HBCU First Look Film Festival kicked off its new webinar series that features professionals in
the entertainment industry. NSU Alum Jawn Murray who is the Executive Producer for the
Daytime TV show “Sherri” featuring Sherri Shepherd was the premiere guest for this series.
In an insightful conversation with April Woodard, Murray poured into students nuggets of
wisdom concerning the media and entertainment industry. While going into his personal journey
beyond NSU, Murray emphasized the importance of networking throughout his career stating,
“Networking authentic relationships provides real opportunities.”
One of the key points that he made about this subject is the difference for those in his age group,
(known as millennials) compared to those who are part of Gen-Z when it comes to networking.
Adding, “There was a point where you had to get on a plane… travel… or sneak in some
places…not just slide in a DM.” Murray pointed out that many who fall into the Gen-Z category
“don’t even understand the fundamentals of how to approach people.”
When asked about how to overcome the fears of networking in person Murray suggested creating
an alter ego that you must live up to in the moment saying, “Become the person you want to be
in the settings where you have to be ON.”
As the conversation shifted, Murray was asked about challenging moments from this past season
working on “Sherri”. He told the audience about the moment when he had to come up with a
plan quickly once he found out the day of that the Vice President of the United States, Kamala
Harris, was not going to be able to fly in due to weather. This show had been planned to
perfection. Through the chaos as an executive producer, he emphasized that the show must go
on without her and that “it was a day, but we made the most of that day.” He called this episode
looking back in retrospect, “a shining moment for the season.”
Murray left students with encouragement as the hour came to a close, reminding them that it
takes sacrifice in the entertainment industry, you must live within your means, and push past
rejection. He stated that “most people don’t have the stamina to stay the course until their
blessing shows up.”
With a persevering attitude, Jawn Murray has made his mark in the entertainment industry and
plans to someday become an author of a book along with completing other projects.
(Picture Credit: Screenshot A. Gilchrist & HBCU First Look.) Jawn Murray engaging in conversation with April Woodard.
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