The Linguist

FEATURES @CIOL_Linguists WINTER 2022 The Linguist 11 resourceful and confident are key traits in this regard – characteristics common among linguists. Solving problems for clients is part of our remit, whether it's to turn a protected pdf into editable format, or going above and beyond to find solutions to tricky translation puzzles. Networker. Local contacts are key to fixing in the media, and time is always of the essence in broadcasting. The wider your net, the more likely you are to find the person you need in a timely manner. For our 'big' jobs in Brazil, we used private Facebook and WhatsApp groups to pool information and contacts among the fixer team to find whatever and whoever was needed as quickly as possible. These demands would range from finding local drone operators and sourcing catering supplies to seeking a Copacabana quiosque (beach bar) that could serve as an on-the-ground studio and finding interesting subjects for features, such as capoeira groups, parkour athletes, hang gliders, surfers and skaters. Crisis manager. Fixers need to keep calm and focused, even when the world seems to be falling apart around them! This is a skill you may not even know you have until it is put to the test. I recall a situation in Volgograd, Russia at the 2018 World Cup where I had to solve a passport issue for the talent on my team. The information on his entry card had faded and looked completely blank. Hotels and airlines would not accept his passport and allow him to check in without this information. For a few hours it looked like he might be in trouble, and I had to keep assuring him that everything would be fine (although I wasn't entirely sure it would be). I managed to resolve the situation at the local police station/FSB office, which was like being transported back in time to the Soviet Union! Proactive mindset. Planning in advance is key to a smooth fixing operation. You will plan and arrange all logistics well in advance, complete check-ins online for the whole team ahead of flights, research destinations and make sure potential shoot locations, venues and restaurants will be accessible at the time your team arrives. And without being prompted by the team to do so. The best problem solver is the one who foresees and avoids the problem in the first place, without the rest of the team even knowing about it. So how do you find work as a fixer in the media? My advice would be to identify events in a relevant country that are likely to be broadcast by television or radio, and where you might be able to fill a fixer role. Contact broadcasters, producers and even local support agencies (there are some) that may be covering the event. Proving your language skills, local knowledge and contacts to the client will be crucial, and if you mention the skills described above then that will certainly enhance your chances. Happy fixing! 'THE TALENT' A fixer from Ben's team works with BBC presenter and former England footballer Gary Lineker in Rio (above); and (below) the team adds flavour to the reporting by filming a capeoira group – from sourcing last-minute venues to calming petulant celebs

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