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TV producer, editor stress determination, education

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Also by Matthew Straub:

Disney show 'King' of musicals (February 26, 2008)

by Matthew Straub

Monday, November 12, 2007

Entry into the cutthroat entertainment industry can be a daunting goal, but those with the determination and networking skills required to attain such a goal can reach it. The latter requirement can begin right here at the University of Wisconsin campus.

James G. Hirsch, a successful television producer, along with Rich Remis, a prominent reality TV editor, both gave an informal talk at Memorial Union Saturday, presented by the Wisconsin Union Directorate Film Committee.

Hirsch's name within the industry goes as far back as the 1970s "The Incredible Hulk" series, as well as HBO's recent hit series "Rome." Rich Remis, Hirsch's nephew, has been involved in the editing processes of such reality television series as "The Apprentice," "The Amazing Race," for which his editing team was nominated for an Emmy, and the boxing series "The Contender." Both are UW alumni, and Hirsch travels monthly from Los Angeles to the university to teach a screenwriting class in the communication arts department.

It is at UW, Hirsch said, where his career inadvertently began. He spoke about a class he took with guest professor and writer Isaac Bashevis Singer in the 1960s, who later won a Nobel Prize for literature. To have studied with a Nobel laureate was an unexpected addition to his résumé and a boost to his career, Hirsch declared. He used the story to indicate that those interested in entering the entertainment industry must take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself, however small it may initially seem.

Remis similarly commented on the importance of determination and taking small steps, saying that, "Your job is to get over the next hurdle in the track of life, not to get to the finish. You'll get there." Remis noted such lousy jobs as delivering scripts to actors in the middle of the night as stepping-stones to his current career.

But both Hirsch and Remis were quick to point out that networking is also important, and that resolve alone will not get one to Hollywood. Remis' first job in Hollywood was acquired via his best friend's cousin. Hirsch, too, mentioned a project he was able to produce due to networking with a fellow UW alumnus.

The pair was happy to comment on the Hollywood Badgers program, a diverse body of young alumni in Hollywood composed of recent graduates with an aim to enter the entertainment industry. Hirsch stated that they represent an incredible network of UW alumni around the world. As an indication of the success stories of UW graduates, he pointed out that recently many of the films nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards had UW alumni in prominent positions on their production teams.

This is a degree of success that Hirsch is anxious to see continue at the university. For this reason, as well as to foster a deeper sense of community on campus, Hirsch has helped to establish The Hirsch Family Award, which rewards students and faculty up to $5,000 for a project — that is already a class requirement — that emphasizes community within the university. He says that the award is meant to provide incentive for students to encourage awareness around campus. The only stipulations are that the project be done as a class assignment and that the project be completed at the time of submission. More information on The Hirsch Family Award can be found at union.wisc.edu/hirshaward.

Remis mentioned that the production courses in the communication arts department are very useful in terms of building teamwork skills and learning the basics of production. Hirsch, however, did note that the department could include more practical experience for students, as well as more professors with actual experience within the industry, but he is confident that the department is actively moving in the right direction. This, in conjunction with The Hirsch Family Award and the Hollywood Badgers program, indicates that any UW student with the tenacity to succeed in the entertainment industry can do just that.

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