Writer/Director, Founding Partner 

How did you get your current job?
I partnered up with like minded peers in my industry.

What was the application process?
We all met together and disussed our vision and formed a partnership, we didn’t look at resumes per se.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
No, N/A

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
N/A

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
No, but what I learned over the course fo my career taught me to be adaptable. I don’t think you can teach creativity, though.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
Yes, I got an MFA in Directing and then worked for over 20 years in the motion picture and television industry. I was a Theater Major in college and got a BA and then came to graduate school for an MFA in Directing. I then got several fellowships to work in the professional world before finally getting a job on a major film. I wourked in the commercial industry as well. I worked my way up through assistant positions and took jobs in many different areas of film to learn the craft. For example, when I worked in feature film I worked in the Art Depertment, Ediitorial, Production, Set Production and for studios to learn everything I could.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
Yes. I was happy to be blessed enough to go through college an dgrad school as this afforeded me opportunities to learn from the best.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
Absolutely! I has two high profile internships that not only taught me what I needed to know to get an entry level position, they opened doors for me back in the days when people wanted to look at my resume. Plus, they showed future employers that I was the cream of the crop and could hold a high profile position.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
You must be educated, you need to know exactly what you want to do. You must be persistent, there is a TON of rejection in this business. You must be creative and passionate about any project you bring to the. Study the media artform you want to break into. Then, create a project you are passionate about and can explainto others WHY you are passionate about it. Identify people that can help you create your vision and get it into the hands and hearts of those that can help you relaize it. Create a team of supporters who will help you network. Keep going, even when you feel you can’t any longer. Call leaders in the field and ask to speak with them. Develop a powerful pitch and work until you find someone who will hear it. Enlist anyone you can to be on your team!

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
First, creativity! Passion! Drive! Ambition! Social skills that will allow you to network and express yourself appropriately and clearly. You must be able to clearly convey your vision to others. You must also be able to be flexible and roll woth the punches when things don’t go your way. You must be able to adapt to new situation. You need to think on your feet and be cool under pressure. You must also be able to surround yourself with a strong group of supporters. You must be able to type! You need computer skills. You need to have a basic cultural background.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Yes. I think even if you don’t have a college education you must be well read and informed about the world as well as a good judge of people. I have an MFA> it is useful, but not required.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
Be passionate. BE patient. KNOW YOURSELF AND YOUR PRODCUT!!!! Make sure that whatever you are pitching, you love. BE friendly with everyone. Listen to what everyone has to say and consider it. Do not lose your inner voice. As everyone to help you. Work harder than you think you need to and then work even harder than that! Do not pass up an opportunity to tell people about your project and ask how they might help you. If you have no experience, take ANYTHING offered to you so you can learn, but get out before you are identified with a specfici job in the industry if that is not the title you want. Make creation your job and keep pushing your project no matter what menial day job you need to take to get on set or into a production office. Make sure to constantly polish your pitch or project. You never know when opportunity will knock. Be generous with your time and be gracious. Be humble and thank thos ethat help you. Don’t lose sight of who you are and make sure to cultivate a support network you can rely on. Do not make enemies. Love yourself.