Creative Conversations

Emerging artists from Venice Arts share their creative journeys, showcase their work, and discuss their creative industry challenges and aspirations during this roundtable discussion and Q&A. Explore their unique perspectives on navigating the creative workforce and hear practical advice on breaking into the industry.

Jalen Carter
Production Assistant, NBCUniversal

Jalen Carter, a graduate of the University of Iowa, has worked in various roles within the entertainment industry. Currently, he is a production assistant on Happy’s Place, a multi-cam sitcom filmed at Universal Studios. Jalen's experience spans from production internships to working at post-production houses, where he has developed a deep understanding of production processes. He emphasizes relationship-building and taking advantage of opportunities to further his career.
LinkedIn

Joseph Godslaw

Originally from Nigeria, Joseph Godslaw recently graduated from Wesleyan University with a degree in Film Studies. His academic career was marked by a series of experimental short films, each pushing the boundaries of conventional narrative. Joseph aspires to become an executive in television production or a creative director at a major studio, using his platform to tell inclusive, compelling stories that resonate across cultures.
LinkedIn

Angelica Quiñonez
Director

Angelica Quiñonez is a filmmaker with a passion for directing and writing. She was a previous participant in NBCUniversal's Creative Impact Lab, where she shadowed as a directing and producing apprentice. Angelica is currently in post-production for her short film Jamaica, for which she received a grant from The Alliance. Her work focuses on creating personal and humorous stories that bridge her curiosity about the world with her love for storytelling.
LinkedIn

J.J. Tolibao
Screenwriter, Director, Editor
Venice Arts

J.J. Tolibao is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker who graduated from California State University Long Beach with a degree in Film & Electronic Arts. He directed the short film Twin Aces, which screened at various festivals. J.J. has worked as an editing apprentice for NBCUniversal and freelances as a video editor on a variety of projects. He is currently a teaching assistant at Venice Arts, helping young filmmakers develop their skills.
LinkedIn

Semira Paul
Artist/Professional Wrestler

Semira Paul completed her studies at Howard University with a Bachelor of Arts, graduating summa cum laude. Initially focused on photography and dance, she transitioned into film, aspiring to become a cinematographer. Semira is also a professional wrestler, currently signed with WOW Women of Wrestling. She’s an alumna of Venice Arts’ Digital Storytelling Fellowship, Fall 2023 cohort.
LinkedIn

Click here to see the complete schedule of conversations.

Click here to download the Creative Conversations Flyer.

This is a free event. Priority for in-person training programs and financial stipends, including opportunities for paid internship placements, is given to active participants, ages 18- 24, in Creative Conversations, as well as young people who are low income, foster youth, homeless, and/or justice involved.

Presented by Venice Art’s Center for Creative Workforce Equity.

Supported, in part, by: