It's 11:38PM on December 31, 2012. Looking back on this year, I've had my share of highs and lows. But, I've found out a lot about myself and I've learned a lot about my friends and all of the people around me. So, for 2013, it's time to earn my respect and friends that I deserve and to put all the drama and the past behind me. It just isn't worth it to dwell on all of the bad things, because then we overlook the good things.
I've made 2012 a year filled with amazing opportunities: I've met celebrities that I've supported for years and I've gotten the opportunity to interview those artists and people that mean a lot to me. 2012 was the year that everything would begin for me, and I'm going to make sure that 2013 is a year when everything will happen!
Have an amazing new year and remember to always live for now!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Interview with Jill Wilderman
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to do an e-mail Q&A interview with one of my mentors, Jill Wilderman. Jill is an entertainment reporter and the founder of SpotlightCountry.com Before starting Spotlight Country, Jill worked as a producer for Judge Judy and interviewed many of the Nickelodeon stars. She is also known as the "Big Sis," to teen Hollywood because of the good relationships that she builds with the stars. Jill's been a mentor of mine for a long time now, and it was great getting to have a Q&A interview with her.
Q: When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in journalism?
Jill: I was really young when I decided, actually. My brother was a youth ambassador for the local MDA telethon when I was 6-years old, so we often had news crews coming to our house for interviews with my brother and family. The local telethon also put me on-camera at a young age, so I absorbed the environment and became passionate for interviewing people as a child, actually.
Q: You also worked as a producer for "Judge Judy," and what made you decide to work behind the camera?
Jill: Very early on, I decided that I would learn that all that it took to make TV & content. I've operated studio cameras, chryon, shot/edited my own pieces, and I've been a floor director...I can also run the board in the control room! It was very important to me that I understood and appreciated everyone's job if I was to become a valuable asset to any project whether I'm on camera or off. Having the creative control has always been important to me, as well. As for moving to Los Angeles, I also realized that it's not necessarily a place where you land an on-camera job straight away, and I was happy just to get any job in such a competitive city. To work for such a wildly popular show as Judge Judy and to gain the experience that I gained while there, I would say it was the perfect choice for me.
Q: After working as a producer as well as a reporter, do you find yourself more comfortable in front of, or behind the camera?
Jill: I am comfortable with both, since I've had a lot of experience with both. I sometimes make a game-time decision as to whether putting myself on-camera will make for the best piece. I do think being a good producer and making the right choices as to what will make the best finished piece is most important to me than "face time." So, for instance, if a celebrity is really good at holding their own and being entertaining in a piece, I usually take a step behind the camera to let them shine. I'm really fortunate to have the control to do either.
Q: You have the title of the "Big Sis," to Teen Hollywood. What does it mean to be a "Big Sis," to them?
Jill: I first gravitated towards the young genre because I have a younger sister myself. Ali was in the same age demo of many stars I was interviewing at the time. She would freak out when I had the opportunity to talk to her favorite Disney & Nickelodeon stars, so I not only was her "Big Sis," but I was quickly growing a big sister relationship with the talent. Over the years, many of us developed inside jokes, etc. so it became a family-like relationship with them. In addition to the fact that one particular celebrity and I were often told we looked like sisters. She still calls me "Big Sis" to this day...it just kinda stuck.
Q: What do you like best about interviewing young Hollywood stars?
Jill: I've interviewed stars of all ages, but for the most part, I always found that the younger stars had a lot more energy and were excited about what they were doing. They never take themselves too seriously, and that always makes for high energy and fun interview.
Q: You are considered to be an expert on teens and on pop culture. How does one become an expert on these topics?
Jill: Well, I think living in Hollywood, in and of itself, makes it pretty easy to constantly be in-the-know on all things pop culture. It's a city that revolves around the type of news and insider knowledge. I'm also a sponge for it, as well. I'm constantly reading news and feeds to keep myself fresh. I can usually tell you everything that's going on by 8:00 A.M. everyday. Not sure if that's something to boast about, but it is my job...so I have to stay sharp. As for teens, between blogging, shooting and being around them constantly..it was impossible not to be an expert. Once, I had been asked to appear consistently by a few talk & radio shows, and quoted online by some reputable websites...I felt more comfortable with taking the title.
