FUTURE NOW’s nine-month Mentoring Program—open exclusively to Alumni—accepts applications each July following the annual Media & Entertainment Conference. From the applicant pool, twenty emerging leaders are selected and matched one-on-one with industry professionals whose expertise aligns with their interests and goals. It’s a rare and powerful opportunity to build meaningful, long-lasting relationships with seasoned leaders in the field. I recently sat down with mentor–mentee duo Omar Camacho and Alex Jimenez from the 2023–2024 cohort for a candid conversation about their journey together—what they’ve learned about themselves and each other, their experience in the program, and the impact it has had on them. First, give us a little background about yourselves.  Camacho: My name is Omar Camacho. I am a Senior Creative Executive. I've been in the industry for over 20 years. I've worked at a variety of different media organizations, including CBS, the Jim Henson Company, and, more recently, Nickelodeon and Paramount+. I've launched major global franchises that you may have heard of, including iCarly, Victorious, Henry Danger, [and] Good Burger 2.  I [was] born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, but… moved out here and got my degree at USC, University of Southern California. And in terms of what I'm doing right now, I am actively figuring out the next stage of my career. I was impacted by the layoffs over at Paramount…. And so, like so many other people in this industry who are dealing with the contraction, I'm figuring out my career pivot… in this industry. Jimenez: My name is Alex Jimenez. I'm a graduate of the University of Michigan. I graduated class of 2023. I am currently in the nonprofit space, so it's different from what I had originally intended. I graduated three days before the Hollywood strikes hit, and that affected a lot of my recruitment and application process for postgraduate opportunities… Currently, I am doing more community services within the Latino community in West Michigan. So, again, very different from what I'm doing, but I've seen different ways that I'm trying to tie in media and specifically… Spanish-speaking media to… accommodate for different people. What drew you to FUTURE NOW? How did you become a mentor?  Camacho: I was invited by Lisa Bull, who was one of the co-chairs of the Mentoring Program. Lisa and I worked together at Paramount on that Good Burger 2  movie that I referenced… [she] and I had just a really great rapport, and she knew about my work at the time there at Paramount as part of a Latino ERG [Employee Resource Group]… called SOMOS… I had been mentoring there for a while and had been speaking on panels whenever I was invited, and so she asked if I was interested in working with FUTURE NOW in a similar capacity. And so, after doing some research and learning more about the organization and really understanding that its mission was to build future leaders within media, it really resonated with me.  And so, I've always believed in opening doors by sharing my experience, and FUTURE NOW’s work felt like an opportunity to really put that belief into action. And so, I quickly said yes, and that’s how I got involved. How did you hear about FUTURE NOW? In what ways have you been involved with FN? Jimenez: I believe it was September or October of my senior year, and I had seen that there was an event, a virtual event that was being hosted by FUTURE NOW for the campus ambassador program. I didn't really know what the organization was or what that entailed, but I was looking for postgraduate opportunities. And so, I went to the info session. That's how I met Peggy Kim, who's the director and leader of the organization. And then I started getting involved as the ambassador for my campus. And then, as time went on, even after graduation, I stayed as a volunteer in both the marketing and newsletter committees. And then I've maintained relationships with a lot of people there, too– a lot of really cool people, where, even if our career interests now are a little different from what they originally were, I'm glad that I have them as an actual connection that I feel comfortable reaching out to.  What about your career/career interests drew you both to be matched? Camacho:   I think we both have a really shared passion for storytelling. You know, as a creative executive, you spend so much of your time hearing pitches, developing content, shaping stories. And Alex, I think first and foremost as a writer, and his voice is really rooted in the Latino experience. And I really immediately identified with that. And it felt like a natural fit since, again, so much of my work in the past has been collaborating with writers. It was just an easy role to step into… I am just, I think, in awe of writers and… the talents that they exhibit. And so, for me, it was just a lot of fun. That creative back and forth is not only fun, but also deeply fulfilling. You know, especially when you find that story that's meaningful and emotionally resonant to an audience. You know, it was a great experience. Jimenez: Yeah, and I would say a lot of the same things. I really like the storytelling aspect of it. For me specifically, especially at that time, I was really drawn to comedy and sitcoms. And obviously when you hear like  iCarly, Victorious …  it's obviously going to catch your attention. And I was really thankful that I got to hear the perspective of someone that was both in…creative but also [the] more administrative side of the production role. My educational background is kind of similar where I studied both business and film. So I think it was really a combination to get somebody that had a foundation in both. Walk me through the nine months: what was your mentor/mentee journey like?  Camacho:   At the beginning of the journey, you know, in all honesty, I was really hesitant. And it's not because of Alex, but just as…the program was about to start, I was laid off from Paramount due to this impending sale that was happening. So even though I saw it coming, I had to really process leaving the company that I had been with for nearly 20 years. And so at first… I really found myself kind of questioning about, you know, what could I possibly offer Alex? And… there was some self-doubt that creeped in, which I think is part of the natural process. But… after doing some self-reflection and then meeting with Alex himself, I really realized that [he] and I were on similar journeys… He was looking for his start in an industry that was contracting, and I was trying to navigate the next chapter of my career in an industry that was contracting. And so I think as we spoke, our common ground became very clear.  And the more I shared about my experience, the more it actually helped me. It reminded me of my value, the accomplishments that I've achieved, the obstacles I've overcome, and the expertise that I bring to the table. So throughout this whole journey, it was actually very affirming and energizing… it was an experience that I didn't know I needed. Jimenez: In a lot of the same vein, I obviously was dealing with my own self-doubt, you know, seeing all my friends… getting their full-time jobs right out of the gate, and then me struggling to figure out, okay, what am I going to do now? Do I have to go back home? Do I have to pivot?... Something I really value is authenticity… I think sometimes when it comes to networking or connecting with… people with, like, really big professional titles, it's sometimes hard to find that. It's also intimidating trying to kind of dig a little deeper because you don't want to necessarily upset someone or… pry in too deeply if they're not comfortable with that. I was really thankful that Omar, I think, was somebody that was very willing to open up about their experiences because at the end of the day, obviously, he's worked on a lot of big projects, but just like any kind of job that you have, you're going to deal with, you know, bumps in the road, conflicts, interpersonal conflicts with people on your team… I was really thankful that over the nine months I had, I saw the trust build… I saw him open up more about his experiences. In the same vein, I felt comfortable, like, sharing my experiences, too, and it was something that I think at a time when, you know, I felt kind of directionless, it gave me a lot of guidance.  