When James Bond introduces himself..."Hello, my name is Bond, James Bond" panties fall and missiles fly! When Marki Costello speaks during a Become-A-Host bootcamp the effect is equally dramatic especially for those who want to develop their skills and deliver a polished teleprompter read full of substance and style! Of course no panties actually fall (unfortunately), but I decided to open with such a line because finding my way to the Become-A-Host (BAH) boot camp was a watershed moment for me. For those who may not know what a watershed moment is: "A critical turning point. What it is actually is a moment in time where everything changes. A point in time when nothing after will ever be the same as before." I don't write reviews very often, so when I do they mean something. I discovered BAH through pure happenstance and I hope you do too. Yelp is such a wonderful resource, an electronic word of mouth. It is my "go to" before I spend money and time for just about anything. I'm posting this review in an authentic hope someone who has a dream of becoming a host will read it and be motivated to attend a BAH boot camp enabling them to pursue their dream. Attending the boot camp makes you realize you are a part of something special and that if you put the work in you will achieve good things. It's like Toastmasters on steroids... I moved out to L.A. with radio, live event hosting, and classroom teaching experience in my back pocket. I thought I could rely on these, but discovered quickly that trying to convey your message via a teleprompter proved challenging. What you think is witty and meaningful can come across about as popular as a turd in a punch bowl without proper training. The boot camp will teach you tools and skills to avoid such an embarrassing situation, but more importantly empower you with concrete lessons/best practices in how to effectively connect with an audience. The boot camp acts as a primer that puts all your mental functions on High Alert!!!! Some of the useful things you'll learn are; the best places to pause while reading the script, the best places to ad lib while reading copy and proper posture including placement of hands etc. These may sound like simple things. They are not. Learning how to make these second nature while adding inflection is invaluable. Pulling this all together will arm you with the ability to succeed in host auditions. I have to say a few words about Marki Costello the Coach at the boot camp. What a character. She is the granddaughter of the famous comedic actor Lou Costello!! She even has a similar laugh, which I envision she learned from him. I wasn't sure what to make of her at first, as she is a force of nature. Loud, ribald, funny, like a freight train wearing lace. Kind of like if Simon Cowell was a woman combined with Joan Rivers. She is compassionate and truly cares that you develop your skills to become a success. What a breath of fresh air in a town not known for authenticity. Marki does not mince words or emotions. She is frank, direct, and completely uncensored. You'll find out real quick how much you thought you knew, how much you don't know, and how much you have to learn and master. No unknown unknowns here, as Donald Rumsfeld so famously quoted. There are sharers and hoarders of information in this life and Marki is a SHARER 100%. I put her at a level with two coaches in my past that helped guide me tremendously. Seriously folks, I'm comparing her to my former law school Moot Court Coach T. Gerald Treece who holds the national record for law school advocacy victories. His teams regularly defeat Harvard, Stanford, and Yale etc. Check him out: http://www.stcl.edu/hottopics/STCL_Wins1st_ammenment_competition.html Like Coach Treece, Marki delivers the truth in a constructively critical manner. Her goal is to help each student become the best they can be...and that, my friends ain't easy.... I've got a Bullshit Meter bigger than Dallas and don't suffer fools lightly except myself . In all seriousness I really do smell bullshit 1000 miles away and BAH is authentic!!! Attend a boot camp, dream, fulfill, achieve....don't let your meat loaf!!! Bon Kelly Los Angeles, CA by way of Texas and four other states :-) read more