Q: You are also a correspondent for Spotlight Country. What made you decide to start interviewing country music icons?
Jill: Spotlight Country is actually my own endeavor, I created it! So while I'm a correspondent, I'm also doing the work on the back end as far as writing & posting content. Since I come from a producing/hosting background, I'm excited to see where I go with the video content. I wanted to start interviewing country stars, because I don't feel that they get the kind of press they deserve. Don't get me wrong, there are many great websites and outlets who cover them, but I have my own great plan for coverage and plan to make it one of the most popular destinations for their hugely loyal fans. Stay tuned!
Q: For anyoine that wants to pursue a career in entertainment journalism, what advice do you have for them?
Jill: Work hard, be patient, and don't be entitled. It's a career that can take a while to develop credibility. Learn the ropes and earn your respect, it will pay off. Also, all good journalists LISTEN to their interviewees...they don't worry about stealing the show from their subject. It's so important that you listen have good follow-up question, it doesn't go overlooked.
Q: When did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career in journalism?
Jill: I was really young when I decided, actually. My brother was a youth ambassador for the local MDA telethon when I was 6-years old, so we often had news crews coming to our house for interviews with my brother and family. The local telethon also put me on-camera at a young age, so I absorbed the environment and became passionate for interviewing people as a child, actually.
Q: You also worked as a producer for "Judge Judy," and what made you decide to work behind the camera?
Jill: Very early on, I decided that I would learn that all that it took to make TV & content. I've operated studio cameras, chryon, shot/edited my own pieces, and I've been a floor director...I can also run the board in the control room! It was very important to me that I understood and appreciated everyone's job if I was to become a valuable asset to any project whether I'm on camera or off. Having the creative control has always been important to me, as well. As for moving to Los Angeles, I also realized that it's not necessarily a place where you land an on-camera job straight away, and I was happy just to get any job in such a competitive city. To work for such a wildly popular show as Judge Judy and to gain the experience that I gained while there, I would say it was the perfect choice for me.
Q: After working as a producer as well as a reporter, do you find yourself more comfortable in front of, or behind the camera?
Jill: I am comfortable with both, since I've had a lot of experience with both. I sometimes make a game-time decision as to whether putting myself on-camera will make for the best piece. I do think being a good producer and making the right choices as to what will make the best finished piece is most important to me than "face time." So, for instance, if a celebrity is really good at holding their own and being entertaining in a piece, I usually take a step behind the camera to let them shine. I'm really fortunate to have the control to do either.
Q: You have the title of the "Big Sis," to Teen Hollywood. What does it mean to be a "Big Sis," to them?
Jill: I first gravitated towards the young genre because I have a younger sister myself. Ali was in the same age demo of many stars I was interviewing at the time. She would freak out when I had the opportunity to talk to her favorite Disney & Nickelodeon stars, so I not only was her "Big Sis," but I was quickly growing a big sister relationship with the talent. Over the years, many of us developed inside jokes, etc. so it became a family-like relationship with them. In addition to the fact that one particular celebrity and I were often told we looked like sisters. She still calls me "Big Sis" to this day...it just kinda stuck.
Q: What do you like best about interviewing young Hollywood stars?
Jill: I've interviewed stars of all ages, but for the most part, I always found that the younger stars had a lot more energy and were excited about what they were doing. They never take themselves too seriously, and that always makes for high energy and fun interview.
Q: You are considered to be an expert on teens and on pop culture. How does one become an expert on these topics?
