Fifth Annual “LIVE from the Academy” Telethon

Academy member Erika Schlunk shares her perspective of the making of our annual Telethon.

I can’t believe it’s over! It was so much work, and it’s been so rewarding to see every part of this process. From the free-range brainstorming where anything felt possible, to those intense weeks of nonstop filming, to seeing the footage for the first time, to the incredible amount of polish that was added in the last few days; it’s jaw dropping to witness all the skill and hard work each of us are capable of.  As always, I love the story we tell, because I feel every inch of that story in the impact the Academy has had on my own life. Watching all of us put ourselves out there in ways we wouldn’t have imagined, talking about all our opportunities and growth is truly inspiring. To everyone who got in front of the camera, you all were wonderful to watch! And amazing job to everyone behind the camera, in the brainstorming room, glued to a computer for months, and in the kitchen making sure our watch party guests and volunteers were well-fed! I’m so incredibly proud of all of us.