JASON HAFFORD

TV Global Scripted Agent
Creative Artists Agency (CAA)

Interview

• Where are you originally from?
  Atlanta, GA

• Where do you currently reside?
  Los Angeles, California / London, United Kingdom

• What prompted you to get into the sports/entertainment industry?
  After studying Broadcast Journalism in college with a goal to become a foreign correspondent, I had a change of heart to move away from the news and into the entertainment/media space to focus on amplifying international creative voices.

• What type of clients do you typically represent? What factors do you consider when deciding which clients to take on?
  Most of my clients are best in class creatives from around the world producing premium international content or diverse domestic (United States/United Kingdom) content. My professional focus is India, Africa, the Middle East, and the UK. I love working with clients who have a unique point of view that want to shine a spotlight on their cultural background in film or TV.

• Please outline the services you provide for clients and any specialties.
  Our group works on the international side of the film and television business. We represent writers, directors, producers, and showrunners to help them put together projects for the global marketplace.

• What is one thing people would be surprised to know about your profession? What is one of the biggest misconceptions?
  The international space is rife with opportunities. Virtually all of the global streaming platforms are looking to build out their existing customer base by partnering with creatives who want to make content for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and more. A common misconception that I’ve seen is thinking that “Hollywood” will continue to be the center of the entertainment ecosystem in the future.

• What are some challenges or obstacles you have faced as an African-American in this profession?
  Overall within the entertainment industry, the old adage that “we have to work twice as hard, to get half as far” can unfortunately still ring true.

• What do you think can be done to improve diversity with regards to representation?
  There needs to be more opportunities for young people, who don’t live in LA or NYC, to break into the entertainment business. More paid internship and externship opportunities need to created and supported year after year.

• What advice would you have for other African-Americans looking to enter this profession?
  Find your tribe. Look for other Black entertainment professionals in your network to collaborate with as you grow in your career. Often the best person to help you problem solve is another Black executive who might work in sports, music, film, or TV.

• What is the best way for people to get in touch with you?
  I'm available to connect on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jasonhafford