Inside Story - Sr. Producer/Writer (NBC)



Blondie

Age Range
26-35

Countries of Work
USA

Study and Career History
Undergrad in Fine Art, one year of grad school, marketing major 10 years advertising, began as art assistant, last position, creative director 10 years executive recruitment, consumer packaged goods executives, last position, VP Business Development 5 years mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures 3 years freelance photo-journalism & editing for Tourism & Travel Currently, Sr. Writer/Producer television & Restaurant Critic Authored five feature Length Screenplays.

How long have you been doing the job?
1 month

Did you decide on your career path or did it all happen by accident?
Evolution & accident

How did you get your "Glamour Job" ?
Grit & sincerity to do it!

What does the job involve?
Developing 'approach' to how to market a television special, segment or public service element. Writing a script, directing any taping, filming or other pieces that I wish to include in marketing efforts. I identify and hire talent, and communicate needs to the camera-man, editor and art director in order to piece together each part in order to make a whole commercial spot. Much of my time is devoted to direct contact with clients and balancing their needs and wishes with an end product that will be effective.

Describe a typical day at work.
7am sit with Marketing Director to discuss where we are with any given project. By 9am I am in the studio filming, or the editing room with an editor---or working with the art director to develop graphics. The afternoons are generally devoted to client contact and gathering new information for future projects. Late afternoons and nights are reserved for scriptwriting and then it begins again.

What do you like most about the job?
Variety and working with creatives.

What don’t you like about your job – if anything?
Nothing yet...except for constant deadlines...no time to set anything aside...you MUST continue and MUST complete all projects well and on time.

During your teenage years did you have much vocational guidance from school, university, family or friends? What was your biggest influence?
No

If you took end of school examinations did you get exam results you were happy with from your education?
My education honestly didn't play into my vocation.

Do you think that what you studied in school or in your further education was right for the career you are in now? Any regrets?
No. I'd have studied journalism, and film.

Have you taken further studies since leaving secondary or tertiary school. If yes, what did you study and why did you decide you needed more qualifications?
Only a four day seminar about screenwriting from UCLA.

What was your first job?
Slicing coldcuts in a deli.

What has been your most bizarre or challenging job to date?
Slicing coldcuts in a deli.

What is your ultimate goal.... is this it, or do you have a pinnacle you have yet to reach?
At this juncture in my life, I work to live...and live to enjoy work. If it doesn't challenge me, if I cease learning, if there is no creativity, I'll move beyond the job. Fun---work must be fun. There is no other way to succeed and maintain a healthy balance to life.

What are your top tips for personal success?
Only do it if you love it. Find work that keeps the adrenaline pumping.

Any comments?
Never become complacent--it will reflect in your work.

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