Hollywood IQ

Want to create social change in Hollywood? In this episode, host Ri-Karlo Handy gets Ashlee’s best advice for how to start and scale a nonprofit — and make the biggest impact. Ri-Karlo and Ashley also delve into the difference between having a passion for making change and pinpointing the specific purpose of your nonprofit; coalition building with other stakeholders (schools, employers, organizations); securing multiple streams of funding revenue — and how to keep $ rolling in; why Ashlee loves disrupting people’s notions of who should be successful in Hollywood; the rewards of seeing tangible, life changes in the people they serve; and why building community and collaboration within the nonprofit space is essential. They also get a little spooky with Halloween coming up, as Ashlee shares her podcast, Flavors & Frights, while Ri-Karlo shares his experience starring in the movie Spell (2020). 

In this special episode of Hollywood IQ, we listen to two comedy professionals, Mitchell Marchand and Jay Rich. Interspersed throughout are insights on both of their journeys, and how each person got to where they are today. Mitchell's journey as an actor, turned comedy writer is both hilarious and insightful. Jay's connection with Ri-Karlo is honest, giving us observations to learn from. To top it all off, we get a peek inside their comedic minds with two sets of stand-up from each performer. Enjoy this episode, come to the Handy Foundation 5th Year Anniversary Celebration this Saturday, October 25th. Tickets are here: https://givebutter.com/XaKJ0A

In this episode of Hollywood IQ, Oji Singletary, showrunner of The Braxtons, which drops this week, shares his incredible journey from growing up in Black Hollywood family, to becoming one of the most trusted showrunners in the reality TV business. Oji opens up about his father, and starting as a production assistant, before transitioning later to camera work and directing. Oji and Ri-Karlo talk about the importance of mentorship and building trust in an industry where reputation is key. Oji and Ri-Karlo exchange personal stories and behind-the-scenes drama. Check out our Substack for our resources at hollywoodiq.substack.com. 

In this episode of Hollywood IQ, we sit with Amy Woods, Media Arts Teacher at Northview High School in Covina, California. In this episode, Amy breaks down the pre-apprenticeship program through the Handy Foundation and how it benefits students careers after high school. With a background in unscripted and docu-dramas, Amy discusses how her students are gaining real-world production experience and stepping directly into industry pathways. She explains how she used PBS Student Reporting to teach her students the basics of non-fiction editing and storytelling. Ri-Karlo and Amy discuss the resources teachers can tap into, and why bridging the gap between education and industry keeps both teachers and students relevant. Check out our Substack for our Hollywood 101 Resources at hollywoodiq.substack.com.

In this trailer episode, host Ri-Karlo Handy shares the vision behind Hollywood IQ: a show dedicated to exploring the thought process behind building creative businesses. Whether it's producing blockbuster films or launching a podcast, Handy draws on his experience as a television executive to break down where aspiring creatives can begin.

He highlights the difference between being a creative entrepreneur versus a sole creative. With a mission to open doors for diverse creative pathways and spotlight nonprofits, such as Handy Foundation's workforce training, he aims to making an impact with people chasing a dream. Hollywood IQ is more than a podcast, it is a guide to building a sustainable career in entertainment.