Month: June 2009

Well we finished the second week of teaching at the Peter Pitchess Detention Center in our “film school behind bars”. This weeks class we taught about the life of a television episode. From Prep to Production to Post Production. “My students” could not be more enthusiastic. Great questions, great discussions.

I currently have 23 students from all different backgrounds. I do pray that what I’m teaching will resound with some of these guys and change their lives. Next week we teach on how a television script is developed from writer, to studio to network to broadcast.

This quote from Calvin Coolidge is so applicable for those folks looking to get into the television or motion picture industry. I hope you find it useful…

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Calvin Coolidge

Just a quick update on how our very first class went at the Los Angeles County Detention Center. It could not have gone better! PRAISE GOD! GOD IS GOOD!! Our “Students” seemed to be either all Christians or at least moving in that direction. We had lively conversations on television production, but also on the importance of having a strong walk as they pursue this industry. They are an excited and exciting group of men. They took a lot of notes and had great questions. The other thing that was really humbling was how appreciative they were that we were there.

It made me laugh as it’s never happened to me before. One of the students asked to go back two slides on my power point demo. I was sure he’d missed a note about television production, he didn’t. He missed the Bible verse that was quoted.

We are so excited to see what God does with this ministry. We can see it’s going to be quite a ride, We’re just so happy He is letting us be part of it.

Having spent over 30 years in the television industry (See “about the Founder” at Hollywoodimpactstudios.com ), I’m often asked questions ranging from career advise to, where television is going, why shows are good or bad, etc. This column will discuss these issues and more. Not that I’m Mr. TV, but I have had a lot of different experiences; from writer, producer, studio executive to production assistant. I hope you find this informative.

Today’s question comes from Mike a junior in high school. He asks if it’s necessary to go to College to get into the television industry. The simple answer is “no” but… I strongly suggest people interested in going into the entertainment industry go to college. First off, it’s good for your own life experience. But also, I think it helps you sort out what you want to do. At UCLA, for instance, they required that their film students take classes in all different disciplines. There are a lot of terrific film schools out there. One other piece of advise is to think about going to a junior college and getting an AA in general education. It’s a good jumping off place. If for some reason you don’t make it in the business you at least have a college degree that’s not tied to the motion pictures/television industry.

I’m also asked which of the shows 20th Century Fox Television produces are my favorite. To be honest, I don’t have a favorite. But I am a big fan of our series, “24”. Here’s a little behind the scenes material. I hope you find it interesting.

I came across the story and love how it applies to Hollywood Impact Studios… You may have read this in the past, but it’s worth re-visiting. It relates to all of us…

The Starfish Story

(Original Story by: Loren Eisley)

But God REALLY does have a plan for me (and you) that gives me hope and a future, a plan for good – a plan to make a difference for others. A mission to reach out to others, as the boy along the beach, and gently help them back into the ocean of God’s love, mercy and grace.” – by: Loren Eisley