Sunday, October 19, 2003

The following is from an interview by "The Hollywood Reporter"

Gayle DePoli: Success of Ms. Television
Profile for The Hollywood Reporter

"It's Not Rocket Science," according to Gayle DePoli founder of Pink Slip Productions. "It only takes common sense and natural analytical ability to succeed in live TV." But what exactly does it take to make television a reality?

Gayle, who has won both Emmy awards and Peabody awards, has worked throughout the world in various production capacities. After many years of experience with CBS, Showtime, MTV Networks. NBC, Pay Per View, and The Olympics, Gayle has seen television from all aspects. Gayle DePoli, Aunt Gayle to those in the biz, has had a rapid rate of success as a woman in the Television Industry.

Gayle has a deep background in technical production, with skills as a technical producer, director, and video technician. Gayle was the first female Technical Director for CBS. Martin Solomon, technical consultant for CBS and former Director of Operations, describes Gayle as "the best". He promoted Gayle three tunes in a short period. He says, "From a technical aspect, she learned and retained at a rapid pace. Better than anyone I have ever seen. When she became a technical director she had the ability to get along with everyone, from people who were superior to her to people who were a lot older than her. She's all around perfect."

Linda Gierahn of Country Music Television describes Gayle as having "one of those personalities, though, that makes you feel like you've known forever, and you can't imagine what your life must have been like before you knew her." When told that she is described at being innovative and creative Gayle says, "Innovative? Nothing earth shattering. Creative? Doing the best you can with little or no budget. That takes lots of creativity."

Gayle's ability to work with others is one of her most notable successes. Linda says, "In business, she is always a professional, no matter what comes her way. Even in the most stressful situation, she figures out how to make it work, without ruffling anyone's feathers." When asked how to describe her communication skills, Gayle bluntly say$, "Let's just say I know how to get my message across without pulling any punches. Sometimes it may not be the most politically correct way of doing business, but when all else fails to get the message across a good, 'it's ain't gonna happen folks' is a good attention getter."

According to Linda, "Production is such a mess by nature, the most important thing [in Production] is to keep your cool and 'never let them see you sweat.' If you can multitask, be street smart, and just figure out how to make the impossible happen, then you can make any show come a success. I've seen her (Gayle) do it many times." Martin agrees, "Gayle has a unique ability to grasp a problem and solve the problem, in such a manner that she never rubs anyone the wrong way."

In a dog eat dog industry; Gayle feels that verbal communication just isn't good enough. "Paper is the best way to watch your own back, and it should be demanded of those that work for you as well."

After receiving three Peabody, three Emmy Awards, an MTV Moonman, and many other nominations, Gayle's most rewarding experience was her work on America: A Tribute to Heroes.
America: A Tribute to Heroes was a major production that was put together in about five days. Gayle describes her emotional experience. "It was something that HAD to be done more than WANT to be done. T felt very proud and honored to be a part of a team that would do anything to get this show on the air without a flaw." She goes on to say, "Nine days had passed since the WTC tragedy and the city still had the feeling of being one giant funeral home. Airing of this show became the launching point for people to feel able to go on with their daily routines again."

When the show went on air, Gayle clicked through Manhattan cable from her transmission control center, and saw that other than a few children's television stations, the show was being seen around the nation on every channel imaginable in the US. She said, "It brought us to tears that were uncontrollable."

After achieving many accolades, Gayle now "takes more of a mentoring role." When told that she has inspired people, especially women, she says, "I'm flattered, but people should be inspired by science, cures for diseases and finding world peace." Those that she ha$ inspired call her Aunt Gayle, When asked how does it make you feel to be called Aunt Gayle, she says, "Although some people might be offended because it could be an age reference, I find it a term of endearment. There is a certain amount of trust that
"Aunt Gayle" was just the beginning. From being a microfilm clerk to the first female technical director for CBS, Gayle success reached an all time high when she was named Executive in Charge of Production for MTV Networks. MTV Latin America named the studio that Gayle helped build, "Mama G's- The DePoli Broadcast Center."

Gayle's experience, knowledge, and confidence are irreplaceable. Gayle has worked in the Television Industry for over three decades. Gayle, a pioneer in the industry, was one of the first women to achieve a high executive job in the male dominated television industry. Being a woman in production is quite a challenge, and to be respected by both men and women is an accomplishment all in itself.

Gayle remarks, "It was totally a man's world back in the day and to have a young woman break down the doors with respect made it easier for others. Today most women take their role for granted." Today women make up 25.9 percent of the workforce in the Entertainment Industry. Martin says. "Because of Gayle, people (women) have been able to learn more and to move on to bigger and better things." Linda agrees that Gayle is "really a true success story. Of course, today things are easier for women, but only because women like Gayle were able to pave the way for the rest of us."

Submitted by Marty Solomon