Jill: Well, I think living in Hollywood, in and of itself, makes it pretty easy to constantly be in-the-know on all things pop culture. It's a city that revolves around the type of news and insider knowledge. I'm also a sponge for it, as well. I'm constantly reading news and feeds to keep myself fresh. I can usually tell you everything that's going on by 8:00 A.M. everyday. Not sure if that's something to boast about, but it is my job...so I have to stay sharp. As for teens, between blogging, shooting and being around them constantly..it was impossible not to be an expert. Once, I had been asked to appear consistently by a few talk & radio shows, and quoted online by some reputable websites...I felt more comfortable with taking the title.
Q: You are also a correspondent for Spotlight Country. What made you decide to start interviewing country music icons?
Jill: Spotlight Country is actually my own endeavor, I created it! So while I'm a correspondent, I'm also doing the work on the back end as far as writing & posting content. Since I come from a producing/hosting background, I'm excited to see where I go with the video content. I wanted to start interviewing country stars, because I don't feel that they get the kind of press they deserve. Don't get me wrong, there are many great websites and outlets who cover them, but I have my own great plan for coverage and plan to make it one of the most popular destinations for their hugely loyal fans. Stay tuned!
Q: For anyoine that wants to pursue a career in entertainment journalism, what advice do you have for them?
Jill: Work hard, be patient, and don't be entitled. It's a career that can take a while to develop credibility. Learn the ropes and earn your respect, it will pay off. Also, all good journalists LISTEN to their interviewees...they don't worry about stealing the show from their subject. It's so important that you listen have good follow-up question, it doesn't go overlooked.
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Countdown to 2013
So, here we are, the last month of 2012. This year has definitely had its ups and downs for me, and this year I have learned so much more about myself and for my future.
On New Year's Eve 2011, I made a promise that I wouldn't be "just a fan" to the people and celebs that I've supported for many years. I wanted to be someone that these people would know and appreciate. I can safely say that this wish has come true through my interviewing. Getting to interview Savannah Outen, who was someone that I've supported now for over three years, was an amazing experience. This summer really helped with that too, because I had the opportunity to interview singer Chelsea Musick (yes, that's her real last name) and I attended Victoria Justice's concert this summer in Hamburg, NY and I got to meet her after the show as well as Matt Bennett, who opened for her. I also got the chance to interview Emily-Anne Rigal, founder of WeStopHate. I've been supporting WeStopHate for almost a year.
But, I think that I've become a better person as well. I've come to accept the fact that many of my old friends have moved on in their lives, and that friendships come and go. I've sense made a lot of new friends and I have a lot of people that value and appreciate me and my friendship to them.
I would like to have more years like 2012, and I'm hoping that 2013 will be another successful one for me.
On New Year's Eve 2011, I made a promise that I wouldn't be "just a fan" to the people and celebs that I've supported for many years. I wanted to be someone that these people would know and appreciate. I can safely say that this wish has come true through my interviewing. Getting to interview Savannah Outen, who was someone that I've supported now for over three years, was an amazing experience. This summer really helped with that too, because I had the opportunity to interview singer Chelsea Musick (yes, that's her real last name) and I attended Victoria Justice's concert this summer in Hamburg, NY and I got to meet her after the show as well as Matt Bennett, who opened for her. I also got the chance to interview Emily-Anne Rigal, founder of WeStopHate. I've been supporting WeStopHate for almost a year.
But, I think that I've become a better person as well. I've come to accept the fact that many of my old friends have moved on in their lives, and that friendships come and go. I've sense made a lot of new friends and I have a lot of people that value and appreciate me and my friendship to them.
I would like to have more years like 2012, and I'm hoping that 2013 will be another successful one for me.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Failure Ain't an Option
So, for me, failure is not an option. For a lot of my life, I've thought myself as a failure and a person that would never make it. Hollywood is definitely a difficult place to make a go of it, and you have to be strong-willed to make it.
When I was in 6th grade, I was told by a teacher that once I entered higher grades in school and in college, I would not make it. In essence, she told me that I would fail. That is what really made me determined and passionate to prove this person wrong. Growing up really shy and reserved didn't do much because I didn't have that friend or support system. Once I made it into high school, I decided to drop that image that and become a fun person that people want to be around. Have I grown as a person? Yeah, for the most part I have. I'm working hard to be a person with a social life and a fun person to be around.
