Little kids cry for attention. Adults kill for it: Entertainment Bootcamp

In the first LSA and Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT) co-sponsorship, the national conference director of National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and independent producer, an Indie film director and founder of Sparkhope Productions and the founder and CEO of the Latino Film Fund for the first Entertainment Bootcamp in LOFT history. The bootcamp, which ran from 10am-3:30pm on Saturday, March 24, 2012, students and alumni from universities across the country came together to learn about the entertainment industry from current entertainment professionals. What does it take to succeed? What do you do to prepare a pitch? How do I fund my project? Just some of the  many questions answered at the bootcamp. Below you will get a better insight to some of these questions and more. The day was divided into three seminars with the opportunity to network with the speakers and other attendees.

Workshop 1: Why Pitch? The process of pitching in Hollywood. 

Led by Dr. Octavio Marin, the Signature Programs Director/National Conference Director of NALIP, attendees got an insight of what it takes to pitch and the importance of it from an independent producer. So, let me tell you about pitching.

• Know how to present your pitch.
  • There are four types of films: Hollywood, Commercial Art, Anti-Hollywood (experimental) and Art Films. When you have a project, research what studios or production companies specialize in your type of film.
  • Your pitch should come out naturally, especially if you are passionate about your project.
  • Imagine telling your pitch to a friend. It should just be a story you’re telling a friend.
  • Remember, the reason of a pitch is NOT to be financed, it’s to have the executive read your script and the want to know more.
  • Make sure you have a written script – it gives you better leverage than an idea would.
• Ever wonder what motivates people to go through with a project? Fear and Desire.
• Remember, the entertainment industry is based on insecurities. After your first project you are back to square one.
• Break the barriers protecting the executive.
  • Connect with the person (even if at a party) – Give them the pitch when the timing is right (after you have the personal connection), but don’t have it memorized [they can tell].
• It’s the day of the pitch:
  • Calm yourself, relax and be confident.
  • Be genuinely nice to the gatekeepers.
  • Ask in advance if you can bring in props.
  • When sitting down, move a bit to the side and get comfy – it shows confidence.
  • Ask the executive about themselves! They LOVE that. Read about them before hand and bring some of it up (they like the attention). Remember: Little kids cry for attention. Adults kill for it.
• Most importantly, build other skills within the industry and have a plan b!

A side note on Dr. Marin, he was the Unit Production Manager on te film “How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer,” an official selection of the Sundance Film Festival and starring America Ferrera. Here’s the trailer of the film :

Workshop 2: Directing your low budget Indie Film for Theatrical Release. 

Led by film director Carmen Marron, attendees were given insight on a professional that paid the production of her own project. Some take away points included:

• When starting your project (script mode), don’t think about the financing. First, think about what you want to do.
  • Feel and love your project. It will show.
• Tell your storyand then start bringing in the other elements.
  • Add value to your project with new elements.
  • Create a short of your script. Gives you more value.
• When you are well under way to creating your project, keep in mind your audience. They are key.
• When editing, sound is key.
• When choosing your cast, make sure they are passionate about the project as well.
• Build a thick skin. Don’t take it personal.
• As director, you need to stay in control of everything.
• Marketing:
  • Find festivals with the same message as your project.
  • The way you market your product reflects what your outcome is in the end.

Marron is the director of “Go For It” starring Aimee Garcia (George Lopez, Dexter) and Gina Rodriguez (The Bold and the Beautiful, Our Family Wedding). Here’s a snippet into the film:

Workshop 3: Funding and Distribution

The final workshop, led by S.J. Main (also a contributor to the Huffington Post)  discussed the different methods in funding a project and the rules behind distribution. But throughout the seminar, the most important points were:

• Think about funding and distribution at the beginning.
• Have someone on set that has an expertise with money.
• Get contacts. Establish a network that will eventually fund and wants to fund your project.
  • Create relationships. Be genuine.
  • Do some research on potential contacts. IMDB Pro is great for finding out information.
• Always set up an LLC to help protect you, your investors and your film project.
• For a basic guide to production incentives, visit Entertainment Partners.
• Always ask for FREE. It doesn’t hurt.
• Think about the perimeters of each distributor. If you distribute to one theater, what other theaters can you NOT distribute to?
• Of your budget, 10 percent should be your contingency. 
• Get in contact and work with a 501 C3 (non-profit). These non-profits give donors a tax deduction.
• There is a difference between investment and donation. You are not expected to give anything in return to your donor, but you are expected to give the investor something in return.
• Identify your audience for distribution. Gives you leverage.
• Even if the work someone is doing for you is free, put it in a contract.

