In addition to filming numerous commercials for local businesses, Tyanna Klekotta, 9, has been on television more than 20 times in Grundy County.ABOUT HERSchool: Fifth-grader at Tracy City Elementary School.Favorite subject: Reading.TV reporting idol: Robin Roberts from "Good Morning America."Favorite books: The Harry Potter series.Favorite movies: "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."Favorite TV shows: "America's Got Talent" and "American Idol."CLAIM TO FAMEIn addition to filming numerous commercials for local businesses, Tyanna Klekotta, 9, has been on television more than 20 times in Grundy County, including spots on a morning call-in show and reporting on local events for Grundy County Television.
TALENT SHOWDo you know a child age 13 or younger with a precocious talent in academics, athletics or the arts? The Times Free Press is searching for children to feature in "Talent Show," which appears in the Life section on Tuesdays. To nominate a child as a possible subject of a future feature article, e-mail staff writer Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or call him at 423-757-6205.
Put a camera on some kids and they freeze up. Turn the lens on 9-year-old Tyanna Klekotta, however, and she comes to life.
Tyanna's father, Paul Klekotta, is a producer, editor and chief videographer for GCTV-6, a commercial community news station in Monteagle, Tenn. When he needed a last-second fill-in for a commercial he was shooting in 2009 for the I-24 Flea Market in Monteagle, he turned to Tyanna.
Even at 6 years old, her charisma and outgoing personality were a winning combination, Klekotta said.
"She pulled off such a wonderful commercial that the owner gave her an extra $100 and has had her do it year after year," Klekotta said. "That just kind of evolved into, 'Boy, you could actually do some news reports.' "
In addition to her commercial work, Tyanna has served as a guest reporter for GCTV about two dozen times in the last two years, beginning in April 2009 with coverage of Trails & Trilliums, a native plant sale at St. Andrew's-Sewanee School.
Tyanna said she felt nervous at first in front of the camera, but the more she does it, the more natural it feels.
"It's easier to memorize my questions," she said. "It's just been a lot easier because I'm more used to it. I'm more confident."
Some of Tyanna's other stories have included interviewing a stunt pilot and going for a flyalong at an air show, interviewing dealers at a book fair and covering community events in Grundy County.
In 2010, she filmed a weekly half-time segment for GCTV interviewing cheerleaders at Grundy County High School games. She also has served as a guest host on the station's morning program, "Morning on the Mountain," about 10 times.
Earlier this summer, Tyanna received permission to interview several "American Idol" contestants after her father contacted the show's producers and sent them a tape of her reporting segments.
Before the American Idol Tour's concert in Nashville on July 23, Tyanna interviewed semi-finalist Paul McDonald, finalist Lauren Alaina and winner Scotty McCreery for a segment on GCTV.
That was a special, if nerve-wracking moment, Tyanna said.
"I've always been a fan of 'American Idol,' " she said. "What was really important was that I got to meet them. That's what I was excited about."
Early on, the reporting fundamentals such as how to hold the microphone and thinking of questions were difficult for Tyanna to grasp. Over time, however, she has developed an instinct for interviewing, Klekotta said.
"She's best if she's left alone because she will come up with these classic lines or the proper question that comes out of having a good conversation with someone," he said. "There's something that goes on beyond words with her and other people."
After spending 25 years as a freelance videographer working for the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios and Nickelodeon, Klekotta said he has seen plenty of young talent led astray because of a lack of parental involvement.
By engaging Tyanna in an activity they can both take part in, Klekotta said he hopes to help her prepare for anything life can throw at her.
Klekotta said he chooses subjects for Tyanna to cover that will help enrich her. Her reporting has taught her many things, from incidental topics such as what it takes to be a pilot to how to manage the money she has earned through her work.
Ultimately, Klekotta said he hopes she takes something greater away from her experiences.
"[I hope] she has a happy, productive and fulfilling life that makes a difference in this world," he said. "God knows, we need it."