Conversations with Erin Serfass

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Erin Serfass.

Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
For most of my life, I have been a theater kid. I went to performing arts schools (middle and high school), did community theater, and eventually went on to major in musical theater in college with dreams of a BFA and a starring role on Broadway as the end goal. But after a while, something wasn’t clicking. I stopped feeling the passion for musical theater, and it started to feel like a chore.

It was the first time I didn’t feel sure of my future, and I questioned the “love” I had felt for this art that I had centered my entire life around. It was my first “life crisis” moment, and I had no idea what to do. After some thought, I realized I had to pivot and find a new path. I settled on changing my major to TV and Film; it seemed like an easy transition from musical theater, which is all I had known. Looking back at that time, I had no idea that this decision would set the course for the rest of my life. I knew almost nothing about TV and Film, but I was immediately hooked.

Eventually, I graduated college with a film degree and then came the hardest part: finding a job. It took well over a year to finally book my first job in the industry: a production assistant for “The Zoo: San Diego” on Animal Planet. Since I’m a native of San Diegan and had previously worked as a photographer at the San Diego Zoo, this was the perfect first job for me. From there, I made more connections, worked at whatever jobs I could book in San Diego, and eventually started booking jobs in LA. I would drive up from SD to LA for a 12+ hour work day, then drive home that same night.

Sometimes, if I booked jobs longer than a single day, I would stay at an Airbnb or with friends when I could. I was already looking to move to LA when a friend I had previously worked with on a few jobs asked if I was available for a long-term production assistant gig. That’s when I knew it was happening. I had to quickly find a place to live and ensure I was moved in before the job started. I found a studio apartment online and moved in without seeing it first (luckily, it matched the pictures).

Once that job ended, I got a full-time office manager/executive assistant position for a commercial production company. My first week there? March 2020. It was also my last week of work for a while. During lockdown, I considered leaving LA and switching careers entirely. Everything seemed so uncertain, and I questioned the future security of the TV and film industry. I was beginning to think I rushed into my decision to change majors in college all those years ago. I briefly moved back to San Diego to live with my family and thought about returning to school to become a vet tech.

But the commercial production company was getting up and running again and asked if I wanted my job back. The timing was purely fate: I realized I wasn’t done in LA yet and wanted to see how far I could go. I stayed with that company for a bit longer, and later, my friend and colleague (the same friend who got me the job that I moved to LA for; I truly would not have my career without her) asked me to interview for the position I have now.

Currently, I’m an accounting clerk & office manager for a small accounting firm. We handle accounting/business management and have many diverse clients from all parts of the industry. While I never thought I would be an accountant, I’ve learned so much and seen a completely different side of things than when working as a production assistant. I’ve gotten to travel, meet all kinds of people, and expand my view of this industry.

It also allows me to have a fulfilling work-life balance. Last year, I started a YouTube channel, which has been a great way to express my creativity. I’ve always enjoyed photography, video editing, executing a creative vision, story-telling, and being on the performing side of things, so YouTube is the perfect place for me. I’ve now been living in LA for almost five years, and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been smooth sailing. Working in the TV and film industry is hard enough, especially as a freelance production assistant. You never know where your next job is coming from, and you don’t get paid enough to take breaks between gigs.

The hours are extremely long. The first year I lived in LA, I didn’t see any friends, had no time to meet people, and didn’t go anywhere besides work. I prioritized working as many hours as possible because I had to make sure I paid my rent. Looking back at that time, I have no idea how I did it. And moving to LA is never a piece of cake. That first year, I got locked out of my apartment on my way to work for a 5 am call time (I actually got locked out more than once), received multiple parking tickets, and my car ALMOST got towed (seeing your car getting hooked to a tow truck is legitimately horrifying).

I sat in so much traffic and learned the lay of the land. Then there was the covid pandemic of it all. As mentioned, I almost left LA, but I’m so glad I didn’t. All the obstacles I’ve faced have allowed me to be where I am now, and even though I feel I still have further to go, I’m extremely proud of my journey up to this point.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m very proud of my YouTube channel, and I think it perfectly encapsulates me and who I am as an artist. Growing up, my friends and I were always making fun videos, and I was the one who would edit/put them together. In college, I dabbled a bit in graphic design and making video content for the housing department on campus where I worked.

It wasn’t until I made the shift to my current job that I realized I wasn’t fulfilling that part of me anymore. I loved working as a production assistant because I loved seeing the creative process and being a part of it. I started thinking about making my own YouTube channel but wasn’t sure if it would lead anywhere. While the internet can be a great place for an artist, it’s also hard to set yourself apart and be seen because everyone has a platform. Ultimately I decided I wasn’t making the channel for the internet, I was making it for ME and my creative desires, so I went for it.

Although my channel is still small, I get so much satisfaction from making my videos and putting them out there. My channel is @ErinHour, and it’s a fun mix of all kinds of things. I don’t like to put myself in one niche category because I have a lot of interests and so many things I want to accomplish. I make vlogs about life, fashion/outfit videos, thrifting/secondhand fashion hauls, and eventually, I want to focus on more creative videos as well. A big part of my channel is the thrifting/secondhand clothing aspect, so I would say that’s probably what I’m most known for.

Sustainability is extremely important to me, especially when it comes to fashion. My entire wardrobe is almost all thrifted/secondhand clothing, and I’m passionate about spreading that to others. I do everything for my channel myself, and eventually, if my channel takes off and I become more successful, I still plan to do everything myself. I think that’s what I’m most proud of. Everything you see in my videos is created by me. Seeing your vision come to life and knowing you made it happen is the greatest feeling.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I would say discipline has been the most important. So many people have talent. Especially in a city like Los Angeles, everyone is here to try and make their dreams come true. Almost anyone you meet here has something special to offer.

But without discipline, you won’t get very far. I make my own opportunities. If I want something, I find a way to make it happen. And especially the days when I don’t feel like I’m good enough, or I want to put off editing that video until tomorrow, that’s when discipline is crucial.

Contact Info:

• Email: itserinhour@gmail.com
• Instagram: @erinhour
• Youtube: @erinhour