We’re thrilled to welcome new Entertainment Studies instructor Noemi Zeigler! Noemi will be teaching Building an Online Audience (click on the hybrid section!) this spring. She is a producer, director, screenwriter, and comedian. Ms. Zeigler is an award-winning screenwriter and the co-producer and host of the web series, The Minx Mandate with Madeline Minx and Hot Flash AF. Her work has screened at top festivals including SXSW and the Ann Arbor Film Festival. She was also the social media manager for The Northern California Emmys.

We checked in with Noemi and asked her 5 questions to get to know more about her and her course.

What about teaching for Entertainment Studies are you most looking forward to?
It’s a dream and an honor to teach at UCLA Extension in Entertainment Studies. Since earning my MFA from the Directing program at AFI, I’ve taken several classes through UCLA Extension which have helped me navigate the film industry. I love that UCLA Extension attracts such bright, passionate and serious minded students with a range of life experiences and stories to tell. I’ve been working in front of and behind the camera for years — as a writer, director, producer, performer and musician — and I love to bring all the facets of this experience into the classroom. Building an Online Audience is the perfect class to provide a framework for students to experiment with finding their social media voice through a range of media: blogging, podcasting, video production, livestreaming and so much more.  How much more fun does it get?

What do you hope students get out of your course?
I love to foster an environment where students explore their life’s purpose and the core values they want to add to a community, and create from there. So instead of focusing exclusively on getting X amount of followers, retweets, subscribers, etc., in my class we hone in on and nurture your voice so you can express yourself authentically and organically attract your intended audience. By the end of the course, you’ll have executed your own plan which includes formulating a brand and aligning your website, social media accounts and a series of content (customized to your needs) with it.

What is one thing you want students to know before they begin your class?
This is a hands-on course. Be prepared to design or redesign and launch a website, create and curate a range of content and have a blast! I want you to come out of the class having begun to build a community and an online presence you can believe in. 

What are you watching or listening to these days that you are enjoying?
I just enjoyed season 1 of Dave (FXX). I’m obsessed with Lex Fridman’s podcast which explores the future of humanity in all its facets. I especially like his big picture philosophical approach and his warmth, optimism and humanity which makes science much more interesting and accessible to a layperson like myself. Some favorite semi-recent films have been Judas and The Black Messiah, Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Roma and Sorry to Bother You. My music ranges from Alabama Shakes to Chance the Rapper, Anderson .Paak, Fantastic Negrito, Gary Clark Jr., Susana Baca, Madonna (always), Billie Eilish, Cardi B, Buena Vista Social Club and Chambao. I’m always open to new inspirations.

What’s the best piece of advice you would give to someone aspiring to break into your field?
You must love what you do and believe in yourself no matter what. To build a career takes loving and nurturing the journey, day in and day out, rather than focusing on the destination.  Whether your audience consists of 40 people or 4 million, if you nurture them and consistently provide value, you will be rewarded. We don’t all have to strike lightning with a viral TikTok video. Though that could be fun too!

Also, relationships. A meaningful career is forged through building authentic and meaningful connections, partnerships and collaborations. Much like social media is!