When you went into the program, were there any objectives or goals, or expectations? Did you go into it thinking, okay, by the time I finish the program, I'm going to have completed X, Y, and Z? Jimenez: I think, realistically, knowing that the strikes were happening, that a lot of the rise of AI was happening, that professional opportunities, like getting an internship or a full-time job, I don't think was something that, you know, could be promised… I was very realistic about that. So my intention with it was to just… build a genuine connection, build a relationship with someone that… I felt comfortable talking to, and that I felt that, you know, is investing in… the future. But also just getting to know him as a person was really my objective in the program. And I was thankful that, again, he was someone that I felt had that authenticity that I was looking for. Camacho: Yeah… I would just add… just in terms of the program itself… just from the mechanics of it, you know, Alex and I met monthly over Zoom… we exchanged emails and messages in between… I was always impressed about how organized Alex is and… how he would come prepared to the meeting. But then I was also really impressed by just how the program is structured itself. You know, as I mentioned, I participated in other mentorship programs. And for me, I mean, this is without a doubt one of the best ones I've been a part of. And the way it's designed and the way it's structured to encourage natural growth, communication, you know, with the assignments, the career goals, the panels that help support the development and progression of the mentor and the mentee is really excellent. And so I think… that, of course, without that structure there, I don't think the program would have been, you know, as successful as it was. How did your mentor/mentee relationship develop? Did you all connect in other ways outside of career/objectives?  Camacho:   I would say… just beyond the mechanics that I just spoke of, I think Alex and I really connected on a cultural level… When he was sharing stories about his family, I immediately identified with his experiences because it reminded me of my family. And so we had that kind of shared cultural background that I think created a deeper connection between the two of us… It allowed me… to open up more because… I could identify myself in Alex… I was also, you know, really impressed with Alex's advocacy initiatives, especially behind the Latino community. And it really reminded me of the importance of giving back and really taking a pause to look at the bigger picture. And I think in a small way, I'm hoping that I was doing the same through this mentorship program. Jimenez: Yeah, I definitely agree. I felt like that cultural commonality gave me a lot of assurance, especially because I know the industry itself, especially on screen, but also off screen, you know, that representation isn't always there. And it can be sometimes hard to… find necessarily the spaces that you feel welcomed in or just like the opportunities that are there for you. Obviously, not everyone is going to look like you or even come from the same background. That's perfectly fine. But I think people who are intentional about making you feel welcomed is… a very different experience. And so that was something that I really appreciated. How important is it to have a mentor in this  industry specifically?  Camacho:   I would say it's critical… especially if you're coming into this industry as an outsider. You know, I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. And like so many other people, I came out to L.A. to chase a dream… It's really easy for that imposter syndrome to start to creep in when you don't see people who look like you or you don't have an opportunity to hear other people's perspectives, their experiences. Understanding what they went through to kind of navigate their own paths within this industry. So I think, you know, a mentor can kind of help you see what's possible and guide you to where you want to take your career and passion… I would say it's very critical in terms of just, you know, your career growth and, you know, that personal development. Have you had any mentors along your career journey? How did it impact your career/journey navigating the media/entertainment industry?  Camacho: When I first started, this was in the late ’90s. I literally knew of only one other Latino executive in the business. You know, you could probably count them on a couple of fingers at the time. And when I reached out to him just to develop some sort of connection, he didn't seem too receptive to connect. And at the time, I was working as an assistant at ABC, and a young executive in our department named Lee kind of recognized that I was looking for that mentorship connection. And so he brought me into an informal mentorship group of black executives. And it was somewhat unexpectedly, that's where I really found my first kinship in the industry… They really took me in, they offered me invaluable guidance… My connection with Lee, you know, fostered, and I still to this day talk to him regularly. In fact, I spoke with him, you know, just a few weeks ago when I reached out to him for some career advice… So… going back to the early question, I think it's very important to have that mentorship. How has having a mentor impacted your career navigation/trajectory? What did you gain that you didn’t have before?  Jimenez: I think that it's made me more comfortable letting the journey be what it is… I had a very specific vision of what I wanted after graduation… I wanted to work in talent agencies, I wanted to be in LA,... the very traditional... structured journey, which I know in general, it's hard to attain, but I am someone that likes structure; I'm very Type A, like having everything planned… Unfortunately, that just didn't work out.  And so now I think then, for like, full transparency, I've kind of pivoted more into the public policy space, in part because I think obviously, there's a lot of changes going on federally and also globally… I have… a need for media to have a place in… how policy communication is made, what is going on in the world, including… news or… policy campaigns, that kind of work. I think with the Spanish-speaking community, that's something that I [have] seen a lack of. So obviously, it's very different from what I had originally intended. What I do think that this mentorship program gave me is… a lot of advice on how to deal with… interpersonal conflicts or just general career advice of how do you deal with any kind of work that is very public-facing, and being able to ultimately have the goals and do the work that you're trying to do. So, for example, you know, now that I'm kind of shifted more into that policy space, obviously, there are a lot of people that I don't agree with, or who I obviously I'm going to have conflicts with on a fundamental level… That's just the reality of the work that we're doing. The same can be said for the entertainment industry… It's not… an industry where every single person is going to get along or there's going to be issues, as with any kind of work.  But what I think both entertainment and policy have in common is that since they're both public-facing, a lot of the work that we're doing tends to be… more in the public eye. And obviously, everyone is going to have an opinion. I think Omar is someone that since he had more of… a behind the scenes kind of look into his work. It gave me… a guide for how to do my own work, where even if I am doing, you know, very public-facing work, I know what ultimately is important to me is staying true to my values, staying true to my own ethics… regardless of what people's opinions are with… I ultimately try not to lose sight of what I value, regardless of what other people around me are doing. What are three specific things you can say that you've gained or learned from participating in FUTURE NOW's mentorship program? Camacho:   For me… It was really a renewed sense of self… recognizing my values, my experience, my sense of purpose. I would say the second thing was… an opportunity to give back… It's all about helping this next generation of leaders learn from my mistakes, as well as my accomplishments. And then the third probably sounds like a Hollywood ending, but I think it's really a lasting friendship… I know my connection with Alex will continue beyond the program and it has… we have stayed in touch… even as