TJ students hear from Hollywood insider

By Eric Seiverling

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Students at Thomas Jefferson High School received a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the film business Thursday when Chris Hampel, a former Los Angeles-based movie writer, director and producer, visited the school for a “Breaking Into Hollywood” lecture.

Approximately 40 students, many of whom are looking to pursue a career in film and television, attended the lecture.

“I wish I had a time machine and I could go back and learn all things I’m telling you,” Hampel told the students. “Everything would have gone smoother. This is all the stuff I learned the hard way.”

Born on a farm in the state of Washington, Hampel told the students he loved making movies from an early age and did whatever he could to see his ideas put to film.

“My friends and I borrowed VHS cameras,” he said. “We just had our imaginations and our minds.”