Interview 1

I conducted my first interview today. My interviewee was Erika McCarden, a producer who has worked at Disney, ABC, and currently works at OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network). She provided me with an abundance of great answers, as well as many sources to read that will help me in my project and beyond. I am happy to report that Erika was able to answer the questions very thoroughly, which led to me asking more questions than the ones listed on the interviewcontract. Even though Erika has worked in TV production, she was still able to speak about the different stages with great detail. Due to this interview, I have found it easier to narrow down specifically what part of production I will be focusing on, as well as what I may want to pursue once I enter the field. All in all, my first interview has been an extremely beneficial experience.

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1. Who do you plan to interview? Why? 

I plan on interviewing a producer, Erika McCarden. She has previously worked at ESPN, ABC, Disney and now produces at OWN. I have spoken with her regarding production before and I believe she has some interesting insights to share with me that will provide an abundance of information for my project.

2. You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask? 

I will probably ask questions regarding Erika's personal experiences, what sorts of influential occurrences she has encountered while working in the entertainment industry, what outside factors impact her work, and what major and minor changes--if any-- she has noticed in the industry during her time in it.

Blog 3: Topic Choice & Working EQ

1. Film Production/Development

• I will be focusing on the artistic side of the development of films, such as writing scripts. 

2. What are the beginning stages of production and development?

Summer Mentorship Component

1. Link to my Mentorship Log:

• https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1UtyNrTf5Av0PgX0MYTyq_HrHrQ6ZuOXa1rckP3E35j0/edit#gid=0

2. Delta Hospice of California Contact Information:

• Office #: (909) 597-7666
• ask for Karla Wicks or Haweni Daba

3. Important Questions Raised:

• What does Hospice Management entail?
• Does this include engagement with patients?
• What sorts of licenses do employees need?

4. Most Important Thing Gained From Experience:

• I learned that it is imperative to remain organized and on top of things. If I was dealing with files, it was important I knew what information went where or at which office employees worked in. 

5. Senior Project Topic:

• Although I did work on Hospice Management during the summer, I will be doing Film Production throughout the school year, which was my first choice. Hospice Management did not help me choose this topic, although I have always been interested in the production of films and I am a passionate film buff. I was not able to carry this out, however, because I came across flaky potential mentors. Though, I am confident that the mentors I have spoken to about talking to me through the school year will work out.