On Sunday, December 11, Youthlink headed down to the TVJ studios for the YVAs/Intense Red Carpet Correspondent Challenge. The venue was filled with media aspirants, some exercising their voices, others sitting in a meditative calm as sponsors Tru-Juice kept them all hydrated. Here are a few of the contestants we put on the spot.

Contestant 19: Vanessa Carby

How did you hear about this opportunity?

Actually, I learnt about it from two years aback. I came to audition but, sadly, didn't get through. I missed it last year, but caught it this year. I had heard about it on Facebook.

We've noticed that you've sat close to the back, away from the other contestants, is that a tactic?

Yeah, I actually read up auditions; they always say don't get lost before your audition. Afterwards, you can hang out and talk about it but before, have a little meditation.

Contestant 11: Tonaya Wint

What makes you intense?

I'm fun, charismatic and spontaneous.

What do think makes you a cut above the rest?

I have a lot to offer. I'm chic, trendy, young, fun, energetic, and I think everyone will love me in front of the camera.

Contestant 14: Jorja Clark

Youthlink: What do you think makes you a cut above the rest?

I'm fresh, pretty new, I have a lot to offer and I enjoy media. I like giving out information in such a way that it is applicable to everybody, and people will be interested in what I have to say in terms of presentation and how I give it out.

You seem to have a pretty good understanding of the media, is this due to past training?

At present, I'm working in marketing and PR and so I have a general idea of how to market, how to speak and how to present myself.

Contestant 16: Sean Bailey

You were previously on KFC's 'On the Verge', what was your talent?

Yeah, I was a contestant, a magician, but the comments were that I'm already on the verge.

What do you want to be in the future?

A magician.

That's really interesting, how did you get into that?

Well, it all began in high school, two of my friends introduced me to magic and they surprised me with one single card trick. It amazed me and I tried it on persons and it amazed them, so I started to do my own research and so forth. I'm self-taught.

Contestant 7: Kristina Savage

Is journalism something you want to do in the future?

Actually no, I just have this personality where I like to try new things.

You say that you like to try new things, what is one of those new things you've tried?

I'm not a person for volunteering but recently I volunteered at the YMCA. I teach swimming. I volunteered at the National Children's Home on Hope Road. I started it because I always thought it was cool.

Contestant 15: Tobi-Lee Wilson

Is reporting something you want to do in the future?

Yes! It's been something I've wanted to do for a long time. I've been auditioning for so long, but I think this will be a great opportunity to also get to show myself.

What sets you apart?

I'm very effective in communicating. I think that's one of the qualities that I possess and also just being efficient and giving the clients what they need. As they are saying, I'm INTENSE (laugh).

Notes from the producer - Sharon Schroeter

What are you looking for?

Our Intense Red Carpet reporter should be fresh, hot and intelligent. Someone who is intense, someone who represents what Intense is, so we are just having auditions and seeing if we can find the best person.

What do you think of the selection?

The thing is, a lot of them, one, love the YVAs. I think some of the talent is good; you have some that need a little bit of work but I see some prospective ones so far.

Any standout talents - any you'd hire yourself?

Yeah, I mean, what I was telling them before was that you know when Pepita and Sanjay came to do the show they had no media experience at all, so you know they learnt on the job. So you see the raw talent and it's something you know that you can work with. I've seen one or two.

How will this person be chosen?

What we (myself, my entire team which also includes Karen Clarke, who is the executive producer of the YVAs) do is sit and narrow it down to about five. We put the five videos in INTENSE and also ask the public to vote for who it is that they like, so it is really a mix of the public and the producers.