CURRENT STUDENT INTERVIEW: KIRA INNES

 

What is your major and when will you graduate?

I’m a double major in Television and PR/Ad. I graduate in May of 2011!

 

What is your ultimate career goal?

I am extremely passionate about scripted television. During my time at Chapman, I was able to intern in a writers’ room, as well as in current programming and development (both for comedy and drama) at major networks. I also got into producing. I plan on pursuing a career at a network or studio in current programming or development. I love the business of television–reading scripts, being in the process of developing ideas, giving notes, deciding how to market and program shows, and just being immersed in the scripted television world. So I guess my ultimate goal is to be in scripted television, either as an executive or a producer, in a role that keeps me as constantly excited and happy as my internships have these past three years.

 

What classes at Chapman have been the most valuable so far in building toward your career goal?

Definitely Business of Television and History of Television, because it was an intro to all kinds of knowledge about the industry that I needed at my internships. Overview of Producing with Pat Quinn was also great, because it brought in working professionals from all aspects of the business, and I was able to explore new facets of the industry. Also, the television pilot (Writing and Producing the Drama Series) has been a wonderful experience, in that I was able to mirror the process I saw take place at my internships in the real television industry (writing, notes and rewrites, casting, budget, locations, etc.)

 

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned at Chapman so far?

The most you learn in college actually happens away from school–at internships.

 

What kind of activities outside your classes have been most helpful to your television and film education?

I feel like I’ve already covered internships, but that’s where it’s at. It’s also crucial to try to stay on top of the news about the field you want to get into–reading the trades (industry news) and just trying to know, even just a little, about everything going on. For me, watching tons of television shows has been crucial to my education, because you never know what show someone is going to mention or know someone at and then you can be engaged in that conversation…and it’s really important to know what’s being done on TV right now. Also, just getting to know your classmates and spending time with them–it’s so cool to find people as passionate about television as you are, and they will be part of your network as you all advance in your careers.

 

What would you want to tell prospective students about the Television and Broadcast Journalism major at Chapman?

The television program is fantastic. I’ve taken classes in narrative (my emphasis,) but also in broadcast journalism and documentary. The classes are real, practical application–whether it’s the producing the drama pilot, the Chapman news, or documentaries. There’s tons of opportunities to work on set. I’ve taken film classes. I was able to double major. The opportunities are really wide open, you just need to take advantage.

 

Has the faculty been helpful to you?  Are they accessible both in and outside of class?

The faculty is great. I’ve had Ross Brown, James Gardner, and Pete Weitzner for many, many TV classes, all are awesome, always willing to talk and help in and outside of class.  The other professors are also great, I feel they all bring something different and unique.

 

Would you be willing to answer questions via email from students thinking about coming to Chapman?

Sure – innes100@mail.chapman.edu