Ron Huff Interview Anna Millman of ATLANTA

My State was Georgia and apparently Nickelodeon and Universal have moved their studios to Atlanta to get better tax incentives and lots of projects are being done there. I spoke with Anna Millman in Atlanta Georgia. She has been a Writer and a Producer for Turner Classic Movies, GameTap.com, TBS, and the Weather Channel.com since starting her career in 1994 she has received 6 EMMY nominations. She lives in Atlanta with her significant other and it was really hard to catch up with her.

Ron Huff: Thanks for doing the interview Anna. Could you briefly define your job to me?

Anna Millman: How did your get my number?

RH: From a Production database online for Georgia’s Production Professionals

AM: This is an awful strange time to call, I was in the middle of something. -Well I’ve done extensive work with the Weather Channel and TCM as a producer, but I’m currently laid off from work.

RH: Really?

AM: Yeah this business is challenging!

RH: How did you did started in this “business”?

AM: Well are you an LA or New York person?

RH: Uhh New York?!

AM: Well then you have to go to New York and work for about 5 years in whatever you can get into production wise there. In this industry 5 years in New York or LA is awesome for your resume. You could be crappy, but if you’ve worked in New York or LA-you’re “in”. If you make it there it opens doors! I started out with 3 different internships with Turner Broadcasting. They were really important in starting out. Internships are like Gold!

RH: really gold?

AM: GOLD!!!

RH: Well Anna, my next question is: How do you tell someone over you that you couldn’t accomplish an assigned task?

AM: If it’s your Boss, you got to them with “Strategies and Solutions”.

RH: What are those? Can I buy them?

AM: Sure, it’s going to your boss-because this person is “your BOSS” and telling them WITH TIME, this is what I’m up against and this is what I’m trying to do and they might add, alright try this also. You never want to present what can’t happen or what you’re not going to do, because this is “YOUR BOSS”.

RH: Wow! Well my last question is: Do you have any advice for a media student who is just staring out?

AM: Well, what do you want to do?

RH: I want to direct TV shows and movies.

AM: Really TV?

RH: Yeah.

AM: Well TV right now is like Law & Order and shows like that. So you’re gonna have to try to get in with one of those guys. Network and meet people and your internships are going to be the key that’s where you meet everybody you can! Be nice to everyone, because this industry is so small. I mean really small. Do not burn bridges! Do NOT! Some one your work over may be your boss some day and some one that is YOUR BOSS may be asking you for a jobs some day. The business is like that. Do really good work and make sure you have the right attitude!

If you are going to do an internship make sure it’s the best! Make sure it’s like NBC, or Oprah-whatever the best is! Go find the best don’t settle for like channel 71 or something go for the best this is your career!

RH: Thank you for the interview Anna!

AM: No problem! You should definitely check out Cynopsis online it is a daily Media Brief on what’s going on in the business. Make sure and check it out. Also check out my website AnnaMillman.com I made it myself and it the best website on the internet. If your class what’s me to come speak to the class I will-for a small fee.

RH: I’ll keep that in mind. So can I call you back with different questions from the producer’s class at my school?

AM: …

RH: Hello? -Must of left, well this is Ron Huff interviewing Anna Millman from Atlanta!