Jeanie Weems
Vice President, Creative & Film/TV Special Projects,
ASCAP
Twelve years ago, after deciding that her
life's professional contribution could not end with international
banking, Jeanie Weems went to work for ASCAP, the American
Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Aside from the
routine of banking being boring, Jeanie believed that in some
capacity, she could contribute more to the entertainment community.
Being a native of Los Angeles and having
lived and gone to school with a number of creative people
in the entertainment industry, the transition appeared to
be natural and where Jeanie was sure she would enjoy developing
a successful career. However, for Jeanie Weems, getting started
in the entertainment industry was the hardest part. She notes,
"No industry experience must have been tattooed on my
forehead, as I knocked on doors, and knocked on doors... and
the response was always the same." Then along came a
young angel named Judy Stakee, who was Vice President, Creative
at Warner/Chappell Music Publishing. Ms. Stakee recommended
that Jeanie interview with ASCAP and even followed up to make
sure she completed the interview!
Weems was hired at ASCAP as an Executive
Assistant, working for two Film & TV Executives. For a
girl from South Central L.A., this was a truly bizarre and
enlightening assignment. After all those career days in the
hood, no one had ever come to her school that worked behind
the scenes in film & television! Amazed, excited and enthusiastic...
Jeanie knew she had stumbled onto something and decided to
hold on! She soon discovered more about the film and television
music community and grew over time to become an executive
herself. This industry community, despite its lack of diversity,
welcomed Weems and aided in her professional growth. Industry
notables like Nancy Knutsen, Senior Vice President, Film &
TV (ASCAP), Bob Hunka, Senior Vice President at Tri-Star Television
and Alf Clausen, composer for "The Simpsons" are
executives that made the most dramatic impact on Jeanie's
career.
In 1997, Jeanie Weems accepted the position
of Assistant VP, Creative & Film/TV Projects at ASCAP.
A position she has never regretted accepting. This position
afforded Jeanie with the opportunity to lead a team of people
that she both respected and admired. As a department head
she has had the unique experience of learning and growing
with her team. Supervising executives in three different regions
has been challenging and Jeanie often thanks each of them
in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles for their constant support...
even when they don't agree!
Jeanie remarks there were other angels that
have traveled with her on her journey of success, most notably,
Todd Brabec, Executive Vice President, ASCAP, Carol Ware and
Jackie Rhinehart of Universal Records.
Recently promoted to Vice President, Creative
& Film/TV Special Projects at ASCAP, Jeanie says, "The
key to being a successful executive, I believe, is remembering
to say thank you often, common sense, integrity, honor and
decency, and not... industry experience."
Thank you Jeanie Weems for your wisdom...
thank you for teaching us all!
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