Film Graduate Talks Success
We sat down with Film graduate Erin Dennison, who is working hard in the entertainment industry.
What inspired you to get involved in the entertainment industry?
“Entertainment, be it theater, broadcasting, TV are areas of my very being. I grew up in a radio and TV environment as both my parents were presenters and producers subsequently opening the biggest production house in the Caribbean; so basically this is what I know and it became a natural for me. I worked in the family business in all aspects of television such as Admin to Production Assistant to editing on Avid and Final Cut, being a teleprompter operator before attending the LA Film School where I expanded even further. Although I was born in Florida and grew up in the Caribbean, LA has now become my permanent home where I continue to grow as an individual.”
What have you learned from school that you are now applying in your professional life?
“After completing my bachelors at the Los Angeles Film School, I did several internships however there was one area that I was not familiar with which was casting. The school exposed us to a bit of it which then led me to intern at Hollywood Casting and Film and House Casting. Being a people’s person, I truly enjoy interacting with the talent, solving problems, working on different projects, and based on the feedback from both management and talent, I’m convinced this is an area I should pursue seriously although my mother says its important not to lose my editing skills.
What do you like about working in entertainment?
“The story telling, the creation of behind the scenes, the whole development process, and the reward of the final story unfolding on the big screen. It is a sector that calls for true dedication and patience. It’s all about being passionate in whatever you do and the satisfaction derived at the end of it all.”
What are some projects that you are proud to have worked on?
“The most recent projects was in September, attending the APEX conference in Portland which I have been doing for the last 4 years. This is where Hollywood studios and airlines from all over the world meet to select movies and programming for on board. My role is to advise Caribbean Airlines, the biggest carrier in the Caribbean of the most suitable content for their demographics.
In late November, I had the opportunity of flying to Barbados to film and edit their annual Food & Wine & Rum festival where I had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Marcus Samuelsson from the TV show “Chopped” that airs on the Food Network and Chef Carla Hall from the ABC Show, “The Chew” along with other international chefs.
Four days later, I was in Trinidad filming in Parliament for the Washington base, Inter American Development Bank, so as you can see the work I do is very diverse & I’m continuously learning. This strong connection to the Caribbean also provides an opportunity for me to be a liaison for any company in LA who wish to produce a film or perhaps a reality, documentary or TV show.
House Casting in LA has also provided me the opportunity to work on Sprint, Applebee, and Olay along with other commercial projects. Lastly, Caribbean Passport, a travel show that highlights cuisine, music, personalities, art, eco & various cultures airs on 58 TV stations throughout the entire region is another project I am proud of as I am not only part of the editing process but one of the hosts. Check out our Caribbean Passport Facebook page.”
What are some words of advice that you would give to new students entering the program?
“The road ahead is extremely challenging and difficult but you must set out goals. It’s an exciting path but you have to be strong mentally to keep you dream alive. It’s also crucial to have the support of your family and friends especially when the times get tough.”
Congratulations, Erin! We are proud of you!