Inspired by a recent Fresno Boomerang campaign and with remembrances of Fresno blogs gone by (that one that profiled Fresno people living elsewhere... What was the name?), we're going to attempt a new segment called Remotely Fresnan.
Yes we mostly love the Fresnans that are here making Fresno world classy. But we're still curious about natives and what they're up to. Why did they go, what are their Fresno roots and what's Fresno's rep out there?
Our first victim subject is Samia Khan. We had no prior knowledge of Samia but randomly noticed her saying something Fresno-y on Twitter, found out she was a fellow Kratt Bulldog living and working in L.A. and that's all the info we needed.
She was nice enough to answer some dopey Fresnan questions.
So we know you work for TV Guide in some way, what way is that exactly?SAMIA: I worked at TV Guide Network for almost 2 years as a segment producer before leaving at the end of 2009. While there, I worked my way up from writing teases for an entertainment show called "Hollywood 411," to eventually segment producing - yes, that means going out on shoots - visiting the sets of tv shows (fave set? "How I Met Your Mother,") interviewing celebrities on the red carpets of parties, attending awards shows and the like. I even had the opportunity to appear on-air as a correspondent when needed. TV Guide Network was a great experience and I got to meet a ton of "famous" people (Kobe Bryant, Kanye West, Rosie O'Donnell, Miley Cyrus, etc) but eventually a time comes where you have to move elsewhere to continue growing professionally.
"Accidentally" falling into the entertainment industry has truly been a blessing in disguise - In entertainment, I get to be myself: quirky, goofy, serious, yet playful. Ultimately, I'm able to just have conversations and connect with the subjects I interview; I'm not worry about breaking news or competing to get the scoop. What I've discovered is that my strength is in my personality, and now I'm looking for the right avenue to cultivate that. Ideally? Any sort of talk show format or hosting job. Dream position? Panelist on The View (don't judge me because you hate them!) or MTV News correspondent (like the way they had it in the late 90's/early 2000's.)
Obviously, The View is a ways away, but that doesn't stop me from working towards the goal. As for what I'm up to now? I'm working for HollywoodNews.com to maintain my interviewing skills and journalistic abilities. I'm creating/writing/starring in a webseries with my friend Amy (who I'm also doing the Samsung Olympics competition with) to nurture my natural comedic ability and give people access to who I am. We hope to launch the webseries once we return from Canada in March. And I guess most importantly, I'm just open to any and all opportunities... in fact, my New Years resolution for 2010 is "Just say yes!" (I have a few funny stories about this, one involves actor Dax Sheperd who is starring on NBC's "Parenthood" and the other involves Danny Pudi, from NBC's "Community.") I'm also looking to secure a hosting/broadcast agent in the next few months, and with that, secure an on-air position (whether network, cable or online) full-time.
It's funny how it all works out, actually, because I would have had to leave my job at TV Guide Network anyway to do this Olympics opportunity.
Oh and FYI - I've also had experience as a local news reporter in both Springfield, MA and Bakersfield (yes, Fresno's little brother, as I like to call it.)
What Fresno schools did you go to?
SAMIA: I attended Kratt Elementary from K-4th grade, Manchester GATE for 5th
and 6th, Computech for 7th and 8th, and Edison High for 9th-12th. After
that, I left Fresno to attend USC
Ever been teased by some LA jackass for being from Fresno? Ever
find yourself having to defend Fresno in general?
SAMIA: ALL the time. But I defend
my hometown through and through. People will usually ask where "559" is,
say "I'm sorry" when they find out I'm from Fresno, and even CLAIM
that they've driven through it (they think the Fresno County presented
on the 5 is actually Fresno) - in fact, a close friend of mine for years
thought that Kettleman City was Fresno! Ha, it's like...yeah, I live
right behind the town's point of interest: In-N-Out. Ha.
However, I
must say it's definitely cool being one of the only people that are
from Fresno in my social circle - it's part of my identity or something.
It actually solidified one of my closest friendships. That "Cen Cal"
laid-back vibe is how me and my college roommate bonded (She's from
Bakersfield.)
Any stories of randomly running into a Fresnan in LA?
SAMIA: Hmmm...yes! A dear friend of mine once used his
friend's phone to give me a call and meet up. That friend of his noticed
my area code was "559" and established the number was from Fresno, and
revealed that he, too, was from Fresno. Who this Fresnan turned out to
be? Comedian Darren Carter. We now have a life-long Fresno connection.
Another fun story: I was covering the "My Life in Ruins" red carpet premiere in LA, doing interviews for TV Guide Network, and which oh-so-famous Greek newscaster do I see?? Kopi Sotiropulos! I obviously go up to him and chat about my dear hometown and how he once visited my elementary school. It was a pleasant conversation, and it ended with him giving me his business card and suggesting I drop by Fox26 sometime (I really need to get on that.)
What places do you have to hit up when you come back to Fresno?
SAMIA: When I'm in Fresno, I have to hit up... Hungry Bear Cookies!! OK so I
don't get to hit it up EVERY time, sometimes because of scheduling and
other times because I fear for my waistline, but! In a perfect world, I
would have them on the regular. Other must-visit spots? Broilers. They
have the best pita bread I've ever had. I'd like to also shout out Dai
Bai Dang. While I'm kinda "over" Asian fusion, I still have a soft spot
for this place because of the summers and winters I spent as a hostess
here while in college (and really, the only reason I'm over Asian-fusion
food is BECAUSE I ate there so much - gotta love the employee
discount!)
Aside from food, I'm a big frequenter of Starbucks (my
high school friends and I ALWAYS hit up the location on Herndon and
Marks, so naturally I was affected after I discovered it shut down.) I
also, oddly enough, prefer shopping in Fresno than in LA. There's
something home-y about it. You can likely find me in Macy's shoe
department at Fashion Fair, or trying to find $300 sunglasses for like,
$70 at Nordstrom Rack.
Would you ever consider coming back to Fresno? What would Fresno
have to do to get you to come back?
SAMIA: That's a good question. I mean, I have family, friends, and a history in
Fresno, so it'll always be a part of my in some capacity. In terms of a
permanent move? Realistically, it probably won't happen because of the
field I'm in and the goals I have for my life. Los Angeles seems like
the more reasonable option. So as far as what Fresno would have to do to
bring me back? Hmm... cut a deal with a network, build a studio, and
start creating and broadcasting shows that would air nationally ... or,
promise me a life-time supply of Hungry Bear cookies.
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*You can follow Samia on Twitter and check out her blog over at www.khanversations.com.
**As Samia mentioned, she and her friend Amy have a chance at winning 25K by out-blogging four other teams as they vlog, write and tweet about their experiences at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. They will be featured on MSN, Samsung Mobile Exploreres, a Samsung Facebook Page, and are of course hoping for some Fresno love along the way.
