The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) has announced the members of the 2022 class of HPA Young Entertainment Professionals (YEP). Conceived to nurture the growth of the industry and elevate talented early-career professionals working in the media content industry, the YEP program has provided support, education, and encouragement to over 100 young professionals to date and has helped foster a diverse next generation of industry professionals.
Determined by application and endorsement, YEP class members are invited to engage in the full spectrum of HPA activities, including the HPA Tech Retreat and HPA Awards, as well as being paired with advanced career mentors in the second half of the year. YEPs network and learn from peers and mentors, beginning with an exclusive YEP event in January.
2022 YEP Class
- Barbara Banda, Netflix
- Eduardo Becerril, Entravision Communications
- Benjamin Cantle, Monster Lighting
- George Diaz, BuzzFeed
- Matthew Klein, Company 3
- Alexa Lowndes, Company 3
- Kathryn Lynyak, Netflix
- Jaxson McLennan, Freelance
- Alexandra Pann, 3BMG Productions
- Alexis Pfeffer, Freelance
- Beatriz Rodriguez, Amazon’s Hunters S2
- Nan Su, Youth Beat
Overseen by the YEP steering committee, the program was conceived by HPA’s Women In Post Committee, led by Kari Grubin and Loren Nielsen. Grubin remarked, “We are delighted to open another year of engagement for this truly talented group. Every year the relationships that form between our YEPs, mentors, and the HPA community inspire growth on all fronts.” The YEPs of past classes have voiced that while mentorship is significant in the program, the building of peer groups is invaluable.
Nielsen noted, “YEPs have built a tremendously supportive professional and peer community. To have a network to which you turn for information and camaraderie is profoundly meaningful. YEP has done that.”
The YEP program is supported by AVID.
Jean Smart, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton among hosts for “SNL” season 50
Fresh off her Emmys win, Jean Smart will kick off the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live."
NBC on Thursday announced the lineup of hosts for the season, which premieres Sept. 28. Joining Smart on the first show will be Jelly Roll as the musical act. He was also at the Emmys, singing during the ceremony's in memoriam segment.
It will be Smart's first time hosting "SNL."
Comedian Nate Bargatze will host on Oct. 5, with Coldplay as the musical guest.
Ariana Grande will host Oct. 12, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.
"Beetlejuice" star Michael Keaton will host on Oct. 19, the last show before Halloween, and Billie Eilish will be that night's musical guest.
The host on Nov. 2 will be "SNL" alum John Mulaney, with breakout sensation Chappell Roan as the music guest.
Read More