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Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media: Advize Career Interview
Kellen's journey from a Sac State business student with a passion for photography and videography to Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media is inspiring.
A strong business education, coupled with freelance work and roles at the Full Circle Project and ABC 10, fueled their entrepreneurial spirit.
The current role encompasses diverse responsibilities—business operations, employee management, production work, and financial decisions—resulting in dynamic days filled with project updates, client interactions, and even 16-hour stretches.
Strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize are key to success, as is building strong relationships, both professionally and personally.
The media industry offers a collaborative community and diverse projects, but requires tenacity and creative problem-solving.
Aspiring professionals should consider entry-level positions like production assistant to gain experience and build connections, while cultivating coachability and strong communication skills.
Kellen's unique perspective as a Hmong American further enriches their contributions to the industry.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Kellen Lor
Head of Production
Hidden Temple Media
CSU Sacramento
n/a
Marketing
Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Worked 20+ Hours in School, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media
Sac State significantly impacted Kellen's career, fostering crucial connections—"I met a friend who introduced me to his friend...who is now my business partner"—and providing a strong business education. The strong business program allowed Kellen to "learn the theories in class and then apply it in practice," directly contributing to their current success as Head of Production.
Main Responsibilities Of A Head Of Production At Hidden Temple Media
Kellen's career path began with a self-taught passion for photography and videography in college, leading to freelance work and a media specialist role with the Full Circle Project. This experience, alongside running a wedding videography business with a partner and a full-time job at a local news station ("ABC 10 as a night side editor"), culminated in Kellen's decision to pursue their business full-time after graduation.
A Day in the Life of a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media
As Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, Kellen oversees business operations, employee management, and scheduling, also contributing to financial decisions such as hiring and project budgeting; the role also includes hands-on production work as a producer or cinematographer on projects.
Most Important Skills for a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media
Kellen's role as Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, and also as a small business owner, results in highly variable days; a "normal day" involves emails, project updates, proposal reviews, and administrative tasks, while urgent situations, such as "government contracts...a lot of paperwork," can lead to 16-hour workdays. Beyond these core responsibilities, Kellen also contributes directly to production, filling in wherever needed, including "editing days" or fieldwork.
Favorite Parts of Being a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, identifies strong leadership, "knowing how to work with your team and leaning into their strengths," and exceptional organizational skills as crucial for success. The ability to prioritize tasks and delegate effectively, avoiding "busy work that doesn't really get us anywhere," is highlighted as essential for managing the complexities of the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, most enjoys "seeing people grow," citing a new editor's rapid development as a prime example. This new hire, despite working under "very demanding" clients, quickly mastered the company style and met deadlines, showcasing the positive impact of mentorship and a supportive work environment.
Challenges Of Working In The Media Production Industry As A Head Of Production
Kellen's biggest challenge as Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media involves "having hard conversations with clients" and making difficult business decisions, even when those decisions are personally unfavorable. This highlights the significant responsibility and leadership required in their role, balancing client relations with the overall betterment of the company.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Media Production Industry According to a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, most enjoys the "cool community" and collaborative projects in the media production industry. Their work encompasses diverse projects, from documentaries—"I learn a lot"—to corporate productions with major brands like Nike and Adidas, providing a rewarding and impactful career experience.
What A Head Of Production At Hidden Temple Media Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Media Industry
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, identifies tenacity and creative problem-solving as key traits for success in the competitive media industry, stating that "you're gonna come across a lot of problems," requiring individuals to be "creative problem solvers" to thrive. The ability to "just keep going at it" despite facing more talented or hardworking colleagues is highlighted as crucial for career advancement.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Producers
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, reveals a key lesson learned: the logistical demands of the role— "filling out paperwork," "hopping into a lot of meetings," and "doing more of the logistical work"— significantly distanced Kellen from the creative aspects that initially drew them to the industry, a contrast they acknowledge while expressing satisfaction in their current work.
Significant Career Lesson From A Head Of Production At Hidden Temple Media
To enter media production, Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, recommends starting as a production assistant, a role providing "extra hands on set" and access to various departments. This entry-level position, even in a less prominent media market like their Sacramento start in news production, offers valuable experience and networking opportunities, as Kellen emphasizes the importance of connecting with "local filmmakers or local creatives" for mentorship and collaboration.
Career Lessons That Helped a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media Succeed
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, identifies cultivating strong relationships as a pivotal career lesson, citing how a client evolved into a mentor, providing invaluable business guidance. This illustrates the mutually beneficial growth fostered by maintaining strong professional relationships, where "as they grow, you grow as well too".
How Identity Has Influenced a Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media's Career
Kellen, Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media, emphasizes the importance of "being easy to work with and coachable" in a people-based industry, further highlighting the crucial, long-term career value of developing strong group work and public speaking skills, stating that "college is really just the beginning" of utilizing these skills.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellenlor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellen.prproj
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