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The Talent Involved in Producing Your Favorite Stars: Clare Bonsor


Talent Producer Clare Bonsor

Celebrities, the world seems transfixed by them. Magazines, TV shows, podcasts, and many other mediums inform us about what they’re like, what they’re doing, what they’re wearing…we can’t seem to get enough. Simultaneously, the famous seem to be secluded in some far off land (the mysterious land of Hollywood?) and this serves to stoke the flame of our interest. Our access to this section of society is provided by talent producers like Clare Bonsor who entices celebrities to appear on numerous interview programs. Bonsor will tell you that her job is sometimes challenging, always interesting, and that said celebs are pretty much like you and I…with the exception of being recognized by millions for their work. Working in both traditional and new media, Clare has brought an eclectic group of some of the most well-known entertainers and notables to share a bit of themselves with the rest of the world.

Bonsor has filled the role of talent producer for traditional broadcast television talk shows like the Primetime Emmy nominated Harry (Harry Connick Jr.) and The Queen Latifah Show but her recent work has focused on web-based programming. People TV offers a wide assortment of shows which present traditional and nontraditional interview formats. Clare’s work with People TV ranges from the lighthearted to deeply emotional and moving content. Coming out Stories presents host Jess Cagle conversing with talent about their own “coming out” stories. Cagle and Bonsor partnered with US based education organization Glsen on this production which mirrors their mission to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

The Jess Cagle Interview is a one on one hour-long video with some of the most recognized and celebrated entertainers of today. As talent producer on this production, Clare procured and presented Jimmy Fallon, Glenn Close, Jane Fonda, and numerous others. Working with host Laura Brown on InStyle Dirty Laundry, Bonsor brought notables like Rebel Wilson, Rose Byrne, Alexa Chung, Kat Graham, and others to a discussion in a laundromat about their clothes. The motto “no clothes were harmed in the making of this show” tells you everything you need to know about the tone of the discussion.

As with many of her peers, Clare’s career is all consuming. Email and phone calls are a minute by minute occurrence and a positive tone goes a long way in achieving one’s goals. Bonsor confirms, “My iPhone is KEY to the job and is always at my side! Talent producing is not a job that allows you to switch off. I receive around 200-300 emails a day which means I’m emailing all day. I think organization and kindness goes a long way in my line of work. It comes down to relationships and communication. I've been lucky enough to build up great relationships with publicists, having worked now on a number of shows, and there's an element of trust that has been established. I feel fortunate that I can refer to many of them as friends also.” This explains the goodwill she has built up in the industry but it’s her proactive method that has made Clare one of the leading talent producers in today’s market. Schedules change and when you’re dealing with a production team, and possibly a studio audience, you have to play professional chess and think three moves ahead. Bonsor relates, “In my work with People TV I don’t just work as talent producer for one show but rather a multitude of them. Entertainment Weekly: Couch Surfing, PeopleNow, PeopleTV; Paws and Claws, and many more. Working so many shows means that there are many options for many talent, which means I'm in constant communication with many publicists. Even if I'm pitching for a talent for one show, they may end up doing another. Cancellations are inevitable and having treated people well and with consideration often means that you receive this when you are in need. It’s the entertainment version of the Golden Rule.” In this one statement, Clare Bonsor perfectly assimilates the audience to the famous; we all just want to be treated in the same considerate manner that we offer them.

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