Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Manon Harbulot. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Manon, thank you so much for making time for us. We’ve always admired your ability to take risks and so maybe we can kick things off with a discussion around how you developed your ability to take and bear risk?
Working in the entertainment industry is already a risk in itself. There is fierce competition and limited room to establish oneself, so perseverance is crucial. Once you take the plunge, you have to go all in. That’s why I decided to move to Los Angeles; if I wanted to succeed, I needed to take every possible risk. Even going to a country I knew very little about and which language I did not even speak perfectly. The hardest part is taking that first step. Taking risks is a fundamental part of life because without them, we don’t move forward. Even if we fail, we learn valuable lessons and avoid making the same mistakes again, which allows us to progress. But avoiding risks leads to stagnation, and personally, I can’t stand still. In the end, we will always regret what we didn’t dare to do more than what we actually did.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
After the pandemic, I decided it was time to try something new, to give a little challenge to my career, and what better than Los Angeles to work in the entertainment industry? I started by enrolling at UCLA for an entertainment studies certificate and after graduation and spending time on students’ film sets, it was time to find a job. And I had the chance to find a position as a production coordinator in a production company that really interested me and eventually, I became a producer.
This year, we were given an amazing chance to produce the biggest collegiate gymnastics competition in the United States, named “Super 16.” During the opening weekend of the season, this extraordinary four-competition event presented the talents of 16 of the most prominent collegiate gymnastics teams. The inaugural event took place in Las Vegas and welcomed 300 gymnasts, among whom were three Olympians. Having been a gymnast for more than 12 years myself, being involved in both attending and organizing this event was truly an honor.
As we look ahead to 2024, we are already in full swing preparing for the second edition of our event, along with several other upcoming gymnastics competitions and exhibitions. Beyond these thrilling projects, we have captivating plans in the entertainment industry for both 2024 and 2025, though I’m unable to disclose many details at this time. As a producer, I’m excited about the future and eager to reignite my passion for creativity by engaging in writing and directing projects.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I would start by saying, the eagerness for learning. Because it’s such a vast industry, you need to constantly enrich your knowledge and skills. Whether you work as a producer or a director, it’s crucial to understand the importance of everyone’s work, from the screenwriter to the cinematographer, the props artist, or even the script supervisor. Knowing how all these pieces fit together is necessary to drive a project forward. And learning as much as possible also widens your opportunities and lets you try new things.
Secondly, I would mention sociability. It’s an industry where you meet a lot of people, and your social connections will be crucial for your career. Whether we like it or not, this industry heavily relies on networking. All other factors being equal, a person is more likely to land a gig if they already know someone on the inside. So, it’s essential to interact with many people and, most importantly, get along well with them.
Lastly, I would say, don’t let yourself be pushed around. I’ve already mentioned how challenging this industry can be, and in my personal case, even more so as a woman. It’s predominantly male-dominated, and I still hear far too many sexist, degrading, or inappropriate comments directed toward women. Every day, new stories emerge about women who are simply not respected in their work within this industry, and it deeply saddens me. That’s why we must not allow ourselves to be silenced. We need to showcase our capabilities daily, learn to navigate through challenging situations, speak up about the issues, and move forward. Another concrete example is evident with the current strike. There are significant problems within this industry today, and it’s important to support the demands we have. We want to live off our passion, not be disgusted by it.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, which is almost daily, the first thing I do is make to-do lists. I have a slight obsession with notebooks and to-do lists because just creating one makes me feel productive. It helps me organize my thoughts and have a holistic view of what needs to be done. Another thing that greatly aids me is tidying up. I can become quite messy at times, but having a cluttered environment equals a cluttered mind, at least in my case. Cleaning and organizing not only get me into action when I’m stuck and unsure of what to do but also help clear my mind and bring order to my thoughts.
To continue with clearing my mind, I tend to overthink things. It’s like my mind never stops. To counter this, what helps me clear my head is going to the cinema or taking a drive, especially with the music turned up while cruising through Mulholland Drive at sunset – it’s simply splendid.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manon.hrb/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manon-harbulot-352452180/
Image Credits
Charlotte Drury for “Super 16”