The Become a Host Bootcamp was ESSENTIAL to my growth as a host and artist in all forms despite my years of experience as a stand up comedian, on air Santa Barbara Television host, band manager, social media manager, YouTuber, and most importantly and all encompassing, performance artist. I heard about Marki Costello's program via a New York Bootcamp attendee, Nacho Mom, whose brand name alone made it clear that Marki knew exactly what she was doing. She nailed it! When I flew back to California, I searched via the internet and signed up for the next bootcamp less than a week prior to the course. The staff was very knowledgeable via phone and email and I knew exactly what to bring and wear to be prepared for the two day crash course. I admit I was a tiny bit skeptical at first, skeptical about the detailed level of knowledge, information, and training that would commence upon a class of random people, some who probably had no experience before. A few minutes into Marki's lecture in the funky, creative, and equip (from video and lighting equipment to setup and staff) Become A Host Center, I knew that regardless of the level experience I thought I had, there was so much more to learn, apply, and become. The two day Bootcamp was exhilarating for me from the start for I had felt myself in the right place for the first time in quite some time---not being a stereotypical 'actress' or 'singer,' I had never known there was a category for the YouTube and Vimeo nonsense I was unsensationally creating nor someone other than a 14-year-old YouTube sensation qualified to instruct prior to my introduction to Marki and The Become A Host center. The 2 day Bootcamp was filled to the brim with knowledge, exercises, and interactive lessons, all of which applied to me and everyone in the room, regardless of professional background. Marki's wealth of knowledge was delivered in a way I could completely understand and inspired me to actively apply the elements to my work. Marki made time for my questions, and her magnetic positivity and encouragement was transferred to and through the attendees, creating a supportive atmosphere where no one was in competition but rather lifting each other up, strengthening the true brand of each individual to shine through. Regardless if any of the attendees came in with a brand, each student left with one or a better one than he or she already had. Marki took the time to learn about each student through written and in class exercises, and when the time came, she nailed each persons brand on the head---nothing was off limits. She wholeheartedly boosted each person to believe in his or herself, reach deep down, and be the true authentic you you were, just as you are. Marki was the first person in quite some time that encouraged my yet to be officially named brand, no matter how bizarrely fowl it might be perceived by the masses. When sharing some things people would not know by looking at me to the class, she coined my brand 'The Anal Artist,' in both the figurative and literal sense in that I do actually create art using my rear end. Marki incited me to be as real as possible, freeing the insanity that exists within. She advocated me to continue to create art and video content free of filters via my mouth and my you know what ;] Currently I have an active lifestyle Network at TheAnalArtist.life where I write blogs about nonsense, rant and rave, create art, and encourage the creative crazies across the globe. Nothing is off limits and naked is normal. Despite my seemingly open mind, I am very opinionated, and Marki encouraged me to stick to my guns, never to please. The Become a Host Bootcamp is about as anal about art as you can get! I continue to enroll in Marki's weekly Become a Host classes as I could not get enough of practicing the imperative elements and consider the wealth of knowledge and supportive positivity from Marki and my classmates invaluable to my career as ANYTHING. There is always more room to learn and grow, and having that amongst fellow hosts that lift you up rather than compete with you is as good as it gets. None of these things would be possible without the radiating energy of Marki Costello and The Become a Host Bootcamp. read more

In the beginning of the year I took Marki's boot camp in New York. Since then I made huge leaps and bounds in my personal life and career. Marki is honest and straight forward. She makes you hungry for success and gives you the tools to achieve your goals. After taking Marki's boot camp I began to think about my brand. The wheels began turning and have not stopped since then! I then decided to take the next step which was to shoot my reel. I flew out to Los Angeles to shoot my reel and have a private with Marki. From bouncing ideas around with Marki, to her production team (Josh, Kyle and everyone else) I was thrilled with my experience. When friends, family and industry professionals saw my reel and were thoroughly impressed. I received nothing but positive feedback. A month later I decided to officially build my brand, Ladies 2 Minute Drill. I flew back out to shoot my webisodes. As Marki always says, "If you build it they will come!" She is not more right... I created my website about 2 months ago and it continues to grow every day. I even booked an appearance on a National sports show. A month after shooting my webisodes I flew back out to Los Angeles to take part in International Week. I wanted to end 2012 with a bang and begin 2013 with a bang! I was a bit hesitant at first, but I am beyond thrilled I decided to take part in International Week. The first few days we worked with a diction coach, a branding guru, a social media expert and a 'live' host. The knowledge I walked away with from these individuals made me feel as if I got my money's worth. On top of all these added bonuses, we worked closely with Marki. She has expertise in so many outlets of the business, but when she is in class she wears her coach hat only. When I take classes or audition I am always concerned how I am doing, if I mess up or what they think of me. However, Marki has taught me that it isn't about me! I am slowly, but surely learning to place my audience first and not be scared to be who I am. Most importantly, Marki continued to stress it is hard work over talent. She spoke about people who took her boot camp and had a better chance of being struck by lightning, but due to their work ethic they are not regularly working hosts. She makes you work hard and feel as if your dreams are obtainable. I wouldn't change a single choice I have made this year. As if that wasn't enough, I also built friendships with some of the most amazing people. Everyone was extremely supportive and we will always have a strong bond. I suggest International Week to everyone and I highly suggest working with Marki. Side note- There was some confusion on the dates, so make sure you confirm your dates before booking. Website: www.ladies2minutedrill.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChrissyOakes2MinuteDrill Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ladies2MinDrill YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/ladies2minutedrill read more

