service. It's the tape and real reports on them.
- Why is the Premium Class so expensive?
Answer: In reality, LARC Premium is very cost effective. Fact is, you need a resume tape to get a job. You expect a tape from your college classes that you've paid $50,000 to $150,000 for. But often times the college tape is subpar and crude. Those tapes can't compete against our tapes. While your degree is critical - we never claim to be a replacement for college - your tape is JUST AS IMPORTANT AS YOUR DEGREE if you want to get into the new business. To pay less than $2,000 for a tape is a relative bargain.
- Do you really pay for our flight and hotel?
Answer: For our Premium class, absolutely. Just meet the LARC criteria and you're taken care of. Basically, make your payment at least 30 days before your class and we'll take care of the rest. As far as hotel, we pay for that regardless of when you make the payment. No other school or service can offer this perk.
- What is your background in the business?
Answer: Besides helping more than a hundred people become reporters and anchors, I'm a reporter at CBS in Los Angeles. Fact is, you have to be pretty good to work in Los Angeles. In fact, you have to be the best in the business to work in America's #2 market. I bring all of that experience to your tape and insight into the business. Yes, I've won major awards including an Emmy and Golden Mike. But the experience, contacts and access that you're exposed to at LARC is really priceless.
- What kind of stories will be on my tape?
Answer: In our Premium class, you'll have real stories on your tape. Murder stories, wildfires, high speed chases, etc. Basically everything reporters in Los Angeles cover, our students cover. Your tape has to show news directors what you can do. They need to see you can handle breaking news as well as feature stories. On that note, only LARC gets you access to the world's biggest news makers and celebrities. As a reporter, news directors need to know you can handle high-profile interviews.
- When will I get my tape?
Answer: At LARC, you get your tape when the class is complete. We can do this because our classes are one-on-one. You sit down with us as we edit the tape together. To wait days or weeks for your tape can easily cost you the job that was perfect for you. Also, I've had dozens of students who used other services say the final product they received was not at all what they wanted. The students didn't get to choose what standup to use, didn't like the lighting, etc. When you can sit in during the editing process, you get to choose the standup you like the best.
- Other services help people get jobs. What makes LARC better?
Answer: It's a matter of math. LARC started in 2004 and has since helped more people get jobs as anchors and reporters than companies that have been around much longer. That means more news directors choose LARC graduates than other services. This is a highly competitive business. Why choose a service that is less successful, more expensive and lower quality. In addition, the LARC Experience is something that lasts a lifetime. It's cool to interview people like George Clooney, Woody Allen, Beyonce... like LARC students have done. You see, something has to get a news directors attention when they're watching your tape. If you were looking at a tape, wouldn't you want to hear what Sen. John Kerry or Brad Pitt is talking to YOU about. Just that little time spent watching your tape versus another tape can be the difference between getting a call-back or not. And while that's great for your tape, it's also a great life experience.
-What happens after the tape is complete?
Answer: After your tape is complete, you can start mailing it to news directors immediately. You can post it online to get quicker access to news directors. So much of this business is about timing. It's good to have proper tools when you need them, not waiting around for it to be mailed to you.
- Are there any discounts?
Answer: You bet. At LARC, we offer a wide variety of discounts that can reduce the Premium class total by as much as %40. Just check out the "How to Pay" page or call.