Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Motley.
Hi Elizabeth, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The magic of television has had me hooked from the start. I’ve always had a passion for TV — made my debut in front of the camera at the age 5 on the kid’s show “Romper Room”. Now I’m an award-winning creative TV Executive Producer.
From local TV and national TV networks – to television at sea (international) my story has taken many creative twists and turns. I’ve created local, national, and international TV shows and networks – in multiple languages. Plus, I’ve worn many hats both in front of – and behind the camera.
At the start of my career, I worked in music television and at a local CBS and Fox affiliate in Tampa (WTVT) — followed by an entertainment national TV show at Disney-MGM Studios… eventually launching America’s Health Network at Universal Studios before heading off to Washington, DC to take on a political TV network on Capitol Hill where I was the VP of Programming.
My left turn followed in the cruise industry where I jumped onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises LTD to spearhead their TV programming in 6 languages becoming the leading expert in the world on television at sea! My TV innovations for the cruise travel sector included launching “CBS Eye on Royal Caribbean”, MTV at sea, the Oscars at sea, and the World Cup (football). I partnered with U.K. in-flight company IFE Services (now Global Eagle) to create and launch joint venture Oceans TV servicing the cruise industry exclusively. We were the leading provider of BBC World News for the cruise sector.
I jumped ship to head up to Nashville where I created & launched a national news network for RFD-TV as their Executive News Director and Anchor of the “Rural Evening News”.
I stayed in Music City — working in the music industry handling PR for celebrities and music artists including artists Matthew & Gunnar Nelson; Singer-songwriter Jim Peterik; Pop Artist Electra Mustaine; Actor/Singer Michael Damian; Actor James Best (“Dukes of Hazzard”); Studio City Sound; AMERICA lead guitarist Bill Worrell; Caption Records; EVA and Broadcast Beat Magazine where I spearheaded the live daily TV coverage of the NAB Show in 2016.
Most recently, I was hired by Nexstar Media to create a new health & lifestyle TV show in 2019. I created “BLOOM” – with the idea that it would “help your life grow”. From the name to the set to the topic ideas – I was able to create a show I would watch every day from scratch. It started as a local TV show on 2 stations (WTTA & WFLA) in Tampa and has bloomed and is now syndicated reaching over 40 markets. I’m very proud of Bloom and working alongside host Gayle Guyardo who joined the show in 2020.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There are always challenges – in life and in any industry – especially television. And startups – since I’ve done about 5. In the early years, there were so few opportunities that you had to do any work you could (including answering the phones) to get your foot in the door.
I did production – shooting the NFL Bucs report at WTMV – with Fabulous Sports Babe Nanci Donnellon and other than her I was the only woman in the locker room – and most were not welcoming (especially during the players’ strike).
I worked harder than most carrying the gear (3/4-inch TV deck plus camera – very large equipment)- was even thrown from a horse on a TV shoot – a bad injury yet I still persevered.
Most challenges become learning experiences and opportunities.
When I started the TV network in Nashville – I was pressured to do it in under 12 weeks when it should have easily been a 6–8-month timeline. I accomplished the goal in under 12 weeks by calling in every favor I had in the broadcast industry and with a core group of hard-working folks in TN who worked their tails off – to which I was eternally grateful. You have to have the right positive mindset. It truly is 80% mental. My motto has always been “work hard and never give up”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in TV and celebrity public relations. In television, I am known for innovation, creativity, and startups. I was part of the team that creatively launched sponsor-driven interactive lifestyle TV content in the Tampa Bay area with the “Tampa Bay’s Talking” franchise. And I’ve come full circle launching “Bloom”.
I launched an entertainment TV show called “Later Today”. Next, I launched America’s Health Network at Universal Studios… Plus, I created and launched Royal Caribbean’s award-winning TV series “Get Out There” which I Executive Produced and Hosted. I partnered with CBS TV to create “CBS Eye on Royal Caribbean” which was all groundbreaking for the cruise industry.
Television has allowed me to travel the world – filming in Napa Valley, Bordeaux, France, the Bahamas, and London. I’ve worked with brands including Disney, Caymus Vineyards, Château Lafite Rothschild, Lancome, Dillard’s, Fisher-Price, Crayola, and Niebaum-Coppola Wines.
I’m proud of all the work I do – especially most recently with “Bloom”- yet I have a special place in my heart for Royal Caribbean and all the creativity they allowed me to bring to life through television.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I started my career in local TV in Tampa – and have come back to Tampa and so much has evolved.
Television may be evolving – especially as we’re in an age of streaming TV.
Water cooler chat still happens – whether at work or on Twitter to chat about our favorite shows.
No matter the platform (TV, computer, mobile phone, or tablet) – we’re still looking to engage with TV.
And there are even podcasts to complement TV shows.
The beauty now is that anybody can get into TV thru their own channels with YouTube and other platforms.
So, you too can bring your creativity and storytelling… and jump into this wonderful magic of TV!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TV_Diva
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liz.motley/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/motleyliz7
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LizMotley
Image Credits
Buni Photography