For anyone considering talk show hosting as a career, Marki Costello's Become A Host two-day bootcamp is a MUST. Why??? Let's start with your new career management coach...Marki! Marki's credentials, connections and industry "know how" in Hollywood parallel her own ability and talent as a talk show host, talent manager, and entertainment coach. All you have to do is go to: http://www.becomeahost.com/success-stories, to find a list of celebrities Marki has worked with. Do the names Ceelo Green (The Voice), Jason Kennedy (E! News), Bill Rancic (The Apprentice), or Kelly Osbourne (Dancing with the Stars) ring a bell? If they do, you're in the right spot. If they don't, you are still in the right spot! "Should you choose to accept the mission or swallow the pill" of stepping into the spotlight, Marki will work with you to help you discover and develop your own brand and to help you launch your own business in the process. In fact, that's what I really love about the bootcamp! Marki is passionate about helping you find YOUR true voice in the entertainment/social media landscape. So, whether you want to host the next cooking, home remodeling, dating talk show, etc., Marki can help you do it! In addition, at the bootcamp, you will receive lessons on the fundamentals of talk show hosting, including voice inflection, script transition points, and teleprompter practice. But, like I mentioned earlier, you will also receive the concrete, logical, next steps you need to get going with your own brand, including "industry insider" tips that are not readily available elsewhere. Post bootcamp, Marki also offers a "host" (No pun intended!) of other services to help you continue your job development journey. These services can include ongoing talent development classes, reel and webisode production appointments, CMEG talent management agency opportunities, and HOST*HUB online job posting possibilities. In the end, if you do decide to invest in the bootcamp, I would highly recommend buying Marki's book, Become A Host: The Inside Secrets Used by Every Successful TV Host. It is a quick read, and it will help you get your mind warmed up and thinking in the direction of becoming America's next TV host. Like Marki always says, "This bootcamp is a game changer for your career!" read more

I first attended Become A Host's weekend bootcamp back in 2009, but put my hosting career on the back burner in order to focus on TV producing instead. Thankfully, a couple years later, I was ready to dive in, and Marki's classes were exactly the right place to focus my energy! Become A Host uses copy from projects that are recently cast, so the scripts we practice with each week are powerfully relevant. And Marki has this bizarre ability to forecast entertainment industry trends years before they're fully realized, so if you want to know how to get ahead of the 8-ball, this is the place to do it. Marki's style of communication is unconventional, sure. She's no-bullshit in the way she communicates with her students, so if you're used to having reviews of your work be all sunshine and rainbows, you'll have to get over that mindset. I figure that if I'm shelling out cash, and spending 3 hours a week in a classroom setting (when I could be out enjoying the sunshine or furthering my paycheck), I'd rather not beat around the bush. After all, I'm there to learn. As with anything in life -- these classes are what YOU make them. If you come to class ready to learn, pay attention throughout the 3 hour class, and give your best self during your stand-ups (even when it's nerve-wracking, or your tired, or you're getting over a cold), you'll find yourself way ahead of your peers in the hosting world. Thanks to the things I've learned at Become A Host, I've not only honed my on-camera skils; I've also booked a major hosting gig for a network, fine-tuned a branded travel series that has garnered a social following of over 170k, and landed a ton of contracts with companies I love. It isn't magic -- it's taking the lessons I've learned, and applying them for myself. At the end of the day, it's all about you. Are you willing to work, both inside the classroom and outside it? Are you prepared to open your mind to potentially new ideas, listen to feedback about your reads, and employ techniques that better your skills as a host? If so, it sounds like you're ready to carve your path as on-camera talent, and I can't stress highly enough that Become A Host is the place to do that. read more

