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Old Boys helping Old Boys
Anders Bard '86, a film producer in Los Angeles, recently had a visit from a soon-to-be NYU Film School graduate, Dylan Kalaydjian '17. The two became acquainted after Dylan contacted Anders during a recent trip to LA. Anders writes, "Had a nice meeting today in LA with a Selwyn Alumni - Class of 2017….Dylan Kalaydjian….we sat down and talked shop for awhile. I was impressed with him. Going to help him out moving forward once he graduates." Dylan was equally impressed, "Anders was awesome and really easy to talk to."
Kudos to Dylan for reaching out to an Old Boy and making use of the OBA network. Dylan took time after his trip to answer a few questions from Director of Advancement Sharon Cozens, about his experience and to encourage more Old Boys to embrace these mentorship opportunities.
The SHS Old Boys' Association Board of Directors is concentrating on building mentorship opportunities through this network. Making connections like these are fun and can help both parties. How did you hear about Anders?
I've heard about Anders for years as a Canadian working in America in the film industry. I also heard more about him through my dad, who knew some other Selwyn Old Boys (Jason Tsadilas '88), who knew Anders.
How did you reach out to him?
Jason introduced me and Anders over email, and we contacted each other through there.
Was it difficult? Were you nervous to speak to an Old Boy you hadn't met and ask for a favour to meet?
It was not difficult at all! I was definitely nervous before as I had never met him and had much on my mind about what was next for me career wise, but Anders was extremely inviting and easy to talk to. We talked for about an hour and a half about our origins, how Anders broke into the industry and how I could get my foot in the door.
Without the help of your dad and Jason, do you think you could make the call on your own? Were you hesitant to reach out? Why?
I think I could! It's much easier to connect with alumni than it initially appears, it's just a phone call or an email away. I was hesitant a few years ago as I was anxious I would come off as young or "try-hard", but you have to start somewhere and reaching out to alumni is a great step for more advice and connections.
Was the conversation easy? Did you find you had things in common thanks to SHS?
The conversation was extremely easy. I was able to ask Anders what was on my mind and how he got his start in the entertainment business. He also asked me about my plans for the future. He was extremely generous with his time and I learned a lot through his stories. Even though we graduated in different decades, we found much common ground through discussing our strangely similar experiences at Selwyn.
Would you suggest all Old Boys take advantage of this?
I 100% would. Though it initially seems daunting, Old Boys were once Selwyn students as well and are going to want to talk to you. I would suggest reaching out to any alum working in the industry you want to be in, as you will learn and make a new connection. You never know what will happen!
Did you know that Old Boys have a mentorship tool called Selwyn Connect? Have you tried it yet?
I did not use Selwyn Connect! Although I should!
Note to Old Boys: Join SelwynConnect today! This is YOUR platform to use to contact one another directly and make connections. Over 1000 members have joined to date. Use it for mentorship, reunion planning, or to help build up our Selwyn Chapters in different cities around the world. Add your profile here and stay connected!
PS Looking forward to seeing Anders and other Old Boys in LA at our LA Chapter Reunion February 16, 2023!
PPS Anders' next movie, "French Girl", starring Vanessa Hudgens, Zach Braff and Evelyne Brochu was filmed in Montreal and Quebec and is currently in production.
