GEMA Delivers Real-World Advice for Aspiring Entertainment Professionals
October 26, 2007
By Catherine Richter (MSB ’07)
Georgetown’s Jesuit credo, “men and women for others,” was never truer than on Wednesday, October 24th, when the Georgetown Entertainment & Media Alliance (GEMA) hosted their annual Alumni Career Panel in the University’s historic Riggs Library. Established entertainment professionals convened on campus to address a standing-room-only crowd of aspiring actors, directors, producers, agents, managers, executives, and entertainment lawyers anxious to hear how their careers in entertainment evolved.
The seven panelists included Karim Chrobog (SFS ’01), a producer at 18th Street Films; James Deutch (C ’92), Executive Vice President of Business Development at the Nederlander Company; Catherine Marquette (G ’08 MBA), is a second year MBA student at Georgetown, who currently holds an internship at the Motion Picture Association in the Education Department; Karen Travers (C ’00, S ’03, S ’10), Deputy Political Director at ABC News; Tricia Primrose Wallace (C ’86), Executive Vice President of Corporate Communications at AOL; Neville Waters III (G ’91 MBA), Principal of The Waters Group; and Lisa A. Williams-Fauntroy (L ’94), Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs at Discovery Communications. The panel was moderated by GEMA DC Director, Jody Arlington (C’93), who runs the Entertainment Practice at Weber Merritt, LLC and specializes in festival and entertainment PR.
Panelists’ observations focused on the rapid development of digital and new media as it continues to revolutionize the entertainment industry. New and exciting opportunities are emerging as barriers between internet, television, film, and mobile platforms breakdown. Broadcast news positions previously required toiling in a small town bureau hoping to catch the eyes of network executives. Karen Travers emphasized that digital feeds and a 24/7 internet allows anyone with a camcorder to get involved in the industry in formerly unconventional ways. Lisa A. Williams explained that instead of drafting a contract solely for television rights, lawyers must establish complex rights in developing distribution channels.
Overall, the panelists agreed it is an exciting time in the entertainment industry. Varied career and industry experience can add value for employers seeking any edge in the new, cross-platform environment. Having direction, yet maintaining flexibility when your career takes you in different direction, is the key to success.
A one-hour reception followed the panel presentation and Q and A’s. Attendees dined on crudités and received one on one advice on jobs and career paths. Panelists, through business card exchanges and mentoring promises, taught guests that Georgetown’s alumni network can be a powerful force in launching and shaping a career.
Many thanks to the MBNA Career Education Center, the Office of the President, and the Offices of Career Services at Georgetown’s Law and MBA Centers for their support in making this event possible.
Catherine J. Richter (MSB ’07), works at Weber Merritt, where she is part of the SILVERDOCS: AFI/Discover Channel Documentary Festival team. In 2007, she managed interviews for Festival guests including Jonathan Demme, Ted Leonsis and Afghanistan Parliamentarian Malalai Joya. Catherine previously attended NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where her love of film production was further realized. She is a proud member of GEMA.
Click here to read more about the panelists.
Read all about this event in The Hoya! |