I never knew the importance of branding until I met Marki Costello and attended Become A Host. I have learned so much from Become A Host that goes beyond TV hosting. I've learned how to build a brand into a business. I was recently selected by Yahoo! Shine, which has 29 million visitors a month to be one of their Get-It-Guide Guru experts and this is because they loved what I am doing with my brand 'Mommyhood to Hollywood,' which I conceived while I was a student at Become A Host. I will now have the opportunity to cover media assignments for them, as well as do reviews on products for them. They are also going to do a feature on me and Mommyhood to Hollywood! The next set of great news is that I was also asked to be a Spokesperson for a company called TaskRabbit.com for their Do More! Live More! Be More! Campaign. In addition to this I was approached to be a "Positivity Ambassador" for another organization too (not allowed to say who they are yet). Also, Mommyhood to Hollywood has been nominated by Parents Magazine as 'Best Overall Mom Blog.' Mommyhood to Hollywood has received press in The Huffington Post, The Daily Mail, Digitaljournal.com, as well as other outlets too and my Twitter following is rapidly growing as I'm almost at 23,000 followers! I'm now a regular contributing co-host on the local cable TV show 'Every Way Woman too.' However, one of the things that I am most excited about is that Mommyhood to Hollywood is no longer going to be just a blog, it will be launching as a full blown online magazine in October! I've already begun to sell several Sponsorships for it on my own. When I first came to Become A Host I just wanted to be an Entertainment Reporter like a million other people, but Marki and her amazing team of teachers helped me to hone in on my strengths and find my niche. Now because of that I have been able to find a brand that has helped me to stand out. It's crazy, I actually have people approaching me instead of me having to always approach them, who would have ever thought! I feel so honored! Thank you Marki Costello and Become A Host for your amazing TV hosting academy! read more

I REALLY REALLY wish that I would have known about Marki Costello's Become a Host a few years ago. She will shave years off your hustle!! The techniques that I am learning from Marki, the instructors, the workshops, and industry nights at Become A Host are priceless. In addition, the production team is AMAZING!! I started with a free 2 hour introduction. She did a few exercises with people in class. From the first read to the second read, I saw MASSIVE improvement with the students. Marki knows how to get you to connect and get to the core of your passion, which ultimately fuels your connection to your audience. I learned so much during the free workshop and it prompted me to take the bootcamp, which prompted me to take the on-going classes. This journey is so much more than booking gigs... it is a journey to fulfill your life's passion by becoming your own brand by owning your point of view. It is learning to become free to be YOU and get paid to be YOU. I took Marki's advice and I am currently maintaining a blog, producing and hosting my own webisodes. It is deeply fulfilling and am gaining an audience because of it. I'm aligning myself to have a competitive edge. I couldn't have done this without Marki and the staff at Become a Host. For some reason, finding the delicate balance of being yourself, staying connected, and being succinct is difficult. Marki will get you there. She will help you break old bad habits or create new good habits. At the very minimum, you will have a much deeper understanding of yourself when you go to Become A Host. Regardless of where you are in your career, you will definitely acquire an abundance of knowledge and skills by attending the bootcamp and classes here. Since Marki is always casting, we work off of scripts that are hot off the press. She knows exactly what attributes that agents and networks seek. When you are a student here, you are putting yourself in front of TV executives all the time. Invest in your career. Most importantly invest in YOURSELF and go to Become A Host! read more

