as a scout for the film office." When the office created a communications
position, Mary Nelson moved from locations manager into the new
slot, leaving a vacancy in her former job. About 110 individuals applied
for the position, with Edmunds landing the job. Since being hired in
1997, he has worked on numerous productions, including The Contender,
Forces of Nature, Hannibal, Hearts in Atlantis, Major Pain, Minority
Report, Random Hearts, The Replacements, Rules of Engagement, and The
West Wing.
Job Overview
Manage and direct day-to-day administration, public relations, and
promotional activities, including contract negotiation, enforcement inter-
pretation, budgets, and staff supervision.
Special Skills
"People skills are the most
important above everything
else," says executive director
Randy Himes, "because we
work with the good, the bad,
and the ugly. There are people
who default on payments,
people who are good payers,
and people who are irate
because they don't like unions.
You've got to be able to think
quickly on your feet and you
need strong negotiating skills."
Advice for Someone
Seeking This Job
Volunteering to work on a committee or help with an event will allow
you to learn more about the organization, and for the organization to
become familiar with your work habits and abilities. Previous experience
in the music industry is helpful.
JOB TITLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,
AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TELEVISION
AND RADIO ARTISTS (AFTRA)
What do you like
least about your job?
"What I like the least
is the politics that
occur in every industry
organization."
--Randy Himes
What do you love most
about your job?
"I like seeing a need and finding a solution.
I'm very goal oriented; I like to see results.
A lot of activities we do have closure. You
can negotiate a contract, see it through,
and then see the performers working under
it."--Randy Himes
VOICES OF
EXPERIENCE
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