I… went into the second year of this mentorship program. So I'm really excited to… stay connected with him and see him grow and be here… as a resource for him if he ever needs it. Jimenez:  A big one for me is confidence, confidence in my own professional abilities… When I first met Omar, I was a little intimidated since… he worked on the shows that I watched as a kid. But I think it made me confident, and being able to have the interpersonal skills to talk to someone on his level and while still respecting… his accomplishments. I would say it's also given me peace of mind in, again, just letting the journey be what it is, even if it wasn't the full… straight-to-LA-after-graduation and talent agency route that I thought I was going to have, being okay with my career pivoting or even adapting to… whatever it is in the moment and making the most of it… because I actually do like the work that I'm doing now, even if it isn't what I originally intended. And, I mean, again, I know it all sounds corny, but yes, I legitimately feel really comfortable with Omar. I think it's a lasting friendship and one that I still plan to invest… regardless of how different our careers end up looking, you know, it's someone, he's someone that I want to stay connected with. Final reflections/thoughts on the experience?  Camacho:  I would just say… to anybody…contemplating whether to get involved in the program [to]… do it. There's nothing to me more fulfilling than sharing your knowledge with that next generation… Mentoring, as I have mentioned… is really a chance to reflect on everything you've learned… It also allows you to open that door for your mentee to teach you something. And so… when I was working with Alex, he was able to offer me new perspectives, insights into how this next generation is thinking… I think in many ways, it was just a two way experience that is beneficial for both the mentor and the mentee.  Jimenez:  For me, I would say that… your mentor… will probably be… your strongest relationship during the program, but there are also other mentors there too, who are open to having you connect with them, who want to see you succeed. So if you see somebody who also has work experience or a title that you're really interested in learning more about, reach out to them, you know, they're here in your network too, and they want to help you. What would you say to someone who's considering applying for the FUTURE NOW Mentorship Program, but for some reason is on the fence or hesitant? Jimenez : Do it. It's a really good experience, even if you end up being someone like me who ends up maybe not doing as direct entertainment work as they originally intended. Again, these relationships are investments… if they can't get you… a job or… an opportunity right away, these are still people you're likely going to run into again in the future. I'm a big person in paying it forward, even if it's a relationship that maybe, you know, doesn't end up directly going into your field or your role. I'm very big on trying to give these opportunities to other people too, where if I learn about something or if, like, Omar makes a connection with me that I maybe am not as applicable to, you know, I still want to bring that to my friends, to my professional network so that they can take use out of it as well. And it's like Omar said, you know, it's really important to invest in the next generation. ~~~~~ Now in its seventh year, the FUTURE NOW Mentoring Program offers a truly transformative experience for both mentors and mentees. The program is open exclusively to FUTURE NOW Alumni—those who have attended the FUTURE NOW Media & Entertainment Conference. Across the highs, lows, and constant evolution of the media and entertainment industry, mentee Alex Jimenez and mentor Omar Camacho found common ground in their shared interests and experiences. As Jimenez notes, relationships like these are true “investments”—they grow over time, deepen with trust, and become invaluable and long-lasting.

This past summer, FUTURE NOW Founder & CEO, Peggy Kim, hosted a Leadership Talk with screenwriter Anna Throup, whose unique screenwriting journey has taken her to companies such as DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, Apple TV, and others. Thorup’s passion for media started at a young age in the suburbs of North Carolina. As a wheelchair user, she spent much of her time indoors reading and watching TV and movies, drawn to stories and storytelling.  “I was a real indoor kid growing up,” she told listeners. TV was her window into the world outside. When she was fourteen, Thorup was granted a wish from the Make-A-Wish Foundation and got the chance to visit the set of one of her favorite shows, The Office . The experience, she says, “cemented and clarified that this is what I wanted to do full-time.” Thorup visited the set, met the cast, and interacted with various writers and producers on the show. When she returned home, she sought opportunities to sharpen her skills as a writer, attended screenwriting summer programs at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, devoured the iconic screenwriting book  Save the Cat, and eventually interned at Skydance in Los Angeles. She then moved to LA after graduating from Emerson College with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Media Arts and Writing for Film & Television. “It became clear that I was either going to go to New York or I was going to go to LA,” Thorup said. However, even after she moved to LA, she didn’t think she would stay for more than five years.  “I remember… I was in an Uber and my Uber driver [and I] were talking about how I just moved to LA and he said, ‘If you're here for seven years, you'll be here forever.’ And I remember thinking, ‘There is absolutely no way I'm going to be here for seven years.’ It was so big and so sprawling…I said, I'm going to, you know, build a career and then move back to the East Coast, move to New York. And it's been 11 or 12 years now. I think I am here forever.” But it wasn’t all sunny in LA. For a year, Thorup didn’t have a job, which she described as “horrible and terrifying.” She eventually found script-reading jobs, where she wrote script coverage, summarizing and evaluating the story, characters, dialogue, structure, and marketability of the screenplay.  Thorup took a strategic approach to breaking into Hollywood. As a wheelchair user, traditional production assistant roles—demanding constant mobility and physical labor—weren’t practical. Instead, she pivoted to animation, a field where she could thrive at a desk and focus on creative work. “The minute I targeted and… planted that flag in what I wanted to do, opportunities started appearing,” she said. “It was much better than me coming out and just saying, ‘I will work anywhere, and I will do anything.’” Eventually, Thorup came across an assistant position at DreamWorks Animation and reached out to a fellow Emerson alum to discuss her options. Though Thorup learned that the job had already been filled, she still arranged a coffee with the alum, who introduced her to the Human Resources department at DreamWorks. Soon after, she landed a job, serving as a “go-between” for the creatives and those in other departments and managing schedules, answering phone calls for producers and directors, taking notes, and handling production schedules. The honeymoon period was short, however. Thorup explained, “While I loved the culture of DreamWorks and had a great time there [and] I'm very lucky that it was my first job, I very quickly realized that not being around creative work was not for me.” After a year and a half, Thorup left her position at DreamWorks, wanting—or so she thought—to pivot and work in development. Thorup had read a Facebook post in a group for Hollywood assistants and again utilized her network to secure a job at Netflix as a writer’s assistant. But, while she interacted with writers daily, she was still “working in the corporate office, so the next step would have been a lower-level executive role in development.”  Though she knew deep in her heart that she wanted to be a writer, she convinced herself to stay in the job for the sake of stability.  “I remember one of my bosses pulled me into her office once and said, ‘I think you want to write.’ I was like, ‘No, this is exactly what I want. No, I don't. That's crazy.’  