Are you REALLY SERIOUS about hosting? Then I am serious about telling you the MUST-GO Hosting Boot Camp by Marki Costello, which I attended two weeks ago. No kidding. I have been hosting, interviewing, presenting and have attended a number of related courses. I thought I had learnt most of the important elements. How wrong I was. Every course teaches the run-of-the-mill (techniques, dos & don't, hands-on, etc) but Marki stands out in rebooting my hosting mindset, kicking me out of myself and embracing the audience's minds AND very importantly, teaching me How to Brand myself out there, amongst other invaluable lessons and tips. Her no-bullshit, just-get-Effective ways shows her focus and interest in providing value to attendees. I walked out of the camp re-tuned, reset, re-passioned and inspired to be the best (most relatable, enlightening, engaging) host. Now I know why Marki was not dubbed Queen of Hosting and a true professional for no good reasons! My journey halfway round the globe to LA was worth every effort. Can't thank her enough. Marki pushed all of us out of our comfort zones, unrolled her sleeve of hosting tricks, provoked our thoughts and made us re-think our styles, audience perspectives, approaches, pointed out the gaps in our delivery, bringing out the best in each of us. I can see that she is able to do these not just by drawing from her more than 30 years of industry experience, but also because she keeps up with and exploits the ever-changing frontiers in social, digital and interactive media, thus embracing and moving with the inevitable current. Tips, before attending: 1. Squeeze your mind sponge real dry, then come ready to absorb, absorb, absorb. 2. Come rested, because you won't have a freaking chance to relax. I was exhausted mentally from the lessons, exercises and group activities conducted. Nonetheless enjoyable if hosting is in your blood. 3. Ask all the questions you want, you'll be surprised what you didn't see before. Thank you for everything, Marki! Love, Krystle read more

Ok, here is the real deal. After years of taking just about every hosting class and coach in the industry I am 100% sure Marki is the top of the top. Listen, this business is ever changing and always evolving. Marki has her finger on the pulse of the hosting world and what buyers and networks want in talent. I can say first hand that since arriving and BAH around two years ago my hosting game has been elevated. Marki is tough and doesn't sugar coat anything but she also encourages and points in you in the right direction so you can be successful. Her boot camp alone will change your life and give your a whole new perspective on hosting. Never once has she or her staff tried to hustle me or make me buy something that was not needed to further my career. I've taken classes from other coaches that didn't even have a teleprompter in class . I mean come on really?. Coaches that spent more time playing favorites than actually giving me my money's worth. When you study with Marki you get current copy that is being cast not recycled stuff from years ago. She also bring this amazing energy in the class that inspires you and . It truly magical. Bottom line is if you want to work in this industry, and ladies and gentlemen its a very tough industry to break into... Marki is it. And like I've said I've taken from everyone and yes they all have something wonderful to offer , but I've found that BAH is the authority for on camera training. Point ..blank..period. Also you can't come to a months worth of class and expect to be camera ready and book every job... this industry is a marathon not a sprint and with BAH your journey will be one of growth , massive breakthroughs ,and plenty of fun and awesome moments. Every cent I have spent has yielded double the returns in bookings and auditions.. that to me sends a resounding message that I made the right decision. Give Marki a go and you will be a believer. Xo read more

I recently completed Bootcamp at Become a Host (BAH) in L.A. It was a stellar, information-packed weekend that will prove foundational to my future success, I know this for a fact. Why? Because of who taught it, who was on team and what was shared... Imagine someone who sizzles with media expertise and personality plus. That would be Marki Costello. Growing up midst old school Hollywood and rubbing elbows with the media royalty of the day gave this seasoned coach and talent manager more than just interesting stories to tell... it gave her an up-close and personal interaction through the years with people who were pros. She has beautifully refined her own brand as a host extraordinaire and now shares her immense wealth of knowledge with a media's new generations. From helping her students/clients highlight what makes them sparkle and shine, to developing their own professionally effective brands, to teaching technical aspects of the hosting business - such as intonation, inflection, transitions, media pack preparation, demo reel creation and more - Marki and her team rock the free world. They accomplish this by being passionate about helping others hone in on their own passions ... and then power punch them into success within the world of arts and entertainment. Marki Costello is hands-down a seasoned pro who knows how to coach others and prepare them for their own professional careers in ways that encourage continual growth and refinement. The BAH production team will expertly aid in ensuring clients get the most for their money by creating dynamic reels and media projects to showcase what the world should see and will appreciate most from each "personality." While being a celebrity can happen for all kinds of reasons these days, Marki knows and teaches the most effectual way to be a sustaining success - you gotta work for it. Work smarter that is... I'm ready to rock that way... read more

