We were lucky to catch up with Brittany Meckelborg recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brittany, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
As an artists representative, my day is filled with rejections. Art is so subjective and I know that not everyone will love every script I send out. But I am certain that someone will connect with the story, the writer, or a character, because I did. I have to stay rooted in my instincts about an artist. I saw something special in this person and my job is to pass that specialness on to others. I have persevered through the rejection and had some great wins. I make sure to celebrate those wins – with the client or even just with myself. You have to focus on the positive – easier said than done! – but that’s the game.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Southern California native born and raised in Long Beach, CA. I started my career at CAA in the music touring department. Processing contracts and floating amongst the desks, I learned about all the elements of entertainment including talent representation, touring, literary development, and finance. I then moved to a boutique comedy management company with a roster of touring comedians. I soaked up all I could from major touring artists to club comedians and was drawn to the special intersection of comedy live events and on-screen opportunities. I have now been with another boutique management company, Sheree Guitar Entertainment, for almost seven years. I started as an assistant and am now a manager building my roster of multi-hyphenate artists including comedians, writers, and directors.
This year I am focused on projects my clients are developing with supervising producers for television and on staffing opportunities for my clients. After a difficult 2023, marred by major labor strikes, I am looking forward to a strong year for my clients and me.
On the more artistic front, I am producing some live events with Stellar comedy/clown talent. I am excited to stretch those muscles and have a lot of fun in the meantime.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I think my journey has been impacted by my “people skills” – emotional intelligence and active listening. People need to know that you are hearing and understanding them, and you need to read between the lines when it comes to collaborating and working with groups. When I set out a goal – to staff a writer or to bring on a new element to the project in development – I need to take a bird’s eye view and say, what is everyone’s goal? What do they need? What does my client need? These questions allow me to frame my pitch and help the client make the best moves for them.
For the folks early in their career journey, listen – a lot! Take notes. Then ask questions for understanding. Something I’ve done in my entertainment jobs is shadow on phone calls (listening and taking notes). Hearing how my bosses conduct business has been the most important way to learn!
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
My biggest challenge since starting my roster is managing my time while working from home. When I was an assistant, I had a set of tasks to complete handed down from the boss. Now I manage my own time and roster as I see fit. There has been trial and error, but I am returning to basics by making lists and prioritizing my schedule. I am adopting time management skills and breaking up my day into chunks I dedicate to small goals. In the new year, I plan to test out some new skills for goal setting so that I can make it a productive year.
I also am practicing more self-care – exercise is of huge importance to me to have a wonderful day. I need to be available for meals and take my dog on a walk!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @whatwouldbrittanydo
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanymeckelborg/
Image Credits
Paul Gregory