Even so, Thorup’s love for writing could not be contained. She came alive when she was reading scripts, meeting with writers, and sitting in on brainstorming sessions.  “I had thought about ways to leave and go right, and I was too scared to do them until I got laid off from Netflix and was forced to reconcile with what I actually wanted.” Leaving Netflix forced Thorup to rethink and re-strategize, which prompted an idea for a script. “ I took myself to New York for the summer for an ‘eat, pray, love’ summer of figuring out who I was. I thought about going to grad school, and I thought about working in publishing. Instead, I had time to write a script.”  The script was inspired by Thorup’s life experience as a wheelchair user in her early 20s, and she sent it to anyone who would listen, including her old boss at Netflix, and it caught the eye of Will Gluck, writer and director of 2023’s Anyone But You. One meeting later, Gluck said the magic words to Thorup: “We would love to work with you.”  Thorup soon found herself with a team behind her, including a showrunner from Netflix, who guided her through the process of pitching her script for the first time. Thorup did six or seven pitches via Zoom and was running out of steam. The very last place they went to pitch was at ABC, and there, they struck gold.  “I think [we] just, as sort of a Hail Mary, sent it over to them, and they asked to meet me, and we had a conversation, and they bought it, which was great. So then we got to develop it with them.” It took five months to revise the script with ABC. Thorup explained that while some studios like ABC will buy shows “on pitch,” meaning there is no script, but things like characters, plot points, and general themes have been finalized. She recommends that aspiring writers have a script in hand when they go to a studio: “If you want to be a writer, you have to write a script, especially for first-time writers. They'll want to see that.” Thorup shared that her writing process varies from project to project. “Some projects kind of walk into your brain almost fully formed, and it feels like magic, but most of the time that does not happen.” Often, a script starts with an idea for a single scene, and once she has a few pages written down, she will “go back and start being a little bit more analytical about it and write a pretty detailed outline.”  After drafting and outlining, she’ll send the script to her friends and industry peers for feedback and do another round of revisions.  “I do find, in some new writers, a fear of sharing their work,” Thorup said, “whether it's a fear of being vulnerable and putting themselves out there, which I totally get, or of this kind of fear that it will be taken.”  But, she explained that the industry lives and dies by collaboration and relationships, even between writers. It’s not just sitting alone and typing on a computer. Thorup “constantly” sends her own scripts to her friends and peers, who are more than happy to help.  Once a show is sold, collaboration becomes even more crucial. “You have to understand that it [the script] is no longer just yours.” Collaboration is key, and so is learning how to pick your battles.  “How do we want to move forward?” Thorup asked. “Do we want to… push back on that and explain to them why [we want to keep something] or do we want to… let them have this one and find a way to make this work and then do something else.”  Thorup has faced her share of obstacles and challenges in forging a career in Hollywood, but she has been smart, bold, and strategic in her approach, overcoming fear and imposter syndrome, and continually refining her skills while doing what she loves. Recently, she was awarded The Inevitable Foundation’s Accelerate Fellowship, a six-month intensive that gives disabled film and television writers $40,000 grants and mentorship to develop a film or television spec script and get it ready to take to market. The program is supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity. Sharing some final words of wisdom, Thorup noted how important building and maintaining relationships has been in forming the foundation of her career, whether it be with her Emerson College alums, old coworkers at Netflix, or studio heads at ABC.  “The motto that I've tried to operate under is… ‘Follow the good people and go where they go [because] good begets good.’ …That is how I've gotten every single job is just trying to be nice and build relationships. And that is so valuable in the industry.”

From October 9th - 12th, close to 250,000 attendees flocked to New York Comic Con (NYCC) at the Javits Center. I was one of several dozen FUTURE NOW alumni fortunate enough to receive last-minute all-access badges.  Everyone interested in media and entertainment should attend Comic Con at least once in their lifetime.  The moment you enter the Javits Center, you're surrounded by a sea of characters who look like they’ve just leapt off the screen of an epic Marvel movie. From towering robots visible from across the hall to kids beaming with joy as they live out their superhero dreams, the energy is electric. On Saturday, we kicked off the day by exploring the bustling show floor, packed with booths from nearly every animated show, production studio, and film franchise you can think of. There were hands-on video game demos, exclusive giveaways, trading card battles, live animation drawing, and book signings. We even got to take a picture with the legendary DuoLingo bird! Then, we went to an exclusive episode screening of the new Batman show, Bat-Fam . The new Warner Bros. animated series is coming to Amazon Prime on November 10th and follows Batman’s life as a new dad alongside his son Damian Wayne. Producer Mike Roth interviewed cast members Luke Wilson (Batman), Yonas Kibreab (Damian Wayne), and London Hughes (Alicia Pennyworth). At just 14 years old, Kibreab talked about how posting on social media garnered the attention of an agent and led to an impressive resume, including Star Wars  (Jedi Youngling), Disney (voice of Elio ), and now DC Comics. Next, we headed to the exclusive premiere of The Littles , a short film starring Violet McGraw ( M3GAN 2.0 ), Dominic Sherwood ( Shadowhunters ), and Janel Parrish ( Pretty Little Liars ). At the entrance, we were greeted by the passionate writer, director, and producer Andrew Duplessie, who handed out tickets for his premiere’s raffle giveaway. The Littles was a labor of love for Duplessie, who masterfully blends stop-motion animation with live-action. He revealed that the stop-motion scenes took almost three months to create, and that he has finished a script turning the short into a feature, which is nearing a greenlight. We finished our Saturday by heading to FX’s sneak peek of showrunner Ryan Murphy’s new thriller series The Beauty , about billionaires creating a new “fountain of youth” drug with deadly side effects. Murphy interviewed his star-studded cast: Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Ashton Kutcher, Rebecca Hall, and Jeremy Pope, who he claims were all his first-choice actors for the series. Kutcher noted that the series feels more relevant now than ever with the rise of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and billionaires investing millions in creating a real “fountain of youth” drug. On Sunday, we wrapped up Comic Con with a special panel featuring Laurence Fishburne and Joe Pantoliano as they reflected on how The Matrix  changed their lives and careers. Fishburne, a self-proclaimed anime and comic book fan, said that if acting hadn’t worked out, he’d be at Comic Con purely as a fan. When The Matrix  was pitched to him as a “live-action anime,” he knew immediately it was something he wanted to be part of. He and Pantoliano spoke about the intense physical training required for the film’s now-iconic fight scenes, which left their hands bruised and battered.  At the time, The Matrix  was a huge gamble for Warner Bros.—the Wachowskis had only directed one low-budget indie, and sci-fi wasn’t seen as a guaranteed box office draw. But it paid off. The film went on to reshape the genre and inspire decades of sci-fi storytelling. Twenty-six years later, both actors said they’d be open to returning to their legendary roles. Thanks to FUTURE NOW, I was able to attend Comic Con not only as a fan but as someone passionate about the future of entertainment. It was a weekend that reminded me why I fell in love with entertainment in the first place.

