Aspiring film and television students got a glimpse into their future Tuesday night through the eyes of legendary Hollywood director, writer, and producer Steve Binder.
The Emmy and ACE award winning Binder spoke to over 50 Moorpark College students and faculty members on Tuesday Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. inside Room 208 of the Moorpark College Zoo.
This Moorpark College Foundation fundraiser allowed those in attendance, including Moorpark College president Luis Sanchez and Ventura County Community College District chancellor Bernard Luskin, the opportunity to hear Binder reminisce on his eminent career in the entertainment industry.
“To get a chance to hear icons is just wonderful for the students [at Moorpark College] in the film, media, and communication programs,” said Luskin. “This was a rare experience for everybody.”
Binder took the audience back in time to Hollywood’s later half of the 20th Century, providing his own unique, first-hand accounts of being a pioneer in the variety television world. Binder touched on his most influential work, including the “Petula” special, which is credited for breaking the color barrier in primetime variety television when singers Petula Clark and Harry Belavonte touched while performing together onstage.
Perhaps the most memorable part of the evening was the wrap-up question and answer portion of the event. Binder was able to reach out and inspire students in the audience, many of whom dream of one day holding a legacy as monumental as his.
Stefan Biscaldi, 19-year-old Art major, took to heart many key components of Binder’s motivational advice for succeeding in the arts and entertainment world.
“Binder told us to always try something new,” said Biscaldi. “If you’re given the opportunity, take it!”
As a long-time professor himself, working with new generations of filmmakers and artists is a large motivating factor for Binder.
“I get inspired by my students,” said Binder. “I always joke that [working with students] saved me hundreds-of-thousands-of-dollars in therapy because my therapy came from being with young people, sharing my experiences, and them telling me what their ambitions are.”
Binder will have many opportunities to work with students here at Moorpark College in the near future, for he is a recent addition to the Moorpark College Foundation Board of Directors.
Moorpark College Foundation executive director David Mirisch commented after the show on the audience’s reaction to Binder’s lecture.
“I hope that the audience was entertained as well as educated,” said Mirisch. “I hope they enjoyed the guest speaker for the two hours that he was here and that it was worth their time.”
According to Mirisch, Binder was just the first of a predicted long line of distinguished guests to come speak at Moorpark College this year as fundraising events for the Moorpark College Foundation.
“We’re going to have, hopefully, every 2 to 3 months now, an author that will come in maybe here to the EATM building and do a similar presentation,” said Mirisch. “Allan Thicke, my friend from ‘Growing Pains,’ has already consented he will do a lecture here in January.”
As for Binder, he finished the night on a “goose-bump” note; leaving the audience members with one last, simple, yet important, piece of advice when chasing their dreams.
“Go for it,” said Binder. “Don’t self-edit yourself. Just go for it.”
For more information on future speakers like Binder, please contact Mirisch at [email protected] or (805) 553-4760.
