John “Motormouth” Moschitta, Jr. is noted for his rapid-fire speech delivery – as seen on commercials (like this FedEx classic), award show segments and more television programs.
On this particular evening, though, Television Academy member Moschitta happily conversed with fellow industry peers at a more conventional speed, at the first members-only mixer of the year.
Held recently at Loews Hollywood Hotel, the “Networking Night Out!” event drew more than 400 people, who enjoyed cocktails, conversation and a menu including hors d’oeuvres, Caesar salad, fajitas, three-cheese ravioli and cookies. Indeed, joked Moschitta, a member of the performers peer group, “It’s always good to come out and see people – and have a free meal!”
And network, members did. Costume designer Luis Chaves talked to former All My Children cast member Brooke Newton about making her a corset. This was his first mixer.
“I didn’t know where to start,” he said. “I walked up to someone and said, ‘I don’t know a soul.’ He said, ‘You know me now.’”
Newton, who takes classes in trapeze and aerial silks, hadn’t come to the mixer expecting a conversation in corsetry, but also wasn’t entirely surprised.
“I’ve come to all the mixers since I joined the Academy,” she said. “I’ve met such interesting people. There is such a passion for television here.”
She soon ran into a friend, actress Christina DeRosa, and made plans for a get-together. Chaves had previously been an attorney in the home-financing field; another career-switching attendee, Heather Lea Gerdes, had been a Broadway dancer and is now a script supervisor in the directors peer group. “I love coming here,” she said.
“It’s interesting to find out about the many facets of the industry,” Gerdes continued. “We’re creative people – the people here can be multifaceted and talented, without relying on titles. There’s a desire to connect, and forward your contacts. It’s not just about making industry connections, but about making friends.”
Performers group member Brandon Duracher has made both friends and connections at the mixer, including an Academy member who gave him advice about running a crowdfunding campaign to finance a project. At another attendee’s request, on this night he ran a YouTube clip on his phone, in which he had recently played Jay Leno’s son, fake chin and all, during a comedic bit on The Tonight Show.
“I come here to network, but mainly for education,” he said. “I’ve met a lot of people who are in a place I want to be, doing what I want to do one day. As an actor-producer, the journey takes longer.”
One industry veteran, Paul Colichman, CEO of LGBT-themed Here Media, circulated with Terry Ray, writer and star of Here Network’s new sitcom From Here on Out, which Colichman is executive producing. The two had met at a previous mixer.
Also mixing it up: Steve Jarchow, chairman of Here Media and Regent Entertainment, and a producers peer group member. “I really enjoy these events because I meet interesting people,” he said.
Before the evening ended, Jarchow met 3 people with whom he may do business. “One lady came up to me with a very good idea for a television movie,” he shared. “Another lady had an option for a series of romance novels. And an actress looked like a candidate for [a project role]. Not bad for an hour or so of walking around.”
Standing in one spot but engaged in a lively conversation were production executives peer group members Dee Brantlinger and Sam Alexander and animation group member Angelique Martin.
Brantlinger was discussing her then-upcoming Senior Olympics swimming competition; she ultimately won three Gold Medals.
The trio was enthusiastic about attending the mixers and the opportunities they afford. “I’m usually in post-production sound, so I meet people in different areas,” Martin said. “Rather than emails, it’s nice to be face-to-face for a change.”
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For more information about how to join the Television Academy, visit the Membership information section here at TelevisionAcademy.com.