By Kayon Ferguson Hispanic Heritage Month is in full swing, celebrating the significant achievements and impact of the Latino and Hispanic communities on the nation’s culture and history. It started strong with the announcement that Colombian singer Karol G will be headlining Coachella in 2026 as the first female Hispanic artist to do so. Ever since winning the Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 2018, she has shown no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, the global music phenomenon Bad Bunny has been consistently using his platform to champion his homeland of Puerto Rico. His historic residency held only in Puerto Rico during its traditionally low tourism month of July had a direct economic impact on the island.  By choosing to center his performances at home rather than in Las Vegas, he highlighted the island's culture, fostering a great sense of pride and dedication among his people. His recent SNL debut and upcoming Super Bowl Halftime Show have cemented him as a global superstar, and his commitment to supporting his homeland underscores the deep connection many Hispanic celebrities maintain with their roots.  This was on full display at the Global Citizen Festival last month, where attendees were introduced to Hispanic culture as Colombian singers Camilo and Shakira performed. The atmosphere was electric during Shakira’s set as she performed her hits: She Wolf , Hips Don't Lie , Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) , and Whenever, Wherever . Shakira's performance at the festival, coupled with her recent Grammy win for Best Pop Vocal Album for Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran , speaks to her ongoing impact and influence. Beyond her music, she has been dedicated for decades to advocating for global education through her Pies Descalzos Foundation, embodying the spirit of giving back and using her fame for global good. The impact of artists like Bad Bunny, Karol G, Shakira, and figures like Sofia Vergara extends far beyond entertainment. Their success serves as an inspiration for young Latinos, showing them that their culture, language, and heritage are something they should take great pride in. They are not just making great art; they are fundamentally reshaping the global cultural landscape and celebrating the vast spectrum and vibrancy of the Hispanic experience.

Look! Up in the sky! Is it a bird? Or a plane? Nope, it’s society’s fleeting appreciation for feel-good superhero movies. I know everyone wants to be thought-provoking and mysterious, but sometimes, feeling hopeful and giddy is exactly what the world needs. Millions of people walked out of the theater feeling that way after seeing Superman (2025). James Gunn, the current head of DC Studios, kicks off his DC cinematic universe by building the world of Superman.  Gunn has been very open about his mission to shine the spotlight on the lesser-known comic book characters while still incorporating the household names we all know and love, and so for the first time in almost a decade, our beloved boy in blue is back once again, fighting for truth, justice, and a better tomorrow. Superman stars David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman/Kal-El, Rachel Brosnahan as investigative journalist Lois Lane, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, and Nicholas Hoult as bald billionaire hater Lex Luthor. These four characters are the foundation of everything Superman, and Gunn does an incredible job of letting each of them shine.  My favorite aspect of this film is the fact that we don’t get another drawn-out character backstory for the Kryptonian; we all know he’s the last son of Krypton, and that his parents sent him to Earth for survival. But there is an interesting twist this time around. Kal-El’s treasured video message from his birth parents is not what it seemed to be. Lex Luthor got his hands on this video message and revealed that the Kryptonians may have had more nefarious reasons for sending Kal-El to Earth. Now, Superman has to deal with an existential crisis on top of trying to stop a war, exposing Lex Luthor’s true colors, and finding his alien dog named Krypto. My absolute favorite scene in the movie is the semi-professional, impromptu interview Lois has with Supes during their three-months-of-dating celebration. Gunn expressed the creative gamble he was taking with this scene by saying,   “The biggest risk I took was putting a 12-minute talking scene in a superhero movie…there’s just no doubt… It's fantastic.”  I agree.  Corenswet and Brosnahan capture the dynamic of Clark and Lois impeccably. All Clark wants to do is help people and save lives; he doesn’t care about getting permission. Superman does not sit idly by while people are suffering, and while Lois agrees that saving lives is important, her inner journalist can’t help but feel suspicious over Superman’s motives. Does he get a power kick out of beating up evildoers? Why does he get so defensive when anyone, including his girlfriend, criticizes him? How can he be so oblivious to the fact that he isn’t truly acting on his own when interfering with international affairs?  All these questions and more are touched upon during this scene, and I loved every minute of it. It captures the core of Superman’s values that kindness is the greatest superpower one can have. Lois and the audience have this conversation in the back of their minds for the rest of the movie. It forces you to see things from Superman’s perspective and ultimately ask yourself that burning question: What would Superman do? One of the most beautiful things about Superman is that, despite being the strongest man on Earth, he still needs help. Lois and Jimmy are more than Clark’s co-workers; they’re his (and Superman’s) friends, and they handle the groundwork. Jimmy pursues his leads to obtain evidence proving Lex is involved in the impending war across the ocean, while Lois partners up with Mr. Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced) to tackle the laundry list of crises happening all at once. This is where Gunn fulfills his mission of introducing characters that many people haven’t heard of before, and I am very appreciative of finally getting to see a new set of characters make their cinematic debut in such an awesome way.  Mr. Terrific is an intellectual genius who specializes in creating advanced technology. Guy is a clumsy Green Lantern who likes to do things his way, and Hawkgirl is a war general from the planet Thanagar, who swings first and asks questions later. The clash of personalities, playful banter, and shared superhero pride created an incredible dynamic between Supes and this trio known as the “Justice Gang” (this is why Guy Gardner is not allowed to name things). My only complaint is that I would’ve liked to see their development firsthand a bit more, but the movie is called Superman  and not Superman & Friends , so I’ll take what I can get.  Speaking of taking what I can get, Superman  isn’t the only comic book movie we’re getting this summer. Fantastic Four: The First Steps premiered on July 25th, and everyone is gearing up for the age-old debate: Who did it better, DC or Marvel? For the better part of a decade, Marvel has been putting out one box office hit after another, creating a cult of movie-goers whose sole purpose is to support the MCU. Mastermind Kevin Feige and his team specialize in making movies that you can enjoy without having to read any comic books. This has brought together nerds and normies alike to follow along on the epic cinematic journey, and Avengers: Endgame  broke the box office and became the highest-grossing comic book movie ever  with its nearly $2.8 billion global earnings.  You could say that DC has been struggling to keep up, trying and failing time and time again to show the world that there is more to them than a depressed billionaire in a bat suit and an alien farm boy in a cape. I’d like to believe that the current DCU launching with our very own symbol of hope at its forefront isn’t a coincidence and that this shared hope will carry into next year for Supergirl’s cinematic debut. Superman  set the stage for his cousin’s film during its opening weekend by bringing home a total of $217 million, which is a win considering its predecessors. Do I think a DC movie is going to break any box office records? Not at all, but I’m excited to see characters I grew up with on the big screen again, and that’s more important to me than societal approval. I often wonder what comes to mind when people think about Superman. Do they consider the box office earnings as well-earned, or could it have been better? I asked one of my friends for his opinion after seeing the movie, and he was leaning towards the latter. He prefaced by saying, “It was a great movie but…,” and I readied myself for a debate. Apparently, he was dissatisfied with the “weak” portrayal of Superman’s powers since Clark, and I quote, “is basically a God.” I know you can’t see me, but I’m staring blankly into the camera right now.  Anyways, I spent the next 30 minutes trying to explain to him that the point clearly went over his head. That he’s right, Superman is essentially a god amongst men, but does he act like it? Do you think Zeus, the Greek god of Lightning, would get a job as a journalist? Take time out of his day to help an old woman cross the street or save a cat stuck in a tree? Absolutely not, because like many gods, he believed he was too good for those things. That mentality is what separates Superman from other godlike beings. It’s why Lex Luthor dedicates his life to destroying Superman—because he feels inadequate and he can’t comprehend that someone with God-like powers would spend his time helping humanity. Superman holds a mirror up to people by being kind… and how dare an alien be more human than humans themselves? For almost a century, Superman has been a symbol of hope. An emblem for people to stand up for what’s right, even if that means you stand alone. To prove that even someone from an alien planet who grew up on a small farm in Kansas can be a part of humanity and can help change it for the better. By the end of Superman’s aforementioned existential crisis, he realizes that he doesn’t have to be what his birth parents sent him to be. He can do what feels right to him and guide humanity into a peaceful, more accepting era through kindness, not brute force.  I don’t think it’s far-fetched to say that James Gunn and everyone behind this recent Superman project portrayed the best Man of Steel we’ve seen in a long time. And while Gotham’s Dark Knight will always be number one in my heart, the overgrown Boy Scout in Metropolis earned his place in there, too.