About LOFT

Latinos on Fast Track (LOFT) Institute is an initiative of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, which leverages the pipeline of the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards to systematically identify, prepare, place and position emerging Latino students and professionals for leadership in America.  LOFT Institute’s mission looks to re-establish the American workforce as a global competitor by investing in the Latino community through leadership development seminars, industry-tailored programs, internships, fellowships, full-time placement, networking events, mentoring, workforce training, resume building and interview preparation workshops.

To get involved with LOFT, visit its website here.

- Cynthia, PR Co-Director

For photos from the event, please click here.

Las Abuelas: Search for Identity

Las Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo & The Search for Identity documentary screening was an event co-sponsored by the Latina/o Student Assembly, International Student Assembly, and Political Student Assembly.  The screening was quite interesting as it shed light on one of Argentina’s darkest moments in history. The Dirty War had affected thousands of activists and had caused hundreds of children to be kidnapped and given to military families.

The Abuelas or Madres de la Plaza de Mayo began their search for their missing children and grandchildren. Their journey and discovery of their grandchildren is makes up the content of the documentary. The audience had the opportunity to have a Skype conversation with Brynne Miller, one of the producers and directors of the film. She mentioned her passion for South American history and the stories of the children of the Desaparecidos. The event really exposed a history that not many people are unaware of and sparked much conversation of what history people selectively choose to forget.

For photos from the event click, here.

-Paola, LSA Intern 

Trojans Reuniting with Trojans

On Tuesday, Feb. 28 Latino, Trojan Alumni made their way back onto the USC campus to reconnect with one another and to motivate the current USC students for the fourth annual Latino Trojan Family Reunion.

The night consisted of a formal Q&A panel with a select few alumni and a networking portion for all those in attendance. Witha  full house at El Centro Chicano (UUC 300) current students were able to ask tough questions and get real, honest answers.

We are really grateful to have alumni come back to give us tips on what to do while in college and what to expect once we graduate.

The panel of featured alumni included:

George Bahamondes (Class of ’08) – Analyst at Deutsche Bank

Wendy Carrillo (Class of ’09) – Host and Executive Producer of “Knowledge is Power” on Power 106

Lucy Flores (Class of ’07) – Assemblywoman Nevada Legislature, District 28

Jose Nuño (Class of ’10) – Grants Manager, Community Coalition

Ronnie Zepeda (Class of ’77) – Former Manager in Financial Planning, Raytheon Corporation (Retired)

Many other alumni were able to make it to the event. They all networked with one another and with the students. This was a great event and a pleasure to collaborate with El Centro Chicano and the Latino Business Student Association.

For photos from the event, click here.

-Cynthia, PR Co-Director

Delve into Latin America & Spain – Through Film

In collaboration with Visions and Voices, we brought once again a different kind of film visionary – The Politics of Memory on Screen: 21st-Century Latin American and Spain - a film festival held on Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26.

Students and community members attended the thought provoking and historically rich screenings. At the end of two of the screenings, audience members were able to ask questions pertaining to the film. To further detail what students and community members were able to watch, here are short descriptions and trailers to each of the films:

El General

Directed by Natalia Almada (Mexico/USA, 2008)

The past and the present collide as filmmaker Natalia Almada brings to life audio recordings she inherited about her great-grandfather Plutarco Elías Calles, a revolutionary general who became president of Mexico in 1924. In his time, Calles was called “El Bolshevique” and “El hefe máximo” (the foremost chief). Today, he is remembered as “el quema-curas” (the priest-burner) and as a dictator who ruled through puppet presidents until he was exiled in 1936. Through his daughter’s recordings, El General moves between the memories of a daughter grappling with history’s portrait of her father and the weight of his legacy on the country today. Time is blurred in this complex and visually arresting portrait of a family and country living under the shadows of the past.

Pan’s Labyrinth 

Directed by Guillermo del Toro (Spain, 2006)

Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro delivers a unique, richly imagined epic—a gothic fairy tale set against the postwar repression of Franco’s Spain. Del Toro’s sixth and most ambitious film combines historic and moral themes with visual creativity. It is a timeless tale of good and evil, bravery and sacrifice, love and loss.

My Life With Carlos

Directed by Germán Berger (Chile, 2010)

My Life with Carlos is the voyage of a son in search of the memory of his assassinated father. It is also the emotional history of a country that refuses to remember. It is the intimate diary of a broken family struggling to overcome tragedy. It is the minimal story of a group of men and women as told by themselves.

For photos from the event, click here.

-Cynthia, PR Co-Director

Dancing for the Kids

For 12-hours, on Saturday, Feb. 25 to Sunday, Feb.26 we dedicated our time and great moves to dance for the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA). Fill with different activities and power hour themes (i.e., Western, 80s, Disney), we danced the night away for not only our miracle children, but all children of CHLA.

The 10 miracle children that attended were a blast to meet and are true inspirations. As the blue team, our miracle child is Tianna Li.

