Alums offer advice on show biz to aspiring Penn students

Almost 100 students crowded into a lecture room in the basement of Steinberg-Dietrich Hall last night hoping to receive advice that will help them launch a career in the movie industry. The program, sponsored by Penn's Office of Career Services, was organized by Kevin Misher, a 1987 Wharton graduate who is currently the executive vice president of Universal Pictures. Misher explained that he hoped the forum would help students get jobs in the entertainment industry. While there are clear-cut roads to careers in finance and law, he explained, there are "precious few roads to figure out how to get to Hollywood." On campus for Homecoming Weekend, Misher volunteered to speak and secured the other panelists: Stacey Snider, a 1982 College graduate who heads production for Universal; Allison Brecker, a 1985 College graduate who is also an executive vice president for Universal; and producer Barry Mendel, who is not a Penn alum but is in Philadelphia filming a new movie, The Sixth Sense, starring Bruce Willis. After a brief introduction by Director of Career Services Patricia Rose, Misher opened the forum to questions from the students. Not surprisingly, entry-level positions were on everyone's mind. Brecker recommended Penn alumni as the best source for finding work. "Anyone [from Penn] who comes to me and brings me a mug gets into my office," she promised. But don't expect the work to be glamorous, especially not at first. All three film executives said they started off in the mailroom. The good news, according to Snider, is that "there's an expectation at bigger agencies to [train] young people." Brecker added that the only qualification for an entry-level position in film agencies is willingness to "work hard for crappy pay." Everyone, though, looked back on their early years with affection, if not nostalgia. Mendel even referred to his start in the industry as "the good old days." Misher said that one of the best things about his early years in the industry was the friends he made, most of whom have "moved up the ladder together." As a successful producer, Mendel described himself and his colleagues as "the custodians of a great 20th century art form." From an executive standpoint, Snider noted that she can "see moments, ideas and influences in movies that came from me." Although none of the speakers said they knew where they'd be in 10 years, they said such uncertainty is part of the excitement of working in a dynamic industry. Misher's best advice for the students was for them to "try to figure out what you want out of life, rather than asking everyone else what you can do." Caitlin Roper, a College senior and an aspiring director, said she enjoyed the forum. "Film is hot right now," she said. "People are interested in becoming involved in the industry in any way possible." College senior Scott Glosserman agreed. "This was terrific," he said. "A lot of my anxiety about entering the industry is alleviated because I know that there is a network of Penn alums out there to help." Glosserman said he plans to move to Los Angeles after graduation and get a job at an agency as a "springboard" into an executive position. Rose said she was thrilled by the program. "This kind of advice is hard to come by," she said. "It was terrific to have such knowledgeable sources here in Philly to respond to students' questions."