José Morales, Vice President & Executive Producer, Original Content, ESPN Earlier this year, FUTURE NOW welcomed Jose Morales, Vice President and Executive Producer of Original Content at ESPN, to the (virtual) stage for a Leadership Talk to discuss his career with FUTURE NOW Founder and CEO, Peggy Kim.  Morales, who grew up in Connecticut, joked that ESPN “was in my backyard.” Being a big sports fan and living so close to the company, Morales’s eventual employment at ESPN seemed destined, though his interest was more in sports than cameras. “I was not doing movies as a kid, none of that. I was just a sports kid.”   However, in college, he shifted his focus to communications and journalism, taking television production classes at the University of Connecticut. It was only a matter of time before he figured, “Why not just try to get my foot in the door at ESPN and figure it out from there?”  After graduating, he leveraged his alumni network to secure his first job as a production assistant, thanks to his impressive performance on the sports trivia questions during the interview. “I applied to that production assistant program, and a lot of it was a kind of… a sports quiz that you had to take to… get your foot in the door, and that was it. And then it ultimately led down this crazy path of storytelling.” His time there was, initially, short-lived, as he decided to follow his future wife to San Diego for her PhD program. But he eventually returned to ESPN as an associate producer to work on what he calls "glorified infomercials” to pitch ESPN’s sports packages to DirecTV. At that time, ESPN’s biggest shows were College GameDay and NFL Countdown. “If you had any interest in being a storyteller, you would try to get on those shows,” Morales said. “Those shows would have what I would call these ‘short features’ within them, right? …You would try to do these short two- to three-minute stories around these prominent athletes in either college football or the NFL.” Morales eventually made his way over to College GameDay, where he found himself leading a feature on Bobby Bowden, the Florida State University football coach at the time. After his grandson passed away in a tragic car accident, the FSU team rallied around Bowden.  “We told the story beautifully,” Morales shared proudly. “Bobby's daughter, the mom of the boy who died, wrote me a handwritten note in a card and sent it to ESPN [via] snail mail, which nobody does anymore, but [she] sent me a beautiful handwritten card just saying, ‘Thank you for sharing my son's story. I had tears in my eyes watching it, and just thank you for what you do.’” It was then that Morales realized what he wanted to dedicate his life to. “That was the moment for me.” Now, with his recent promotion, Morales oversees almost eight hundred pieces of content per year, which not only get distributed on ESPN’s traditional linear channels, but also on YouTube, social media, and ESPN linear streaming. “Part of my job is to think [about] how do we chart a path forward in terms of storytelling.” With the media landscape changing so rapidly, Morales admits, “So what… that looks like a year from now is actually probably going to be different than it currently exists today. Most people come to ESPN for live sporting events, right? They haven't come in droves to watch original content just yet, and that's what I do. So part of our thinking… and what we need to be focused on here is, how do we get the ESPN viewer to come looking for original content on streaming?” In addition to developing a content strategy and producing the content, Morales must lead his team, which consists of fifty to sixty people at any given time.  “It took me a while to feel comfortable,” he admitted. “All of a sudden, I was leading a bunch of producers and directors who [I] actually came into the business with, right? So they were my peers one day, and then all of a sudden, I'm [the boss]. That can be a little uncomfortable… I'm… [now] your manager. I'm not your friend.”  This is one of the most challenging aspects of leadership, but leading with empathy has been Morales's greatest strength.  As Morales has risen through the ranks, his role has also changed, which has meant fewer opportunities to be in the field and “going out and doing the work myself.”  He has had to learn to adjust to satisfying his creative chops differently. “I get to make suggestions on content and say, ‘This works,’ or ‘This doesn’t work.’…Finding that fine line of not saying, ‘This is how I would do it, and you should do it this way,’ because a lot of the role is very creative…and we don’t want to take away the creativity from the producer unless it’s just flatly wrong.” With such an impressive résumé, how does Morales view success? Of course, “it’s nice to have a lot of people watch the content.” But above all, he wants to be a great storyteller.  Morales worked on  a story about an indigenous women’s softball team in Mexico, who faced racism, sexism, and countless other obstacles, but insisted on playing in traditional dress, and “before you know it, they were traveling around Mexico to play in these stadiums that women… weren’t allowed to play in.” While it might not be a ratings hit today, “that's a really important story to tell, right? So, to me, that's successful, whether it wins an award or not…. It's about the human experience. It's about great characters. So that's success to me.” Morales closed with advice for future leaders, encouraging them to stay true to who they are, keep moving forward, and keep building their network. “I think that's so critical. And this is part of what this [FUTURE NOW] is, right? Finding connections in the industry.”  Making connections is easier than ever—and sending that message, showing up for that networking event, volunteering…could open doors you never imagined…like they did for Morales.