In 2001, at the age of six, she was diagnosed with serve asthma after suffering from a serve case of acute bronchitis. She had rashes everywhere, her feet swelled up to twice their normal size, and huge deep dark blue bruises covered the bottom of her swollen feet. She slipped into a coma and was transferred to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she woke up a week later. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare systemic vasculitis known as Churg-Strauss syndrome. Tianna is one of very few people in history that have been recorded with Churg-Strauss syndrome. She had a very slim chance of survival and an even slimmer chance of not being partially brain-dead. Yet, she beat the odds!

Tianna just received her acceptance letter to USC!

Thanks to our families and friends, LSA was able to raise $605 for CHLA. In total, Trojan Dance Marathon raised over $60, 000 and still counting!!!

If you don’t know  the Trojan Dance Marathon (or TrojanDM) is a 12-hour event held on campus every year that raises money for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles through the Children’s Miracle Network. With over 200 student fundraisers, miracle families from the hospital, and incredible celebrity and musical guests, Trojan Dance Marathon has grown into one of USC’s premiere student-run philanthropies and most anticipated events of the year.

We are so grateful to be a part of such an amazing  cause.

For photos from the event, click here.

-Cynthia, PR Co-Director

Crossing Borders: Foods for Every Taste

Borders were crossed as the International Student Assembly, yours truly, the Latina/o Student Assembly and the various student associations came together to bring to you the annual International Food Fair on Thursday, Feb. 23 on McCarthy Quad.

An eventful day, the International Food Fair brought different ethnic foods from across Asia and the Caribbean.

Students were able to try the following delicious foods, from the following associations and assemblies:

• Armenian Student Association – Beef Shish Kebab, Chicken Kebab
• Japanese Student Association – California Party Plate (Sushi Rolls)
• Chinese Student Association and Global China Connection – Yangzhou Fried Rice, Phoenix Noodles, Hometown Fried Rice, Beef
• Korean International Student Association – Bulgogi. Kimchi, Mandu, Jabchae, Rice
• Malaysian Student Association – Stuffed Tofu, Croquette, Noodle Dish, Chicken Salad, Stor Fry Green Beans & Tofu, Chicken Curry, Steamed Rice
• Latina/o Student Assembly – Horchata
• International Students’ Assembly – Boba
• Association of Indian Students – Naan, Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka Masala
• Caribbean SC – Arrox Blanco (white rice), Frijoles Negros (Black Beans), Medianoche Preparada (Ham Croquettes)
• Association of Indonesian Students – Batagor, Satay, Mie Tek Tek, Ayam Kalasan
• Chinese Students and Scholars Association – Veggie Spring Rolls, Crispy Mango Chicken, Noodles, Fried Rice
• Signapore Student Association – Rendang, Nasi gorengm Bak Choy, Kway Tiao
• Thailand Student Association – Green Curry with Chicken, Prik King Chicken, Spicy Chinese Broccoli Tofu, Papaya Salad, Jasmine Rice, Garlic Pepper Pork

We enjoyed being part of this great event and hope to be part of it again. ‘Till next year!

For photos from the event, click here. (Photos courtesy of the International Student Assembly)

-Cynthia, PR Co-Director

Elevator Pitch – Make it Short and Sweet

An opportunity to network and learn new tips on making a lasting first impression can describe the 6th Annual Mocktails hosted by yours truly,LSA, the USC Latino Alumni Association, the USC Latino Business Student Association, USC El Centro Chicano and Target on Wednesday night. In a speed dating kind of style, students were able to interact with Target representatives and ask all their burning questions on networking and technology etiquette, how to dress for an interview, how to present themselves in an interview, what their elevator pitch should consist of, and how to impress the recruiter. A lot of great tips were said and below you will find a few of them, if you weren’t able to make the event:

Networking Etiquette

• Follow up interviews are key. Make sure to state something memorable from the conversation the day before.
• Ask for business cards even if they don’t offer. Email the next day.
• When it is a formal event, don’t go straight to the food. You are there for the people, not the food.
• If there is alcohol, stick to one drink the entire night.
• If you come off too eager people will tune out and it will crush your negotiation leverage.
• It’s okay to jump in a conversation, if it’s not personal. If it’s a personal conversation, wait a bit.
• It’s good to carry business cards, just in case you need them.
• Strategize!

Technology Etiquette

• Make your cover letter original.
• Make your Facebook private, but also pay attention to what you post on it. People will look for you.
• If you have a Linkedin, add the person after the interview or after the decision was made.
• When you submit your resume, make sure you use the right margins and convert it to a pdf. It will make it easier to open on a different operating system. Take off the paragraph option on Word.

Dress for Success

• Be aware of the dress code.
• Stay away from excessive jewelry.
• Recruiters read your body language.

Interviewing

• Have at least three questions max prepared to ask at the end of the interview.
• Research the company.
• Make your job application count.

