“Knight Chair Panelist Leave Lasting Impressions on Students”

The warm personalities of the Knight Chair panelist leaves students with great lasting impressions while instilling hope for the future.

Last night, students, faculty, and guest gathered in the auditorium of Lee Hall on the campus of Florida Agriculture and Mechanical (FAMU), to hear from writers, directors, and executives from major networks in the entertainment industry. On the panel was Sameer Gardezi , James Bland, Lori Hall, and Mitzi Miller. In addition, the panel discussion was moderated by Francine Huff who touch on a variety of topics stirring up the discussion for panel members to engage in conversation.

Out of all of the questions that were being ask, there seem to be much discussion about diversity in the entertainment industry. Diversity is at work not just in our everyday lives but also on the television, movie screens, music, and in the entertainment industry.

For example, television shows such as This Is Us, Black-ish, Chicago Fire, How To Get Away With Murder, and Empire are just some of the television show that are  very diverse in terms of characters that are sometimes stereotype by the societal norms of the pop culture that we live in.

In addition, writers are an important part of the create process for an upcoming production. Writer Sameer Gardezi, goes on to explain how the creative process happens in the entertainment industry, and how the shows are design:

“When you’re talking about shows you are serving the five principles of that group,” Gardezi said.  “There is a lot of research that goes into it to creating diversity.”

With the current events that have transpired it is important as writers to present a story that can be related to today’s time period; in addition, it creates conversation ,and people enjoy the work of that writer because their work is authentic.

Another key point that the pianist discuss was the importance of the content creator.  A content creator, is an important piece of the team because they have a responsibility to address the issues while using their platform to point out the problems that people are facing on a daily basis.

Furthermore, the panelist also encouraged students to step out of their comfort zone, and go out there and make your dreams in a reality. In addition Lori Hall, encouraged students to try, and to have fun while you are pursuing your passions:

“Don’t expect overnight success,” Hall said. “Keep pushing because that failed opportunity is a set up for the right opportunity.”

The entire panelist brought their own dynamic to the discussion that students could identify, and relate with because of their different expertise in the entertainment industry.

In addition, not only was their sound advice ,and new ideas in the atmosphere for students to grasp a hold of but Julious Lowe, a junior broadcast journalism student took away a few key points from the panel discussion:

“I enjoyed the panelist, a very insightful view on the in’s and out of the journalism business,” Lowe said. “All an all, It was very inspiring, and helpful on how to get your foot in the door as well as the do’s ,and don’ts in trying to advance your career in this business.”

Overall, the panel discussion was very insightful full of wisdom ,and knowledge for those who are trying to get in the entertainment industry. As a result, it left a great impression on the students, and has motivated student to do their best, and too enjoy the process.