On October 30, AD/UPM members received networking tips during the online event, It’s Who You Know: A Networking Seminar for Eastern AD/UPMs. Hosted by the Eastern AD/UPM Council’s Eastern Regional Committee (ERC), the event featured a discussion with members from various areas of the Eastern Region, as well as a discussion with retired Agent Doug Apatow.
Following a welcome from Committee Chair Alison Rosa (Without Remorse), ERC members Phil Hardage (Walker) and James Roque (Queen Sugar) led the first presentation of the day that expounded on the importance of networking and discussed strategies for better connections in and out of the workplace. They were supported with personal experiences from ERC Co-Chair Renee Hill-Sweet (Genius: Aretha) and ERC members Susan Ransom-Coyle (I’m Your Woman) and Lisa Mall (Cruel Summer) who shared personal experiences from the set that demonstrated how to make an impression and illustrated the importance of effective communication.
In the second segment of the day, ERC Co-Chair John Rusk (Stranger Things) moderated the discussion with Apatow, who spoke about the benefits of having an agent and shared general practices that all working ADs and UPMs could implement in building their career and finding the next job.
About the Eastern Regional Committee
In addition to Chair Alison Rosa and Co-Chairs Renee Hill-Sweet and John Rusk, the Committee members are: Angi Bones, Alex Bonner, David Chapman, Michele Cusick, Derrick Doose, Edward Eberwine, Yor El Frances, Jason Graham, Phil Hardage, Blair Howley, Amir Khan, Lisa Mall, Brian Niemczyk, Roxanne Paul, Kristina Peterson, Nelson Quinones, Nick Rafferty, Susan Ransom-Coyle, Brendalyn Richard, James Roque and John West..
About the Council
The Eastern AD/UPM Council is the elected body that represent the Assistant Director and Unit Production Manager members of the Guild who work in film, television, commercials and new media.