Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Buonantony.
Hi Jennifer, 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?
2023 officially marks my twentieth year working in the entertainment industry. Even before graduating college, I had a few jobs in the business, including working at a radio station in Syracuse, New York; interning and then working part-time in script development at Tribeca Films in Manhattan; assisting at a talent agency that cast extras for the New York City tri-state area; and being an on-set PA and talent stand-in for sports broadcast shows at the NBA. I took every opportunity to get my feet wet in any part of the business that I could.
In 2003, I graduated from the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Television-Radio-Film and minors in public speaking / performing arts and journalism. My first year out of college, I worked at Innovative Artists Talent Agency in Manhattan and at night, attended a one-year intensive acting program at the Herbert Berghof studio. Over the next twenty years, my career has spanned work in TV and film development & production, talent management and senior positions at top PR and creative agencies. It has also included work in front of the camera as an actor, stand-up comedian, and TV Host.
I’ve worked in production on hit TV Shows like “The Apprentice,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “House,” and “Desperate Housewives” and films like “War of the Worlds,” “American Pie” franchise, and “Thank You for Smoking.” I worked in talent management and public relations at firms including Innovative Artists, Magnolia Entertainment, Jones Social PR, Rogers and Cowan and more. I’ve been on teams managing top-level projects for talent clients and brands, including Rachel McAdams, Helena Bonham Carter, John Travolta, and Verizon 360, The NFL, and American Express, to name a few. My work has included both consumer and B2B clients, talent and entrepreneurs in entertainment, lifestyle, healthcare, politics, and technology.
In 2010, I launched my own entertainment news outlet Press Pass LA to “Get What Matters” in Hollywood to audiences with a focus on positive news, gossip free. In 2018, I launched the agency division of my company, PPLA Social & PR, and began taking clients in-house. PPLA is a full-service agency with work that includes public relations, branding, digital marketing, social media, event planning and career management.
On a personal note, I continued to train as on-camera talent in the acting and TV hosting world and continued writing for TV & Film. I’ve performed comedy for years at the world-famous Comedy Store, worked as a host from hundreds of red carpets including the 2023 Golden Globes, and appeared in indie film projects. I’ve been a proud member of SAG-AFTRA since 2005.
I am in the process of launching our company’s development division, Press Pass LA Productions, to create original content and sell a slate of projects in TV & Film with an expected launch of 2024.
At my core, I am a storyteller and seek opportunities and stories that resonate with me across all my work.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I don’t think anything in life is ever really a smooth road. There are always going to be ups and downs, struggles and triumphs, doubts and perseverance.
In spending nearly two decades in Los Angeles, I’ve observed that if it comes too easy, it likely won’t last or you won’t know how to maintain it. One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was actually from an alumni. To be perfectly honest, this person had just finished giving me some not-so-polite feedback and then said, “the truth is if you want to make it Hollywood, just don’t leave.” That last line was actually the best advice I have ever gotten about the industry.
When things don’t go the way I want, when I am rejected or disappointed, I always remember that as long as I keep going, anything is still possible. I truly think it’s about saying yes to opportunities, even if you don’t think they are the ones you want or will lead you to the goal you came here for. Of course, you can’t always say yes to everything, but my career has certainly not been a straight line. Every opportunity I seized, I learned something; I worked hard; and I met people along the way who have more times than not, come back around in future opportunities.
Also, be a good person. If you are someone who stands by their word, works hard, and truly cares for others, then you are someone people will remember.
Lastly, there is always the struggle of competition for opportunities and the hardships of struggling to make ends meet in an expensive city. But remember, there is enough work for everyone. It’s better to help others and be truly supportive than find resentment if you don’t get the role, the job, the deal, etc. Have patience, be supportive, and I believe it will all work out.
As you know, we’re big fans of Press Pass LA. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Press Pass LA is an entertainment news site that “Get What Matters” in Hollywood to our audience! We cover celebrity news, charity & red carpet events, rising talent and local happenings, gossip-free!
PPLA is our agency division which focuses on public relations, social media, branding, digital marketing, event planning and client career management. Our main goal is to identify your personal or professional brand’s core values and short & long-term goals and then create campaign strategies that are in line with driving brand awareness, user engagement, customer loyalty, and media exposure. We handle both B2B and B2C communication. We specialize in areas including entertainment, lifestyle, business, technology, and philanthropy.
Press Pass Productions will be launching in 2024 and will focus on developing and selling original content projects across TV, Film & streaming in both scripted and unscripted content.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The best way to support our website Press Pass LA is by reading and engaging with our website, signing up for our newsletter, and sharing the content you like on social media. If you have story ideas, you can also submit tips to our editorial department or reach out to us about open positions to write, host, or more. For our agency, we love referrals for new clients that need PR representation, branding, social media support or event planning.
In terms of collaborating with us, we are always open to sponsorships, partnerships and referrals.
Visit us at @PressPassLA @PPLASocial or email [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.presspassla.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/presspassla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PressPassLosAngeles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferbuonantony/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PplaSocial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/presspassla
- Other: https://www.pplasocial.com/
Image Credits
Courtesy of Press Pass LA, Photographer Ed Batres