Guess What!? I have yet to take the boot camp lol.. BUT... I'm here to write a review based on dealing with the staff of BecomeAHost so far: I'm Impressed !!! The Professionalism of Marki and her Staff has Already led me to speak. BACKSTORY: Super Randomly (10 years ago) I saw Marki on a video that was featuring Mark Steines (one of my Hosting Hero's) of ET. He was being coached by Marki and every word of direction she was giving him I soaked up like a sponge. Marki was even in the background! It was a freakin' segment about Mark Steines not Marki!! However, she made such an impression on me that I said, 'If I EVER get a Hosting Coach/take a Hosting Class it will be from this woman!' Fast forward 10 years later (yep) I'm on the East Coast and have some Professional Hosting experience but for my Birthday I decided to gift myself 'Become a Host' Bootcamp Class in Los Angeles. Basically, I got the balls to write and call Marki LOL!!! I called and first spoke to Thomas who was very personable on the phone. He really seems authentically enthused in my career. Marki then called to speak to me about my goals and on-camera experience. FYI I know there is a 'Vetting Process' to be selected for their Boot Camp but I still was like, 'Holy Crap!! I'm talking to the Queen~~!' However, she's Real. She is Genuine and a Wealth of Knowledge on the phone. Just in speaking to her I could sense her Passion for People. Equally I sensed the importance of making sure that I'm not yet another dude just looking to be famous. So Thank You Become a Host Staff! So Far So Good! Me P.S. To others eager to be a part of her Bootcamp: Be aware of the 'Vetting Process' and be prepared to answer questions regarding your background and experience. Break Legs & See U at Camp! read more

Want to be a host? Look no further, for Become a Host should be your first and only stop! AMAZEBALLS! I attended Marki's end of the year 1 day bootcamp and was completely blown away. Walking into this I wasnt 100% sure, for I had already produced my reel and all I needed (so I thought) was just some fine tuning. What more was Marki going to teach me? Really? wow was I wrong. Marki opened my eyes to what hosting really is, what it involves, and what it takes to be successful. Marki does mean business, for she knows this industry very well. Why not learn from the best? The majority of the greatest hosts on tv have been coached by her. Everyone in the bootcamp got to work with Marki on multiple exercises, so dont think you wont have your turn. She breaks down all the hosting elements and techniques so you understand them clearly. She is there to help, and you do truly get the feeling that she does want you to succeed and than some! Her approach is very straight forward, no messing around, so leave your ego at the door, or Marki will check it for you. She gives you the tools to dig deep and let your personality shine through.... exploring your ism's! This is not a walk in the park class, but is an absolute must, you will not regret it. What I learned in that one day changed my life. For at the completion of the bootcamp I never felt more focused, inspired, excited, or compelled to pursue this dream immediately. I couldnt be more satisfied, I wish I had done this bootcamp years ago. What an incredible experience, for I now have an amazing reel produced by the Become a Host production team and coaching from Marki to launch the first steps topward my career. I cant wait to work with her and her staff again. Dont wait ....go sign up! read more

