Nikki Hudgens (’19 MFA Writing and Producing for Television) was working as a Showrunner’s Assistant at BET Network for the sitcom “Bigger” before the pandemic wreaked havoc across the industry.
Now, the Navy veteran landed a new role at Vancouver-based production company Bron Studios, whose recent credits include “Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Bombshell,” and “Greyhound.” We caught up with Nikki to congratulate her on the new gig.
You’d be surprised how much you actually know when you just jump into a situation and try your hardest to adapt.
Kudos on the new job at Bron Studios! What is your new role and what’s on the horizon?
I’m an Executive Assistant to the COO Steven Thibault and the EVP of Production Alison Roney. Ideally, I’d love to transition to writing for television––either my own material or in a writer’s room. But I can definitely see myself maneuvering into the role of Creative Producer someday.
What made you decide to pursue filmmaking as a career? Have you always known this is what you wanted to do?
Before coming into filmmaking, I had worked in an array of industries and fields but never felt fulfilled. I had never considered working in film before. It felt very unrealistic and impractical, not a way to make consistent money, or at least that’s what I used to think. But after taking some screenwriting electives as an undergrad, I knew it was the only thing I cared about.
What were some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on while at SFTV?
My own thesis film “So F—ing Funny” – the vibe was stupendous and the entire cast and crew were perfect. I also really enjoyed working on my classmate Cierra Lockett’s (writer of 2019 fantasy short film “Conjure”) thesis project. Her cast and crew were stellar and I got to try my hand at SFX make-up, which was a lot of fun!
Who were some of your mentors at LMU?
Patricia Meyer, Graduate Director of Screenwriting, and Paul Chitlik, Clinical Associate Professor of Screenwriting, have been excellent mentors to me. I wouldn’t be where I am without their guidance and support, I can say that with certainty.
How has an LMU SFTV education prepared you for the entertainment business?
Mostly, it reminds me that there is very little I’m not capable of withstanding or accomplishing. You’d be surprised how much you actually know when you just jump into a situation and try your hardest to adapt.
What are some of your all-time favorite films and/or TV series?
Anything with my favorite dynamic duo, Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant! So “Bringing Up Baby,” “Holiday,” and “Philadelphia Story.” And pretty much all of the black films and TV shows from the 90s and early 00s.
The pandemic has hit the filmmaking industry especially hard. What would you say to upcoming SFTV graduates this year?
Even more reason to go into television now! Give up on any expectations of the industry ever reverting back to its former structure. With the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 precaution measures, this is an interesting time to be a writer. So embrace it whilst remembering your experiences. Interaction cultivates creativity. Try to find a balance that works for you.
Su Fang Tham is a story analyst and freelance writer specializing in filmed entertainment. Based in Los Angeles, she is also a contributing writer for Film Independent and CineMontage, Journal of the Motion Picture Editors Guild.
