Smiley, known for her work in General Hospital, Good Luck Chuck and numerous hosting gigs at Extra, TLC and HGTV, shared her experiences working on student films to get any experience when she first came to LA. After all, “work creates opportunities, not the other way around.”
Hanley, a singer and musician has a diverse career in both music and film. Citing collaboration as key, she encouraged the students to take on projects anywhere they can, even if that means sharing the credit on something they are creating. “Half of 100% is better than 100% of nothing,” said Hanley, vocalist of the band Letters to Cleo, appeared the in film 10 Things I Hate About You and was the vocalist for Rachael Leigh Cook’s character in the movie Josie and the Pussycats.
This was the first class meeting following GRAMMY week, where the students volunteered at multiple events, culminating with escorting talent down the red carpet for the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. Many of the students had collected business cards and contact info of people they worked with during the week. How should the students turn one casual contact into a valuable connection? Both Tava and Kay agreed to send a short email with your contact information, but not to ask too much of your contact before you have developed some rapport.
Tava, now primarily hosting, and Kay, now developing children’s TV programming, are doing work that was never part of their original goals when they were new to LA. “Start diversifying your creativity,” and make it known that you are willing to go after any work. Eventually, you will get your lucky break, but you have to be willing to “ride the horse in the direction it’s going.”
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