Note From Tongal: “Finding the Perfect Media Fixer" is part of a series of Tongal Community-written blog posts that were originally sourced in the Tongal Blog Open Call Project. Read more Tongal Community-written posts here and then Pitch us a topic you'd like to write about for the Tongal Blog!
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Going on dispatches to familiar territories is a no brainer for any media professional. But an assignment to foreign territories can be unnerving, even for seasoned media professionals, particularly in foreign countries. Navigating alone in a country with a foreign language, currency, and possibly where the rule of law is not adhered to while carrying expensive camera equipment is risky, and a gamble not worth taking.
That’s why, before commencing on media dispatches to foreign territories, you should source a trustworthy and reliable fixer from the region or country you are going. This local person will be familiar with the area and can help you navigate your shoot and logistics -- also, he or she will shield you from conmen, snake oil salesmen, and crooks in general. There is no magic wand to getting the perfect fixer; in fact, most times your search will begin blindly. Below are some measures you can take to get the perfect fixer.
1. Mapping Out a Fixer
The nature and scope of your media assignment dictates the kind of fixer to look for. Suppose you are to cover an oil spillage crisis in a rural coastal village in Africa. Find fixers familiar with the subject, like say a journalist in that country who has written on the subject (in our case the oil spill) neutrally. Alternatively, look for print or video story clippings online, to find who has been quoted there, and then search their names on social media sites like Facebook or Twitter. In some cases, you will find that a fixer can end up being a local little-known journalist in the country you are to visit.
Let’s borrow from my experience in 2011, the first time I worked as a fixer here in Kenya. The French crew I worked for searched online for someone who had covered agriculture in Kenya. Lo and behold, my details and contact information came up via their search. They contacted me and we did the job weeks later.
2. Short-listing a Fixer
So you have a list of potential fixers and their contact information -- how do you shortlist the best one? Write to each of them outlining the nature of your assignment, expectations, and pay. In your email, also inquire if they have the relevant experience and familiarity with your assignment scope. Based on their replies, you will know if they can handle the assignment or not. When I first got contacted to work as a fixer for the French crew, they asked who they could interview in the agricultural sector in Kenya. Since I had great contacts I’d accumulated over the years, I advised them on the best scientists to interview based on the questions they had. That gave them confidence to hire me immediately since they knew I understood the subject with authority and had relevant sources.
The fixer you work with also needs to have fluency in local language(s). This is important because not everyone you interview can speak international languages like English, French, or Spanish. So, your fixer may have to work as a language translator in those foreign countries. Ask your fixer if they speak the common local language fluently before hiring them. This will prevent any mishaps brought about by language barriers.
3. Working Out the Media Logistics
Having found your dream fixer, the next hurdle is to work out the media assignment logistics, like the filming days and interviews, plus any permits required. Permits are highly important otherwise filming in foreign countries without authorization could result in prosecution, penalties, or harassment by law enforcers, some of whom want bribes. The need for permits is even more important where you conduct interviews or film in public. As a crew, work with your fixer to organize permits in advance before you land in the foreign country, instead of searching for permits when you arrive to the country. This will save you time since once you land, you’ll want to get started immediately. Make sure your fixer starts organizing interviews to be conducted, securing filming locations, and organizing means of transport as early as possible. That way, once you land in the country, you can embark on the media assignment ASAP.
4. Other Miscellaneous Factors
Carrying out media assignments in foreign countries requires caution to avoid upsetting any cultural sensibilities. Before leaving every morning for the day’s media assignment, have your fixer brief you on possible cultural sensibilities that you should be aware of. That way, when filming or conducting interviews, especially in traditional rural communities, you’ll exercise correct etiquette that is in line with the local culture. It also ensures that the community will be receptive to the entire crew.
Also, basic use of polite and soothing language like “kindly,” “please,” “thank you,” and “good to hear from you,” helps a lot. It’s also prudent to pay your fixer daily after every successful day, to keep him motivated for the days ahead.
5. Fixer Etiquette
Potential fixers should have a vibrant online profile presence. If you’re looking to be hired as a fixer, your profile should outline your experience and recommendations from those you have worked with in the past. A LinkedIn profile with your niche, experience, and recommendation from past clients works to boost potential clients’ confidence. When communicating with potential media clients, be courteous. That way, you will make them feel you are not just fixated on the idea of making money from them, but you connect well with them on an emotional level. From my experience, I’ve gotten repeat fixer jobs on recommendation from past clients on account of basic courtesy. Exercise it!