Elevator Pitch

• Tailor your pitch to your target audience.
• Keep in mind what point you want to get across.
• Make it short and sweet.
• PRACTICE!

How to Impress the Recruiter

• You can overcome a bad first impression, with a lot of work.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions, that’s what the recruiter is there for.
• Stand up straight.
• Make them feel like they are the only person in the room. That they are the most important person to you. Make them matter.
• People will remember how you made them feel.
• Have a firm handshake.
• If there is an awkward silence, fill it in with a joke or off the wall topic, just not religion or politics.
• Have good breathe. A mint will be enough.

Take tips as you wish from the few above, but always remember, be the best possible you. No one can take that away from you. And, don’t be shy!

At the end of the night, Starbucks and iTunes gift cards and USC swag was raffled off to students! Great tips and gifts all in one night? More of a reason to go to these great events!

For photos, click here (Facebook) or here.

See you at our next event on Thursday, Feb. 23…the International Food Fair!

-Cynthia, PR Co-Director

Trojan Networking 101

The Spring 2012 Diversity Networking Mixer was in full effect Tuesday night as more than 100 students attended the event to learn more about potential internship opportunities with one of the top employers today.

After the success of the Diversity Networking Mixer in the Fall 2011 semester (see Daily Trojan photo from event here), it only made sense to recreate the event this semester as part of the Career Center‘s Career Fest.

Career Fest is a week full of events that is centered on success and establishing a great start to the career of USC students.

Students were able to network with representatives from all arenas going from entertainment to sales to education and business.

Some of the recruiters that were in attendance were from Target, Disney Company, Nestlé, Teach For America, and Warner Bros. Studios. Many of the young Trojans practiced their networking skills in order to secure an internship this upcoming Summer. The Latina/o Student Assembly is proud to co-sponsor this event with the Career Center and hopes to bring more opportunities for USC students in the future.

To see photos from the event, click here.

-Steven Almazan, Executive Director

Empowering Latinos one step at a time

On Saturday, Jan. 28 along with El Centro Chicano, and the Chicano Studies department headed by Veronica Terriquez, we,  the Latina/o Student Assembly, hosted the first ever Latino Empowerment Conference. The purpose was to empower and ignite activism through scholarship, grassroots organizing, and conversation amongst Latino college students. The event brought out roughly 60 students and people from the community to discuss and engage in Latino empowerment strategies. There were many guests from Community organizations – such as David Huerta and Pocho- and Latino alumni from the 90′s present.

Students had the ability to interact intimately and meaningfully with the different segments of activism. Scholars with their own current research also presented their findings to conference goers in small sessions where conversation followed passionate research presentations. Denise Colome presented her research on USC workers and Evelyn Larios both presented and moderated panels on civic engagement and the labor sector. Students felt engaged and excited to learn about fascinating topics affecting the Latino community. Subway, muffins, juice, a creative t-shirt, and other goodies were given to conference participants. Overall, the first ever Latino Empowerment Conference was a success. Congratulations to both the participants and the hosts — and more to come NEXT YEAR!

For photos of the event, click here and here. (Photo cred: El Centro Chicano)

- Juan Espinoza, Political Affairs Director 

Senator comes to USC to speak to eager students

Senator Alex Padilla’s visit on Friday, Jan. 27 for the Latino Leaders Fireside Chat proved to be both informational-especially for those who are not politically aware- and empowering. Senator Padilla began by asking the audience to gather in the center,  which instantly created an intimate environment that fostered interaction.

He opened with a brief autobiography, in which he chronicled everything from his modest upbringing, to getting his mechanical engineering degree at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and what led him to  the public service field, and finally what led him to become a senator.

Senator Padilla went on to tell a brief history of Latinos in politics. Padilla informed the audience of the relatively recent impact that Latinos have been gaining in politics, which began to take off in the late eighties and early nineties.  According to Senator Padilla, it has taken a while but Latinos are playing  a bigger and bigger role in politics.

As one of the Latinos playing a bigger role in politics, Padilla explained his motivation for becoming involved in politics. As an adolescent, Padilla saw the inequity among different high schools in his community and wanted to close the disparity gap. He also wants to be able to represent his community and take action to maximize improvement in areas such as infrastructure and health. Senator Padilla wants to accurately represent and address the needs of the community, particularly the Hispanic community.

Senator Padilla’s speech was inspirational. It encouraged students and staff to go out and make a difference, to give back to their community.  He also offered advice to students, to travel and to stay focused. He encouraged students to study abroad and to resist the temptation to pursue other endeavors before graduating from college.  Senator Padilla’s speech was very informative and inspirational.

 We are grateful for those that made it out to the talk and we are giving a special shout out to El Centro Chicano, our co-sponsor for the fireside chats.

For photos from the event, click here.

-Monica, LSA Intern