My advice is to never listen when people say that you will fail. Honestly, that should make you more determined to pursue your dreams and to make things happen for you. You will be the happiest person in the world when everything happens for you in your favor!
When I was in 6th grade, I was told by a teacher that once I entered higher grades in school and in college, I would not make it. In essence, she told me that I would fail. That is what really made me determined and passionate to prove this person wrong. Growing up really shy and reserved didn't do much because I didn't have that friend or support system. Once I made it into high school, I decided to drop that image that and become a fun person that people want to be around. Have I grown as a person? Yeah, for the most part I have. I'm working hard to be a person with a social life and a fun person to be around.
My advice is to never listen when people say that you will fail. Honestly, that should make you more determined to pursue your dreams and to make things happen for you. You will be the happiest person in the world when everything happens for you in your favor!
Sunday, November 25, 2012
My Classes This Term
This term at Mercyhurst University: West Campus, I am taking three classes. Public Speaking, U.S. History after 1945, and College Writing I. I'm really excited about these classes because I think that all of them will be somewhat easy for me and the term will go by very fast. Of course when I think that, it ends up being totally opposite.
The great thing about Mercyhurst West is how convenient it is. The classes are all in the evening, and the reason for that is because the teachers that teach at West also have other teaching jobs. Some may work at the Mercyhurst Main campus, or have other teaching jobs at high schools, etc. But, it really works out for the students that may have jobs earlier on in the day. It's also convenient because I live a few blocks away, and it's within walking distance from my house. It takes me about 5-7 minutes to walk there and back. Even though the campus is small, I've found that everyone else is very nice for the most part and I'm anxious to start this new term. Wish me luck!
The great thing about Mercyhurst West is how convenient it is. The classes are all in the evening, and the reason for that is because the teachers that teach at West also have other teaching jobs. Some may work at the Mercyhurst Main campus, or have other teaching jobs at high schools, etc. But, it really works out for the students that may have jobs earlier on in the day. It's also convenient because I live a few blocks away, and it's within walking distance from my house. It takes me about 5-7 minutes to walk there and back. Even though the campus is small, I've found that everyone else is very nice for the most part and I'm anxious to start this new term. Wish me luck!
The Support System
I think that all celebrities need one thing in order to be a celebrity, and that's a fan. You may make millions of dollars in a film, or have a leading role, but if you don't have fans supporting you, then you won't make it very far in my opinion. You don't have to be famous to have that support system as well. If you're a great high school or college athlete, you probably have people supporting you, such as your boyfriend/girlfriend, or best friend, and especially family. Family is always there for you through all the good times and the bad.
I've had thoughts for a long time about believing that I lack a great support system. I'm a person that doesn't have many friends, and I think sometimes that while I have a lot of people that like me, I don't have anyone next to me. That's also true if you're very famous, because you may have feelings of loneliness and depression. But, in my opinion, you need the love and support of yourself before everyone else.
I'm going to close this entry with a quote/lyric from Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," (which is one of my favorite songs), "Learning to love youself, it is the greatest love of all"
I've had thoughts for a long time about believing that I lack a great support system. I'm a person that doesn't have many friends, and I think sometimes that while I have a lot of people that like me, I don't have anyone next to me. That's also true if you're very famous, because you may have feelings of loneliness and depression. But, in my opinion, you need the love and support of yourself before everyone else.
I'm going to close this entry with a quote/lyric from Whitney Houston's "Greatest Love of All," (which is one of my favorite songs), "Learning to love youself, it is the greatest love of all"
Child Stars
A child actor has a limited time career. Child stars have come and gone, and there are always those people out there that want to become famous. I think that many young people have that dream to become famous, but many dismiss the idea and go on to other ideas and thoughts about a future career.