If you’ve just attended the FUTURE NOW Media and Entertainment Conference for the first time, you should consider going again! My first year at FUTURE NOW was something I will never forget. It opened my eyes to an entirely new world. I learned about a variety of jobs I had never heard of and career paths I could take. I met kind and experienced people in the industry, offering their time and expertise, and connected with wonderful peers that I am still in contact with today.  However, attending the conference was only the beginning of my involvement with FUTURE NOW: I attended workshops throughout the year and was selected for FUTURE NOW’s mentorship program. After the conference, you are eligible for the mentorship program. I applied and was accepted, and I had the privilege of spending 9 months being mentored by a top leader in the industry. As I became more involved in the FUTURE NOW community, I was compelled to come back for a second time.  Students from Temple University at the 2025 FUTURE NOW Conference. Click to play video. I clearly remember the anxiety and uncertainty I felt before and during my first FUTURE NOW Conference. I didn’t know what to expect. I was worried if I was wearing the right clothes and questioned if I would be able to connect with the professionals. This year was different.  I arrived with clarity, confidence, and clear goals. I had done intentional research, reflected on where I’d grown, and felt a deep sense of belonging the moment I stepped back into those rooms. It was impactful to witness my growth. Because of everything I had learned over the past year through my deeper involvement with FUTURE NOW, the panels and speakers held new meaning. The confidence I had gained made me enter each room knowing I had something to contribute and that I deserved to be heard. Last year, I built strong and meaningful connections with other students and attendees. This time, I had the confidence to connect with speakers and professionals as well. As I think back to how unsure I felt last year, I can see how far I’ve come, and I’m very proud of that.  Attending the conference for a second time as a rising senior was especially beneficial to me. I asked more thoughtful and precise questions and could share clearer career goals that helped build stronger connections. It was particularly special to see familiar faces and see the growth my peers had made as well. Having the opportunity to reconnect with people from last year deepened my sense of community and purpose.  I am grateful for all the ways in which FUTURE NOW has contributed to my professional and personal growth. If you’re debating whether to attend for a second time, I say do it! You’ll be surprised by how much more you’ll get out of it a second time around.

"FUTURE NOW is more than just a conference. For me, it has truly been a foundational moment in my journey  thus far, and I'm excited to see what the future holds." - L. Snow, University of Wisconsin-Madison "Having access  to viable information sessions on the media and entertainment industry and getting to connect  with current professionals and rising leaders from all over the country is a blessing — an opportunity I am honored to have been afforded." - T. Starks, Pace University" I highly recommend this conference to anyone interested in the Media and Entertainment industries. It was great to experience the broader media industry and gain new perspectives . I cannot wait to see how attending this conference helps me grow." - M. Veras, Temple University "Looking back, this conference was not just an amazing opportunity to network with employers and learn about job paths—it was genuinely a cool experience to grow and connect with people like me: my industry peers . It was i nspiring to hear their stories and build connections beyond a classroom or a Zoom call." - A. Wenger, Seton Hall University "The conference was an amazing experience that delivered on every front – from g aining valuable insights into the evolving media landscape to connecting with talented industry professionals  and meeting other students in my field from around the country,  who I'm excited to call new friends ." - R. Solomon, Northeastern University "This three-day conference consisted of networking, keynote speakers, and mentoring sessions. All of this left me feeling both inspired and excited for my future work within this industry, and I am grateful for the entire experience." - K. Berardino, Fairfield University "This year truly resonated , not just through connecting with amazing professionals , but also by forming deeper bonds with inspiring students . Those connections made the experience even more special." - D. Cooper, Rutgers University" It was an inspiring experience  filled with i nsightful conversations , meaningful connections , and valuable lessons  at the intersection of business, media, and technology. I especially appreciated hearing from professionals as they shared practical advice and personal stories  to help guide the next generation of industry leaders." C. Gerardi, Fairfield University "The FutureNow community’s dedication to the intersection between data-driven cultural insight and powerful storytelling invigorated me ." - T. Gitlin, Union College "Getting to speak with professionals from these companies gave me  invaluable insight  into different corners of the industry and left me feeling more focused  about where I see myself in this space." - L. Greaves, Brown University "I’m truly grateful for this experience. It brought me one step closer to the career I’ve envisioned, and I’m walking away feeling inspired, enriched, and excited for what’s ahead." D. Kaminski, Stockton University "The chance to learn from and engage with driven, successful, and passionate individuals is at the heart of this program—and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue to pursue a career in media. From honest advice  about breaking into the industry to seeing the behind-the-scenes of major media organizations, every moment was impactful ." - E. Ko, Williams College "I left [the conference] inspired , with new knowledge  and a clearer understanding of what I want to do post-graduation." - C. Lvov, Pepperdine University" This event has cemented that this is the right career path for me. It has also dramatically boosted my confidence  in my abilities. I believe that I was able to truly connect with people whom I had never met before, and quickly build relationships  with them that I will maintain for the rest of my life...I am still in awe at how intelligent, articulate, professional, passionate, caring, and genuine every single person that I met was." - B. Mari Davis, Temple University "I am beyond grateful to have met so many passionate professionals through powerful panels to meaningful one-on-one conversations . Every moment spent connecting with such ambitious and driven leaders reminded me why this industry matters ." - A. Mueller, University of Wisconsin-Madison "From hearing real stories and insights  about the industry to asking questions  and building connections  with professionals from some of the biggest names in entertainment, it was both eye-opening and encouraging . I walked away feeling inspired and reminded of the importance of staying curious, being open to new ideas, and taking chances  — because you never know where it might lead in your career." - E. Nuñez, University of Maryland This event has cemented that this is the right career path for me. It has also dramatically boosted my confidence in my abilities. I was a bit unsure about how I would feel at Future Now since I didn’t know anyone attending beforehand...I met more people than I could have predicted ...I was able to truly connect with people whom I had never met before, and quickly build relationships with them that I will maintain for the rest of my life. I am still in awe at how intelligent, articulate, professional, passionate, caring, and genuine every single person that I met was. And that is really a testament to Margaret Kim and anyone else involved with selecting who will attend...The Future… is NOW! - B. Davis - Temple University "The volunteers taught me something the most valuable, which is that giving  just an ounce of your time, just a minute, goes a long way in building a community  that nourishes the environment for a network to grow, such as this one. Thank you, thank you, thank you." C. Ruiz, Temple University "Throughout the conference, I listened to powerful conversations about how the media landscape is changing, the future of content, and what it takes to grow in this field. I also got to meet amazing students and mentors from across the country who reminded me why I care so deeply about this industry." - Z. Shantique, Temple University “As a young New Zealander building a life in the media realm, being in the room with this many generous, passionate leaders  was beyond inspiring” - J. Taylor Gray, Temple University “I’m endlessly inspired by the volunteers, alumni, and team at FUTURE NOW—their dedication to mentoring the next generation is why I remain so committed to supporting nonprofits and people-first organizations in this space.” - H. Kirk, Ringling College of Art and Design “I recently had the incredible opportunity  to attend the FUTURE NOW Media Foundation, Inc .  conference for the third year in a row. People often ask why I come back time and time again, and it's because each year FUTURE NOW delivers richer experiences, deeper insights, and stronger connections .” - C. de la Masa, University of Wisconsin-Madison