Marki is knowledgeable and she Will teach you about the three E's I came in knowing nothing And left knowing something That will change me for eternity. She also taught us the three R's To help our careers go so far Relating is ratings Get out there and say things A class worth driving oh so far. I am not a host, at least not yet. I have a dream of hosting my own international dance show. I travelled from Vegas to attend this class and boy was the journey worth it! Day one was a bit tricky for me. Marki doled out some sound knowledge. She is tall and demands the attention of the room. She has an infectious laugh and a colorful vocabulary. We focused mostly on branding. I didn't think she understood me at first, but I think I was putting off some confusing vibes and trying too hard instead of being authentic. She gave us homework and as I worked through the night things became much clearer. I was a writing machine and started to understand my direction and true voice. The next day, armed with my new knowledge and clear sense of self, I was ready for our on camera work. Marki encouraged us to connect with each other, so I exchanged information with several classmates and look forward to future collaborations. When it was my turn to shoot, she flawlessly directed me to get my best take. She seemed to "get" me so much more and led me in a direction that I hadn't even considered! My comfort and confidence skyrocketed on day two. Everyone seemed to have grown overnight! Thank you Marki and Become A Host for this phenomenal opportunity! I am ready to move forward in my dance/hosting career and hope to train more with you in the future. read more

I wouldn't change my experience with Become A Host for anything in the world. There is no better place to learn and grow if you want to make hosting a real career that will LAST! I learned MORE about the elements of being a GREAT HOST than I ever did in school, and I majored in Broadcast News (so, that really says something). I have never felt more at place than I do here. Marki is seriously INSPIRING the way the TV news industry works. Time after time, she predicts change before it happens. Her KNOWLEDGE for the craft and PASSION for her students/clients is obvious, as she consistently strives to better her company and everyone around her. Before Become A Host, I didn't realize I could truly have a career by just being MYSELF. Marki was the first instructor/friend that saw me for me and APPRECIATED IT! Marki surrounds herself and her studio with only the best, most POSITIVE people. I have made REAL FRIENDS with my peers, who all genuinely support and cheer on one another. Before Become A Host, I doubted if this was the career for me. I am now confident that I can actually follow my dreams of becoming a TV personality. My time with Become A Host has been LIFE CHANGING! Because of Marki, I now have my own brand and creative inspired by my personality and POV. I am better at my craft than I have ever been. If you appreciate sarcasm and honesty, check out my recently launched blog Hashtagsandhaley.com! Things happen and I talk about it. I strongly suggest signing up for Marki's bootcamp to see what Become A Host is all about. You will leave much more CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE in front of the camera than when you came in. read more

Jumping on a plane, leaving my kids behind and flying literally across the country from the east coast, I had NO idea what I was in for in attending Marki's Become A Host bootcamp. While I had been told she was the best of the best in the industry and the only one who does what she does in coaching people in hosting, I still was reserved on what exactly to expect and if my money was going to be well spent on such an endeavor. Since I was coming in all the way from New Jersey, I figured I would do the full shebang while out in LA by attending the bootcamp and then having Marki's production team help me create a mini reel plus. Was my money well spent? ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY! I can honestly tell you, from start to finish of my long weekend, my expectations were beyond exceeded. I have never met anyone as well verse and passionate in what they do as Marki. She clearly eats, sleeps and breathes this industry and if you get the opportunity to meet her and attend her classes, you have taken one giant step towards solidifying your career...but like she says, the rest is up to YOU! Her production team? Josh? One word: AMA-ZING!! Josh literally created a spot-on, terrific new brand for me within a matter of 20 minutes and I was so passionate and excited about it, I truly believe it came through exceptionally in my mini-reel taping. Nick and Chris, you guys are da-bomb diggity too yo!!! Can't rave enough about this experience. Best thing I've ever done for myself as well as my career! And now, since I have all the tools I need from Marki, it's up to me! :-) read more

