By Cyndy Drue

The Behind The Scenes Panel : Catherine Brown, Local AFTRA President, DGA Director Laura Duzen, creator of The Rugrats amimated series Joe Ansolabehere.

The 2009 Broadcast & Entertainment Industry Career Day was held Saturday, April 4, 2009 on the campus of Villanova University. The event was sponsored and organized by AFTRA’s Philadelphia Local with the participation of Villanova University and Temple University. Philadelphia Vice President Dan Hunt created the idea and organized the event. Over one hundred and sixty people, students from area universities such as Villanova, Temple, Cabrini, University of Pennsylvania, and Drexel University, plus members of AFTRA, SAG and Actor’s Equity registered to attend. Because Villanova was in the playoffs that night in Detroit, some of the students went to see the game which lowered attendance somewhat.

Utilizing modern media technology the President of Villanova, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, delivered his opening remarks in a video, leaving the live opening remarks to Dan Hunt and Local President Catherine Brown.

Four panels consisting of On-Air Talent, Casting Directors, The Business of the Business, and Behind the Scenes were presented in three sessions so attendees would be able to access all four.

Panelists included: WMMR’s Pierre Robert, Local Secretary and staffer at WMMR and WMGK Cyndy Drue, Casting Director Diane Heery, Philly Local President Catherine Brown and Local Executive Director, Steve Leshinski, Local SAG president Tom McCarthy, DGA Director Laura Duzen, creator of the Rugrats amimated series Joe Ansolabehere, WMDT news anchor woman (and former Villanova student) Katherine Amenta, attorneys Mary Cavallaro and Dave Frankel, and comedy producer/writer Clay Heery.

Many thanks to the Villanova University Department of Communications and Villanova Career Services for all their help producing the event.