Jul
22
Written by:
Melanie Barrett
Friday, July 22, 2011
Phil Pallen ’06 was one of 88,000 people who applied for Two and a Half Men actor, Charlie Sheen’s summer internship. The internship process generated much media attention but so to did Phil - creating a social media campaign, branding himself as “Tiger Blood Phil” and turning heads across Canada and the U.S. He has since decided to put his social media expertise to the test in Hollywood instead of waiting for the final results. We checked in with Phil to see what he was up to.
Q. Did you ever expect to get this much attention for your “Tiger Blood Phil” campaign?
A. I absolutely did not expect it. On the other hand, I was ready for it. The timing was great because 6 months prior, I switched my personal brand up and finished my new website, demo reel and portfolio. So then I was flooded with press, but it was great because I got a ton of exposure. I loved every second of it and I thanked everyone who supported me individually from the beginning of my campaign. That’s a big part of it.
Q. What has happened since the campaign?
A. I actually graduated from my Masters Degree in Entertainment Business this year on a Thursday around 4:30 p.m. I received the "Advanced Achiever" award and gave my graduation class' speech. Two hours later I was on a plane en-route to Hollywood.
Q. What was the first thing that you did when you got to L.A.?
A. The first thing I did when I got out here - I had my mom with me for a few days, and we rented a car and drove through Beverley Hills. We passed Jennifer Lopez, saw a bunch of celebrity homes, and we had a blast.
Q. What are you up to in L.A.?
A. I am now freelancing as a social media consultant here in L.A. and I'm helping small businesses and people in the "Baby boomer" generation embrace social media and all that it has to offer.
Q. Where do you go now from here?
A. For a long time I've wanted to be a TV Host, and while at AC I was involved with the drama productions with Ms. Austin-Profit and public speaking and such. It was also in Grade 12 when I was hosting my first TV show, Skooled, on TVO Kids. The most exciting thing in my life right now is that I'm training with a woman named Marki Costello, who is the hosting coach to the stars. She trains and represents some of the most successful TV hosts in Hollywood, including hosts on E!, TV Guide, and a number of game shows.
Q. What did you take away from Albert College that has helped you on this journey?
A. I can't say enough about my experience at AC. The school taught me about discipline, respect and success. Aside from my mom raising me to achieve, I think AC has been one of the more influential factors in my life.
Q. What advice can you give to students and grads who want to get into the media field and do what you do?
A. Get ready for fierce competition, but don’t let it dissuade you from pursuing your dreams. I don’t know what will happen tomorrow job-wise, or anything-wise. Neither do you. So make sure you spend today preparing yourself for what might come fast. Don’t wait for opportunity. Seek it. Think long and hard about how you want to be interpreted by others, and develop a brand that is distinct, likeable, attractive, and you. Image is a big part of the industry. Combine it with an eager, humble attitude and passion, and you’ll be destined for success.
1 comment(s) so far...
Re: Q & A with Alumnus, Phil Pallen ’06
Very cool! Way to go.
By Louis Sulek on
Monday, July 25, 2011
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