One thing that I have found is that many child stars are not ones to have successes in their adult years. Why? It's because that everyone is so used to he or she in their particular role. A good example would be the cast of The Little Rascals. All of the kids in the "Our Gang" series had great success as child actors, but as I said before, an actor can only have a career as a child for a number of years. If you get too big, or too old, or your voice starts to change, than you would be canned and someone else would take the part. That was the case of the Little Rascals. Many of them turned to drugs or alcohol because they would be so miserable trying to deal with being an adult.
When I think about the Nickeolodeon and Disney stars, I think that many of them will have future careers in film, episodic TV, or even music. That has been the case for several of them so far in their young lives, and it will continue into the future
One thing that I have found is that many child stars are not ones to have successes in their adult years. Why? It's because that everyone is so used to he or she in their particular role. A good example would be the cast of The Little Rascals. All of the kids in the "Our Gang" series had great success as child actors, but as I said before, an actor can only have a career as a child for a number of years. If you get too big, or too old, or your voice starts to change, than you would be canned and someone else would take the part. That was the case of the Little Rascals. Many of them turned to drugs or alcohol because they would be so miserable trying to deal with being an adult.
When I think about the Nickeolodeon and Disney stars, I think that many of them will have future careers in film, episodic TV, or even music. That has been the case for several of them so far in their young lives, and it will continue into the future
My Thoughts on Disney
Walt Disney once said, "All of our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them," and that is a quote that I live by. I am a person that has loved everything Disney, and I've been that way for as long as I can remember. I was 5 years old when I went to Walt Disney World in Orlando, and I've attended every year until 2008.
Disney Channel used to be the only cable network channel that I would watch, and I have always enjoyed all of the programming that it has had on its network (which is now almost 30 years old). One of the shows that I used to watch at age 6 was "Bug Juice" which was a reality show about a group of kids that attended a summer camp, and it was the "True adventures of the kids at summer camp." I recently found videos of the show on Youtube, and I've had trips down memory lane.
One thing that I have found about Disney Channel is that there are several "Generations" of Disney Channel. There are always a group of stars on there for a number of years. Here's some examples of what I'm talking about: One generation would consist of Hilary Duff, Shia LeBoeuf, Christy Carlson Romano, Raven-Symone, Tia, Tamera, and Tahj Mowry. We just wrapped up a generation that was dominated by Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers. Currently, the generation consists of Bella Thorne, Zendaya, China Anne McClain, Bridgit Mendler, Debby Ryan, Ross Lynch, and Laura Marano. So, I predict in a few years, we will be listing a new group of celebrities in that generation of Disney.
Another aspect of Disney that I have been a major fan and supporter is Radio Disney. My favorite time of year is when they have the annual "Next Big Thing" competition. Since the 2nd season, I have been actively involved in voting and supporting for my favorite contestant. In season 2, I got my family and most of my friends to vote for Jasmine Sagginario to win, and she did! When you vote for someone that much and show loyalty, that means that you are influential in helping to start that person's career.
As I work towards the goal to become a teen entertainment reporter, I will continue to support the Walt Disney Company.
Disney Channel used to be the only cable network channel that I would watch, and I have always enjoyed all of the programming that it has had on its network (which is now almost 30 years old). One of the shows that I used to watch at age 6 was "Bug Juice" which was a reality show about a group of kids that attended a summer camp, and it was the "True adventures of the kids at summer camp." I recently found videos of the show on Youtube, and I've had trips down memory lane.
One thing that I have found about Disney Channel is that there are several "Generations" of Disney Channel. There are always a group of stars on there for a number of years. Here's some examples of what I'm talking about: One generation would consist of Hilary Duff, Shia LeBoeuf, Christy Carlson Romano, Raven-Symone, Tia, Tamera, and Tahj Mowry. We just wrapped up a generation that was dominated by Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers. Currently, the generation consists of Bella Thorne, Zendaya, China Anne McClain, Bridgit Mendler, Debby Ryan, Ross Lynch, and Laura Marano. So, I predict in a few years, we will be listing a new group of celebrities in that generation of Disney.