I heard about Marki through one of her students, and decided to enroll because I wanted someone to help polish what I have been developing instinctively over several years. I took the bootcamp class and was completely delighted by how no-nonsense and informative it was. In just two short days, I learned a bunch and noticed a genuine change in my approach to being on camera and speaking to people. After being invited to take more classes, I have been loving those just as much. It's a good opportunity to learn and practice, and hear people's immediate reactions to what choices I make. Every time I walk in the building I leave better-informed. The folks in the office are incredibly helpful and friendly, and I felt like I have met a whole bunch of smart new friends who want me to succeed. Their production services are top-notch too. Cassandra helped me zero in on what material I should put on a reel, and the result was well worth the money (Kyle is a great editor). I am confident that the $$$ I am putting into my career will soon return tenfold thanks to these brilliant folks. The only warning: if you just want people to tell you that you're great all the time no matter what your skill level, stay home. These people tell it like it is (especially Marki, who is known for her success but not her subtlety), and you might have to listen to something that might be difficult to hear. If you're open to industry professional's opinions and learn from constructive criticism, you will love it here and you will improve. read more

Completed the weekend Boot Camp a few days ago (Feb, 18-19, 2012) and had my world rocked. It was exhausting and my head is still spinning but it was worth every damn penny. I already had a good sense of my brand when I went in, so I really wanted to learn how to present it in a way that will get positive attention and to learn what is expected when I'm in the room with decision-makers. Markie didn't disappoint. First thing, KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE! This is key. Sounds simple but it takes practice. Everyone gets to do every exercise. You have to come to class ready to particpate and the only way to really "get it" is to get on your feet and try. The weekend isn't about perfection, so let all of your actor and broadcast news training go. Marki is a tough, confident broad with a heart of gold and a head full of knowledge who really knows her stuff and wants you to succeed. I'm trying to reinvent myself and my career and was recently feeling intimidated by the amount of work I need to do. I needed to get out of my head and out of my comfort zone. Now I'm feeling confident and more excited than I have in over a decade. No lie. Definitely going to try to get into the ongoing classes while I build and explore my brand and then I'm hitting the casting offices. It's time for positive change and I know for sure that Markie will give me the tools to make it happen. Her offices and team are first rate. So professional and helpful. Can't wait to work with everyone again. Awesome. read more

Ten years from now when I look back on my career, I'm going to remember the weekend when the light finally flicked on. I usually don't bother to write reviews on Yelp, but after years of aimlessly trying to figure out how to break into entertainment hosting, something finally broke through...Marki Costello's Become A Host Bootcamp. Who knew? I've worked on television the last half decade reporting on news and sports, and each station I worked for paid consultants to coach us on our on-camera presentation. None of that coaching came within a lick of what Marki taught me in the first hour alone. Marki can seem a bit braggadocious at first, but you quickly realize she backs it up big time with her wisdom and no-nonsense teaching style. Part classroom, part practice court and part therapy, Marki takes you to a personal level of honesty within yourself on day one, and everything just seems to flow from that point forward. It's like rewiring your brain to bring out the best on-camera personality you have inside. By the end of day two, you can feel and see a world of improvement, and more importantly, the camera will too! Truly remarkable. At the very least, the bootcamp will empower you with a fresh sense of confidence and a knowledgeable leg up on your competition. Why would anyone go into an audition without taking this bootcamp first? Oh well. Just wish I had heard about Become A Host five years earlier. Well done Marki, and warmest thanks for what you've done for me! read more

If you want to learn how to Become A Host, it doesn't get any better than this! Honestly, I have no idea why anyone would post anything negative about Marki Costello's Become A Host. I have taken her bootcamp and numerous classes for years. The very first class I ever took was a 1day bootcamp. I left with a wealth of hosting and entertainment biz knowledge and information (more like info overload!). This is info you absolutely NEED TO KNOW if you want a career in front of the camera. I left that first class feeling inspired and no longer questioned whether or not hosting was for me. Marki is energetic, passionate, hilarious, loud, and a little bit crazy, but most of all, you can tell she CARES about whether or not you have improved. The only reason I can think of as to why anyone would give Become A Host a bad review is maybe they thought they would get management out of it? From what I understand, her management company is completely separate and I never felt like I was lured into the classes due to any pull from her separate management company. You don't take college classes because they promise an easy transition into your dream job; you take college classes because they are designed to arm you with the practical know-how and tools you can one day use to do your future job better. Become A Host classes are no different. I'm glad I know Marki and she has helped me so much with my brand and the direction I want to go in. read more