JHRTS wrapped up our 2011 programming with a bang! Thanks to the generosity of experienced executives and big-hearted JHRTS members, the past couple of months has brought our membership together for some amazing experiences that have no doubtedly helped to prepare the next generation of industry leaders. You can stay up to date on the latest JHRTS happenings through our newly launched Facebook page and Twitter handle, @JHRTSLA.
The application process for the JHRTS Mentorship Program has just wrapped for our 3rd session. Interviews were conducted on December 11th for the next round of mentee hopefuls. Selections are being made as we speak for the session to start right after the New Year. Selected mentees will be notified of their mentor pairings very soon!
JHRTS in association with The Hollywood Reporter presents: 35 Under 35 Next Gen TV Panel
On November 14th, JHRTS was proud to work with The Hollywood Reporter to host the “35 Under 35: NextGen TV Panel” for the third year in a row. The WME screening room was filled to capacity with JHRTS members who listened and learned as our five outstanding panelists gave advice and told stories about rising up in the industry. Matthew Belloni, the News Director at The Hollywood Reporter, worked hard in putting this prestigious list of rising stars together, and we were thrilled to have him moderate our panel.
Our panelists were Charlie Andrews (VP Drama Development, Fox Communications Corp.), Marci Cooperstein (Executive Director of Programming and Development, ABC Family), Christian Muirhead (Head of Corporate Communications, WME), Richard Schwartz (Senior VP of Television, Olive Bridge Entertainment) and Lisa Roos (VP of Drama Development, Warner Bros. TV). Each exec took time from their busy schedules to talk to us about how they started in the industry and went from knowing no one in the television business and trying to landing their first job and eventually growing into their current roles as power players and industry leaders.
They spoke about the various ways to arrive at the job you want – bouncing around to different companies or sticking with one straight through to the top – but they all agreed that putting in time and making connections is key! Mentors were also a common thread among the group, and they stressed how important it is to find people within the business who you can look up to and get advice from. We are so thankful to our wonderful panelists, moderator and The Hollywood Reporterfor a fantastic panel discussion.
JHRTS Pilot Casting Panel
On November 30th, the Pilot Casting Panel featured engaging commentary from the leading experts in television casting. Moderated by Lindsay Sloane (Producer, Hypnotic) the panel featured John Carrabino (Manager, John Carrabino Management), Erwin More (Talent Agent, Paradigm), Jeff Greenberg (Casting Director, Modern Family), Sharon Klein (EVP Casting, 20th Century Fox) and Greg Daniels (Creator, The Office). They discussed everything from their non-traditional casting methods, to how actors make the transition from film to television, to which auditions made them cry. Panelists had palpable chemistry and respect for one another which took the conversation to another dimension.
A major part of leadership is giving back to the community and on December 7th JHRTS members did just that by putting on our 9th Annual “Young Hollywood” Holiday Party. The event celebrates the hard work and commitment of JHRTS members throughout the year. This is one of the many year-round activities that helps foster connections amongst up and coming leaders. In keeping with our philanthropic initiatives and traditions, we are proud to contribute a portion of the night’s proceeds to the non-profit organization, The Seany Foundation. The Seany Foundation’s mission is to fund research to help find cures for pediatric cancers, especially sarcomas, and to improve the quality of life for children, teens and young adults currently battling cancer.
The JHRTS Los Angeles 2011 Holiday Party
The event, hosted at the glamorous SBE venue, Eden, was a huge success! We had a fantastic turn out of JHRTS members, both new and old and VIPs such as Masi Oka from HAWAII FIVE-0 and HEROES and Lamorne Morris from Fox’s new hit sitcom, NEW GIRL. Special thanks to our sponsors Tito’s Vodka, Popchips and Charlie’s Brownies who donated goodies for the event.
The event was a wonderful success and a great kick off to the holiday season! Check out pics for all of these events on our new Facebook page. To those who came, we hope you had an amazing night and we’ll see you again next year!
Chika & Steve
Photos by Chyna Photography