Entertainment Kesher Boot Camp

Aug 03, 2011 | The Wire

The Federation's 2011 Master Class in Film & Television just wrapped up and participant Boris Kievsky shared a few words with us about his experience.

"They say that in this town it's all about connections. I never wanted to believe them. After all, I don't have an uncle named Spielberg or Emanuel - I have no family at all for 3000 miles. Now that I've been on the Entertainment Master Class, I not only believe it, I embrace it.

No, I didn't get a multi-picture plus three-pilot commitment with the five studios we visited; nor did I *actually* move into JJ Abrams' office despite my flights of fantasy at the time. What I got was better. Kesher.

I know now how this industry works. How Peter Roth selects projects, how Chuck Lorre manages three shows, and how Michael Wright brands and markets his network. I get now why the amazing Nina Tassler is so respected and admired, why the inimitable Danny Sussman is as passionate about the Federation as he is about his clients, and why good people do get ahead (hint: other good people help them), even in Los Angeles. Kesher.

More importantly, I know people now. I'm not referring to the amazing machers I've met and hope to work with soon. I'm talking about my peers in Los Angeles with whom I can exchange ideas and work on projects; my peers in Tel Aviv whom I can't wait to visit and with whom I will seek ways to collaborate; my friends on both sides of the planet to whom I can reach out for help, guidance and support. Kesher.

Look out, world - Boris Kievsky is connected!"

Connect with Boris & check out his work at MatterDoor.com.

About the Master Class in Film & Television

Our Federation funds a number of programs that connect local community members directly with our family in Israel. These connections forge strong personal relationships, and a shared understanding of Jewish peoplehood, while strengthening Jewish identity for all. For 13 years, the Master Class in Film & Television, a program of our Tel Aviv/Los Angeles Partnership, has been a unique way for up-and-coming entertainment professionals in Hollywood and Israel to team up to learn from one another and develop enduring friendships – not to mention collaborations that have led to produced work in film, television, and music. Masters include studio heads, network executives, producers, writers, directors, actors, talent managers, agents, entertainment lawyers and more.

In honor of the Federation’s Centennial, this year’s Master Class took place in L.A., providing 14 participants from Israel and 12 from our community with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to network with the “who’s who” of Hollywood. We thank our L.A. chairs Nina Tassler and Danny Sussman, our Tel-Aviv chair Mickey Yerushalmy, as well as all of our Masters who gave so graciously of their time and insight.

For more information on the Federation's Master Class, please contact Jill Hoyt or Janet Gilmore.