FILMMAKERS
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS CHARISSE MYERS, 22
ORIGIN STORY: Myers majored in communications and
media arts, with a minor in international studies, at
Montclair State University.
INCITING INCIDENT: During her sophomore year, she attend-
ed MFF’s Behind the Screen event, where industry
professionals offer insights into film and TV careers. She
volunteered at MFF a few months later, working in mer-
chandising and ticketing, and has continued to volunteer
every year thereafter.
KEY CHARACTER: “The Film Festival always has a focus on
African-American filmmakers,” she says. “Two years ago,
I went to hear In Conversation with Lacey Schwartz, who
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MAY 2017 MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE
made the film Little White Lie. I emailed her, and was a
communications and marketing intern for her production
company my senior year of college. She’s been a mentor to
me ever since.”
TO BE CONTINUED: After graduation, Schwartz helped Myers
connect with Ben Selkow, an executive producer at New
York media and content company Mass Appeal. In her new
job there, she offered assistance “where it was needed,”
assessing scripts and pitches for TV projects, and providing
research for marketing endeavors. Currently, she is looking
to build her career in marketing and distribution for
film and television. She stays in touch with Schwartz,
a Montclair resident.
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