Demystifying the Film and Television Industries

Television writer, showrunner, executive producer, and Centre alum Matthew Arnold brings insight into creating television shows and the opportunities and challenges of pursuing a career in the motion picture and television industries. In this candid talk, he will take you on journey from his graduation from Centre to working for Quentin Tarantino on a Hollywood movie set, meeting stars such a Robert DeNiro and Samuel L. Jackson, making short films (even directing Harrison Ford!) to then eventually creating, producing, and directing his first primetime television series on NBC. This talk will inform students about both the art and business of Hollywood while also providing them with some insight about how to succeed in this tough and protean industry. At the core of the story: a message about the power of persistence.