Another aspect of Disney that I have been a major fan and supporter is Radio Disney. My favorite time of year is when they have the annual "Next Big Thing" competition. Since the 2nd season, I have been actively involved in voting and supporting for my favorite contestant. In season 2, I got my family and most of my friends to vote for Jasmine Sagginario to win, and she did! When you vote for someone that much and show loyalty, that means that you are influential in helping to start that person's career.
As I work towards the goal to become a teen entertainment reporter, I will continue to support the Walt Disney Company.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Happiness In My Life
For the past two years, happiness is something that I've struggled with. Part of that is because I've had a lot of things happen to me in those years that really shook my spirit. My school that I was attending had closed (and I had one year to go), I had my best friend betray me, a relationship didn't happen because I was rejected, and my grandmother passed away. All of these happened in a period of months, and they really caused me to sink into depression. There were a lot of my friends and classmates that didn't understand why I was feeling so low all the time, and to be honest, they still don't understand it...
Friendship is one of the most important things in my life, and a great support system is so important for people to pursue their dreams. I am working so hard to rekindle those old friendships and to develop that support system that is needed.
But, honestly, having the opportunity to interview people that I have looked up to means the world to me. So my advice is...if you're having rough times, know that it will get better. It did for me, and I know that it will for you. Always remember that you have amazing talents and abilities, and you all have a dream. Go for it! If you work at it, then it's gonna come true! Thanks for reading!
Friendship is one of the most important things in my life, and a great support system is so important for people to pursue their dreams. I am working so hard to rekindle those old friendships and to develop that support system that is needed.
But, honestly, having the opportunity to interview people that I have looked up to means the world to me. So my advice is...if you're having rough times, know that it will get better. It did for me, and I know that it will for you. Always remember that you have amazing talents and abilities, and you all have a dream. Go for it! If you work at it, then it's gonna come true! Thanks for reading!
A little about Me
Hello and welcome to my blog!
My name is Brent Clapper and I'm from Pennsylvania. Ever since I was little, I had a dream...a dream to be famous. Yeah, I know, probably everyone has that dream at some point, but I'm a person that is passionate and determined to make it happen. I have had a lot of dreams and hopes for myself; For example, I wanted to become a game show host, a director, and a meteorologist. One thing about it is that all of those had something to do with being known and in front of a camera or in the industry.
But now I think I've found what I really want to do, and that's to become an entertainment reporter.
My goal is to become a teen entertainment reporter and to interview all of the young, up incoming Hollywood actors, actresses, singers, etc. I have already done two interviews with singer/songwriter Savannah Outen and iShine recording artist Chelsea Musick. I am also going to be interviewing Emily-Anne Rigal, the founder of WeStopHate.org. Interviewing all of these people has been so incredible for me, because I get the chance to get to know them and how they became who they are now.
I am currently a freshmen in college studying communications and broadcast journalism. I have job shadowed at local TV stations as well. All in all, I'm just a small-town boy with a dream...and this one's gonna come true. Come with me on my journey to the dream.
My name is Brent Clapper and I'm from Pennsylvania. Ever since I was little, I had a dream...a dream to be famous. Yeah, I know, probably everyone has that dream at some point, but I'm a person that is passionate and determined to make it happen. I have had a lot of dreams and hopes for myself; For example, I wanted to become a game show host, a director, and a meteorologist. One thing about it is that all of those had something to do with being known and in front of a camera or in the industry.
But now I think I've found what I really want to do, and that's to become an entertainment reporter.
My goal is to become a teen entertainment reporter and to interview all of the young, up incoming Hollywood actors, actresses, singers, etc. I have already done two interviews with singer/songwriter Savannah Outen and iShine recording artist Chelsea Musick. I am also going to be interviewing Emily-Anne Rigal, the founder of WeStopHate.org. Interviewing all of these people has been so incredible for me, because I get the chance to get to know them and how they became who they are now.
I am currently a freshmen in college studying communications and broadcast journalism. I have job shadowed at local TV stations as well. All in all, I'm just a small-town boy with a dream...and this one's gonna come true. Come with me on my journey to the dream.
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