Mass Media Studies student Meadow Gillispie is fresh off an action-packed, star-studded conference and panel discussing global media as part of the Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab. Notable celebrities included Nick Cannon and cast members of the hit television show Wild 'N Out, and a fireside chat with legendary musician Kurtis Blow was also part of the day-long conference, among others. The event also featured students from various participating Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and African film students from AFDA and the Multichoice Talent Factory, who all got a chance to tour Tyler Perry Studios and network with other inspiring creatives in the industry.
As one of the Talladega College student representatives for Showtime/MTV Entertainment Studios Storytellers Lab, an initiative designed to create partnerships with HBCUs to cultivate diverse creator pipelines within the entertainment industry, Gillispie was invited to participate in the day’s events. The Fridley, Minnesota native felt a sense of inspiration after hearing how Nick Cannon believed in his content for Wild N’ Out long before industry executives warmed up to his idea.
“Nick Cannon was at the panel…and I was a little starstruck when I saw him. They didn’t tell us he was going to be there. He told us about how when he presented the idea of Wild ‘N Out, they didn’t believe in him, or that it would do numbers. He took it into his own hands and began booking places for him and his friends to be themselves, make fun of each other, and make other people laugh. As soon as they saw how entertaining it was and how much people loved [the show], they poured into him and funded him to what is now twenty-one seasons.”
Gillispie walked away convinced that you have to be your own number one fan.
“So, always root for yourself, and pour into your vision. The media will always be there, but what you bring to the world won’t come about if you don’t push for your ideas.”
MTV and Paramount on-air personality Dometi Pongo moderated the event live from The Gathering Spot in Atlanta alongside a special co-moderator from Johannesburg, South Africa prompting a lively panel conversation on the importance of breaking down barriers to communication and fostering a sense of global community.
“During the panel, they discussed the importance of global media and what global media means. What stood out to me the most was the topic of connection, and that media connects us even if there’s a language barrier, age gap, or we’re across the world. We all share the same experience and seeing these creatives come together and bring it to life affects us all because we share that same feeling.”
As she continues growing in her academic journey, Gillispie feels she will ultimately follow wherever her creative spirit leads her.
“I’m still trying to figure out what my role is in the media. I love modeling. Now that I’m understanding the behind the scenes, I think I’d love to get into short films. Something that matters to me. Or also writing and sharing pieces. I have so many ideas and there’s so many outlets to choose from. Honestly wherever God places me, I’ll be content, as long as I get to be myself and share what’s in my head.”
