LOS ANGELES—”My very first job was a page boy at CBS Network when I was 18 years old,” said Emmy award-winning film and television producer Robert Papazian (Nash Bridges, Rome). “It was then that I realized, not only did I want to become a TV Producer, but most important, what was my second baby step.”
“We often dream too big; therefore, the path and journey become overwhelming. Know your end goal, but plot and plan baby steps so success can be achieved as you move closer to that end goal.”
Mr. Papazian and four other panelists will be sharing more about their professional journey on Nov. 8th, 7pm at the WGA Theater in Beverly Hills, as part of The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance (ADAA) VIP industry panel for emerging artists navigating their career in the entertainment industry – “Make the Connection: Linking Armenians in the Entertainment Industry.”
The audience will hear how fellow panelist, Michael Peretzian, started in the mailroom and worked his way up to be a preeminent literary agent at CAA. For years he represented some of Hollywood’s finest writers and directors for the big screen. Now, he’s enjoying a new form of success as an Ovation-nominated theater director of various stage productions in Los Angeles and New York.
Award-winning novelist and panelist Aris Janigian (This Angelic Land), who has also written several scripts, feels strongly that writers should always work on honing their craft. “The right people will only take you seriously if your skills are exceptional,” says Mr. Janigian, “so there’s no point meeting them until they are.” He also warns about the danger of burning bridges: “Sometimes someone you hardly expected is about to invite you to cross the bridge you are about to burn.”
Emmy award-winning director and producer Hank Saroyan (nephew of author William Saroyan) has also learned the important of working hard and being flexible in a tough industry – with credits as a writer, composer, actor, director for television sports and music events and for shows such as “Fievel’s American Tales,” “ABC Afterschool Specials,” “Muppet Babies,” and many more. His stories on the panel will offer a wise and humorous take on Hollywood.
In addition, ADAA has just announced the addition of panelist Michael Goorjian, Emmy Award winning actor, director, writer and producer who will share thoughts on how to get a first feature film made at this extraordinary event.
The panel will be moderated by ADAA Founder, writer/producer Bianca Bagatourian. Television personality Jill Simonian (Hallmark’s Home and Family, HLN’s Showbiz Tonight, Reelz Channel), will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn key strategies straight from current industry leaders. A wine and cheese reception will follow at the WGA Theater, 135 S. Doheny Drive, Beverly Hills. Tickets are $10 per person and available at itsmyseat.com/events/232924.
The panel event is sponsored by City National Bank, The Dramatists Guild, Final Draft, and various individual donors.
On the same evening, ADAA will be presenting the 4th Biennial Lillian & Varnum Paul 2013 Screenwriting Award. Finalists for the $10,000 prize are: “1915,” by Garin K. Hovannisian & Alec Mouhibian; “The 13th Image,” by Yervand Kochar and Jeani Di Carlo; and “The Second Journey,” by Levon Minasian & Eric de Rocquefeuil. The three finalist screenplays are being evaluated by an esteemed jury: Anahid Nazarian (Producer, American Zoetrope Productions), Michael Goorjian (Emmy-Winning Actor) and Hank Saroyan (Emmy Winning TV Producer).
The Lillian and Varnum Paul Screenwriting Award is administered by ADAA through the generosity of the Paul Family – actress Karen Kondazian in honor of her parents, through the Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the auspices of His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese, who will be handing out the award.
The Armenian Dramatic Arts Alliance’s mission is to make the Armenian voice heard on the world stage through the dramatic arts of theatre and film. The organization accomplishes this mission by supporting playwrights and screenwriters and providing production opportunities, research tools, networking resources and writing awards.
For more information about ADAA, its activities and how to contribute to its important mission, please visit www.armeniandrama.org.
