Joy Pervis Shares "Staying Power" Tips At WIFTA's Spring Roundup

ATLANTA - April 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Women In Film & Television Atlanta (WIFTA) Spring Roundup was an outstanding success. This was not just another time to hear a speaker; it was a charge to action. Joy Pervis of J Pervis Talent led the charge for an all-out take over.  

The atmosphere was charged with an enthusiasm and excitement as attendees of this year's WIFTA Spring Roundup waited to learn about what it takes to be a part of the extraordinary growth of the film and television industry in Georgia.
Cheryl Jenkins, WIFTA’s president, graciously opened the morning with the mission and vision of WIFTA today; then her fellow WIFTA Board of Directors followed up with an overview of what's happening with each department before WIFTA Program Director Karen Ceesay introduced the WIFTA Spring Round Up speaker, Joy Pervis of J Pervis Talent.
From there, as they say, the game was afoot! Joy Pervis started off by setting the bar and the eager WIFTA Spring Roundup attendees were ready to take note. Be thirsty for knowledge. Sharpen your skills. Get involved. Have a strong work ethic. Be "on” and ready for anything because opportunity will not wait on you to get ready. These are the areas that Joy Pervis said will give production professionals a piece of the now $1.6 billion TV / film production pie Georgia is currently earning.

"Technology has changed the landscape of our industry. Along with one of the VERY BEST TV and Film tax incentives in the country, Georgia has become what is now labeled, Hollywood of the South! With this change, a paradigm shift has taken place in our industry. The number of local actors trying to get to the west coast has dwindled. It is now the west coast actors from Los Angeles who are begging for representation in our market because they know the work and opportunities are here. You have to continue to work longer and harder to prove you are worthy of the larger roles because you are now competing with Los Angeles actors who have moved into our market."

Joy Pervis also cautioned that preparation for the growth of the industry in this state is one of the most important things that local professionals need to be doing. She advised that professionals who want to succeed must stay involved and be “thirsty” for more knowledge in their chosen concentration, and even beyond.

As the morning meeting progressed, Joy Pervis zeroed in on the talent part in getting the job: "We live in a media of self-promotion. It has changed our world and our business. As an agent, I encourage my actors to self-promote through social media." The tips she offered included:

1. Be a shameless self-promoter
2. Be actively sharpening your craft every day
3. Use social media for its leverage, always adhering to social media etiquette
4. Be a risk taker

"Some people shy away from this in fear they will experience failure. But, can you succeed without taking risk? I don’t think so," Joy Pervis asserted. "If you are not moving forward, you are moving backwards. So many of us get stuck in the past, I believe you have to respect the past, but you can’t be stuck in it. We work in a creative-based industry that is changing right before our eyes. We are being led by digital technology and there is always risk in every creative process."

As the breakfast was drawing to a close, Joy Pervis stepped aside momentarily to share the floor with members of her team. Julie Martin-Coppola agent, Bria Bass Stokes, marketing and operations and Henry Stokes, who shared this advice: “Team work makes the dream work.” Then Joy advised audience members to surround themselves with a strong team of people. More specifically...

1. People who have your vision
2. People who have your back
3. People who energize you and help elevate your potential
4. People who YOU aspire to be
5. People who are movers and shakers
6. People who are visionaries
7. People who are winners

The event closed with a final thought from Joy Pervis, followed by the presentation of a token gift from WIFTA to Joy Pervis. She received a special gift from Jacqueline’s Collection, Inc., from the Apparel Mart. Upon receipt, Ms. Pervis said, "How did you know? This looks is exactly like me!"

About Women In Film & Television Atlanta (WIFTA)

Women In Film & Television Atlanta (WIFTA), a 501c-3 Georgia non-profit, is a member-based professional organization affiliated with other Women In Film chapters around the world. Since our inception in 1974, the Atlanta chapter has proudly had a membership community of multi-generational and culturally diverse professionals, which include producers, directors, actors, entertainment attorneys, camera and sound technicians, film editors, graphic design artists, make-up artists, wardrobe specialists, screenwriters, talent agents and casting directors. WIFTA is dedicated to improving the status and portrayal of women in film, television, video and other screen based media by offering opportunities for media makers to connect, create, champion and inspire.