Jina Ballenger
Columbia College Chicago – Television Writing
Experience: Establishing the Hip-Hop Club/Minor at Columbia College Chicago and Writing a Trayvon Martin inspired short that is in the process of being produced.
What led you to enroll in the MSLCE program at Northwestern? The MSLCE program will be a great asset to further my career goals in media and entertainment. I’ve learned that talent can get you in a room, but I want to learn how to manage the room. Watching short clips of the MSLCE speaker series on YouTube alone, I have gained a lot of knowledge on the business. Therefore, I’m hoping that this program will give me a macro and a micro level view on the industry, as well as the networking tools needed to persevere.
Ideal Job in 10 Years: Showrunner/Screenwriter for an amazing studio, being on a creative team at an ad agency (writing for commercial) or somehow working with international entertainment.
Favorite (song/movie/show/festival/exhibition … )? The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Dear White People.
What are you most looking forwards to about the MSLCE program? The Immersion Trip and the internship.
What is your favorite Chicago landmark/attraction, or what are you most excited to visit? The Lakefront.
If I could donate 1 million dollars to a cause/organization, it would be: National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of my mom who’s a thriving survivor.
Personal fortune cookie message: Live B.O.L.D. (Be Optimistic and Lead with Distinction).
Where are you from? Chicago, IL.