Corie Chu
Class of:
2006
Current Occupation/Field of Work:
International Film Publicist
Work Experience
I started out a a few agencies including BWR, ID|PR and CAA then worked for five years at Paramount in LA. I left and moved to Argentina where I continued to work for Paramount Pictures International with their teams in Argentina and Brazil on a freelance basis. About a year later, I moved to Hong Kong and was a marketing consultant for a few places, lastly at 4 Dots Media which is a branding/licensing agency connecting mobile developers with notable entertainment and FMCG brands. Currently, I am still a film marketing consultant for a few studios including Paramount, WB, Legendary and some digital marketing agencies who have been interested in expanding into the HK/China markets. I have been fortunate enough to also cover film campaigns during production/post-production, and working with talent in different regions of the Asia-Pacific.
Why did you choose Comm Studies as your major?
I knew I wanted to work in marketing/PR and it was the only major I was interested in.
Favorite UCLA memory and/or professor
When I failed my Comm 150 class and I was looking for the then advisor to talk to, but she was gone for the day. I then stumbled upon Jane Bitar, in the flesh (because come on, we've all gotten hundreds of emails from her, but how many people have actually met this beautiful, hysterical and witty woman?). She had me wipe the tears off my face and helped me set up a new game plan. Jane was my angel in one of my most vulnerable states and by the end of that afternoon, we were laughing about all sorts of shenanigans. I couldn't have made it through the years so happily without the great support from Jane and the department!
How has Comm Studies empowered you in your professional and personal life?
Professor Von Blum and Professor Sanders both deeply inspired me. Professor Von Blum's passion for social justice had encouraged me to speak out during any unjust situations, whether at work or in my personal life. It really helped me develop my own "voice". Additionally, Professor Sanders' many involvements in different organizations has shown me that there aren't limitations to how many positions a person can hold. We can apply our skills to any industry/activity that we feel passionate about, other than the one that pays our bills, which has led me to have many side projects of my own.
What was the most valuable or applicable lesson you learned from a Comm Studies class?
Oddly, I think the voice/dictation class that I took in the senior year has been super useful. Deciphering pitch tones, accents, body language etc. has all been very useful in helping me do my job, especially when media training executives, filmmakers and talent when they give their speeches or interviews.
What advice would you give to a current Comm Studies student?
It's okay if you haven't figured out what your lifelong career is yet. I know a bunch of people who are 30+ and making a career switch so there's always time. Just keep interning, collect different types of work experiences and it'll definitely help you figure things out. I always ask people, what do you do on your free time? What are the sites your surf on the internet everyday? Take a minute and think about that, whether it be beauty brands, fashion, travel, films, politics or the latest workout trends. Whatever your interests lie in, try and apply yourself in it. And hopefully, that thing you do won't be a "job" anymore, but more so your passion.