"FUTURE NOW is more than just a conference. For me, it has truly been a foundational moment in my journey  thus far, and I'm excited to see what the future holds." - L. Snow, University of Wisconsin-Madison "Having access  to viable information sessions on the media and entertainment industry and getting to connect  with current professionals and rising leaders from all over the country is a blessing — an opportunity I am honored to have been afforded." - T. Starks, Pace University "I highly recommend this conference to anyone interested in the Media and Entertainment industries. It was great to experience the broader media industry and gain new perspectives . I cannot wait to see how attending this conference helps me grow." - M. Veras, Temple University "Looking back, this conference was not just an amazing opportunity to network with employers and learn about job paths—it was genuinely a cool experience to grow and connect with people like me: my industry peers . It was i nspiring to hear their stories and build connections beyond a classroom or a Zoom call." - A. Wenger, Seton Hall University "The conference was an amazing experience that delivered on every front – from g aining valuable insights into the evolving media landscape to connecting with talented industry professionals  and meeting other students in my field from around the country , who I'm excited to call new friends ." - R. Solomon, Northeastern University "This three-day conference consisted of networking, keynote speakers, and mentoring sessions. All of this left me feeling both inspired and excited for my future work within this industry, and I am grateful for the entire experience." - K. Berardino, Fairfield University "This year truly resonated , not just through connecting with amazing professionals , but also by forming deeper bonds with inspiring students . Those connections made the experience even more special." - D. Cooper, Rutgers University "It was an inspiring experience  filled with i nsightful conversations , meaningful connections , and valuable lessons  at the intersection of business, media, and technology. I especially appreciated hearing from professionals as they shared practical advice and personal stories  to help guide the next generation of industry leaders." C. Gerardi, Fairfield University "The FutureNow community’s dedication to the intersection between data-driven cultural insight and powerful storytelling invigorated me ." - T. Gitlin, Union College "Getting to speak with professionals from these companies gave me  invaluable insight  into different corners of the industry and left me feeling more focused  about where I see myself in this space." - L. Greaves, Brown University "I’m truly grateful for this experience. It brought me one step closer to the career I’ve envisioned, and I’m walking away feeling inspired, enriched, and excited for what’s ahead." D. Kaminski, Stockton University "The chance to learn from and engage with driven, successful, and passionate individuals is at the heart of this program—and it’s something I’ll carry with me as I continue to pursue a career in media. From honest advice  about breaking into the industry to seeing the behind-the-scenes of major media organizations, every moment was impactful ." - E. Ko, Williams College "I left [the conference] inspired , with new knowledge  and a clearer understanding of what I want to do post-graduation." - C. Lvov, Pepperdine University "This event has cemented that this is the right career path for me. It has also dramatically boosted my confidence  in my abilities. I believe that I was able to truly connect with people whom I had never met before, and quickly build relationships  with them that I will maintain for the rest of my life...I am still in awe at how intelligent, articulate, professional, passionate, caring, and genuine every single person that I met was." - B. Mari Davis, Temple University "I am beyond grateful to have met so many passionate professionals through powerful panels to meaningful one-on-one conversations . Every moment spent connecting with such ambitious and driven leaders reminded me why this industry matters ." - A. Mueller, University of Wisconsin-Madison "From hearing real stories and insights  about the industry to asking questions  and building connections  with professionals from some of the biggest names in entertainment, it was both eye-opening and encouraging . I walked away feeling inspired and reminded of the importance of staying curious, being open to new ideas, and taking chances  — because you never know where it might lead in your career." - E. Nuñez, University of Maryland "The volunteers taught me something the most valuable, which is that giving  just an ounce of your time, just a minute, goes a long way in building a community  that nourishes the environment for a network to grow, such as this one. Thank you, thank you, thank you." C. Ruiz, Temple University "Throughout the conference, I listened to powerful conversations about how the media landscape is changing, the future of content, and what it takes to grow in this field. I also got to meet amazing students and mentors from across the country who reminded me why I care so deeply about this industry." - Z. Shantique, Temple University “As a young New Zealander building a life in the media realm, being in the room with this many generous, passionate leaders  was beyond inspiring” - J. Taylor Gray, Temple University “I’m endlessly inspired by the volunteers, alumni, and team at FUTURE NOW—their dedication to mentoring the next generation is why I remain so committed to supporting nonprofits and people-first organizations in this space.” - H. Kirk, Ringling College of Art and Design “I recently had the incredible opportunity  to attend the FUTURE NOW Media Foundation, Inc.  conference for the third year in a row. People often ask why I come back time and time again, and it's because each year FUTURE NOW delivers richer experiences, deeper insights, and stronger connections .” - C. de la Masa, University of Wisconsin-Madison

In seemingly no time, one year has passed between my first and second year attending FUTURE NOW’s annual Media and Entertainment Conference in NYC. I left my first conference in 2024 feeling both inspired and empowered, prompting me to want to share this experience with others. I began volunteering for FUTURE NOW as a Campus Ambassador, where I spent the past year sharing FUTURE NOW with students at my alma mater, Agnes Scott College. This involved communicating with a plethora of professors, student organizations, and individual students. I was so excited about FUTURE NOW that I also reached  out to colleges in my hometown of Chicago.  The experience of representing FUTURE NOW made me incredibly excited for what was to come, and this year’s conference managed to exceed my already high expectations.  Panel - SHOW ME THE MONEY: Navigating Platforms, Audiences & Algorithms I made incredible connections with many entertainment professionals through the speed mentoring sessions and various panels featured in the conference and had an amazing time meeting other attendees. I also had the opportunity to attend three media tours at Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount, and Hearst. All of the tours were incredibly insightful and inspiring, and as FUTURE NOW’s name suggests, painted the picture of what my soon-to-be future could look like.  Media Tour - DotDash Meredith The conference consisted of three days of nonstop education, where I gained incredible insights and established relationships with students and professionals alike. Some of my happiest memories from the conference are from just talking with my fellow students. I could finally meet in person my peers whom I had recruited to attend the conference, and I made friends with people with shared and differing career interests and passions.  This year’s conference epitomized connection. I shared many laughs, firm handshakes, LinkedIn QR codes, and memories with the other attendees—memories that will last a lifetime.  New connections, new friends Similar to last year, this year’s welcoming reception for the conference was hosted at the Paramount headquarters in Times Square. Here, I felt that same feeling I had when I walked through those doors a year ago: inspiration. Walking the hallways decorated with iconic scenes from Paramount films and television shows was awe-inspiring. I was surrounded by pieces of media that shaped not just my upbringing but culture at large. I turned to the person next to me and said, “This is so affirming. This is where I’m meant to be.” I knew then that my dreams were not a long shot, my goals were not intangible or out of reach, but they are attainable and within my grasp.