The Hollywood Professionals Association (HPA) announced during HPA Tech Retreat that the Class of 2023 Young Entertainment Professionals is a program incubated in 2016 by the Women in Post committee. The program advances the organization’s goal of developing and encouraging the next generation of worthy entertainment professionals to pursue careers in the media content industry.
The program fosters talent development between the ages of 21-32 through mentoring and education, introductions to industry leaders, invitations to events, and access to resources to help them grow in their careers. To date, the program has accelerated the careers of more than 100 graduates and has grown into a powerful networking, mentoring and educational resource for young professionals working in the industry.
Yes Class members selected by the HPA committee are encouraged to take full advantage of HPA activities, including HPA Technology Retreat and HPA Award. They are paired with senior career mentors who often become long-term supporters as they progress. YEP often has the opportunity to be in the spotlight. YEP has been a panelist at HPA Tech Retreat and the SMPTE Annual Technical Conference, produced a webinar series, and written a column for the HPA NewsLine e-newsletter.
Below are the names of the 2023 YEP course participants:
Victor Friend, Eruvio
Lauren Balladares, Freelance
Luke Birch, Netflix
Ekaterina Buchneva, Sensor Tower
Allison Eilhart, ROE Vision
Jamie Foley, 495 Productions
Jazmin Freire, Black Cake
Allyson Geiger, Marvel Studios
Maddie Hon, Netflix
Colin Hughes, LRT
Vivian Ip, independent filmmaker
Rachel Jobin, 6P color
Haley Kreofsky, Freelancer
Jennifer Losch, Jobs Editorial
Eric Mahoney, Paramount Pictures
Kara Prichard, A+E Networks
Cassandra Rodriguez, Pixar
Eric Silvera, Freelancer
Sarah Xu, Fox Entertainment
Simon Yahn, Color Creative Studio
Jimmy Zhu, Scanline VFX
The YEP photo (above) shows the participants (left to right): Nicole Harmony, Kara Prichard, Jimmy Zhu, Sarah Xu, Victor Amigo, Maddie Hong, Cassandra Rodriguez, Matt Klein, Luke Birch, Jazmin Freire, Simon Yahn, Haley Kreofsky, Jen Losch, Lauren Balladares, Allison Eilhardt, Jaxon McLennon, Katia Buchneva, Jamie Foley, Erik Mahoney, Alexa Lowndes, Colin Hughes. Not present: Erick Silvera, Allyson Geiger, Vivian Ip and Rachel Jobin.
HPA President Seth Hallen commented: “Of all the HPA programs that bring value to our industry and our community, the YEP program is one of the most important. Connecting the next generation of talented people with mentors is critical, watch YEP create It is very rewarding to have your own network to shape our community. Again, members of the YEP class of 2023 have strong grades and important perspectives. I can’t wait to see them as they move forward and contribute to the advancement of our industry what can be achieved.”
The YEP program is sponsored in part by AVID.For more information, please visit hpaonline.com.