humbled

In 2002 I am talking to a casting director I know; her daughter and Alexander are 3rd grade classmates.  

"You should really join BAFTA (The British Academy of Film and Television Arts)," she says. "It's equivalent to the Academy Awards and Emmys combined."  I had never even thought about it.

"If you become a voting member, you get invited to all sorts of screenings, and at the end of the year, you get tons of DVD's s of movies the studios want you to watch before you vote." "Are all the movies British?" I ask.  "No, " Adrienne responds. "They just have to be shown in the UK. So basically, about every movie."

So I join, and am accepted as a full-voting member. I had been in television for many years, and even worked with BBC America when I was at Discovery.

Over the years, my interest and involvement with BAFTA NY has increased. I joined the Screening Committee in 2011 and started working directly with some major studios.

This summer I am elected to the Board.  And then...

I get a phone call from the new BAFTA NY CEO. She asks if I'll take over as Chair of the NY Screening Committee. It's a big job with lots of responsibility and no pay. I tell Julie I'll think about it.

And I do.

Last week I meet with Julie and Lisa (previous screening committee chair and now COO), two dynamic woman with whom I love working. BAFTA NY is an incredible organization and I am humbled to be asked to take on a leadership role. I know the people on the committee, and they are all hard-working and talented. And, I get to choose my Vice-Chair. 

After the meeting I call Melinda and ask her if she'll work with me, and miraculously she says yes. I am thrilled. A little of my fear in taking on this important role is dissipated.

So today the announcement goes out.

I am following in some very big footsteps; I hope I don't trip.