 Q&A conducted by blogger and on-air personality Amanda Weldon. How did you first get into journalism? I dreamt of being a Much Music VJ and would shoot talk shows under the “spotlight” by the fireplace in my living room when I was 11 featuring entertainment gossip blurbs from J-14, testing out my remote control hummer with my dog and giving away a Camp Rock calendar. I even did a little walk-in entrance to “Gonna Make You Sweat”. A few years passed by before I decided to seriously pursue a career as a host. At 14, I created The Saverina Show on YouTube where I’d do little Skype interviews and then in-person interviews. At 16, it became a pilot at Cable 14 leading to other hosting and producing opportunities. Also during that time I had interned for Jully Black, wrote for Illuminessence e-Magazine and started an entertainment blog, The Saverina Scozzari Collective. Who is your inspiration? Jane Fonda. Sure, she’s had a facelift or ten, but she’s a f*cking legend. I’d love to kill it in the entertainment scene until the day I die and even drop a workout tape. The Saverina Workout has a nice ring to it, no? Why do you think this industry is the perfect fit for you? I get bored easily and this is one industry where that is not possible. There’s never a dull moment - it’s fast-paced, intense and often scandalous (probably the trait that sold me on getting into this - shoutout to my mom for letting me read tabloids like they were the Bible back in the day). What advice do you have for someone just starting out in the field? Have thick skin. The reality of this industry is that people are going to tell you that you suck - especially in the digital age. Take it, learn from it, and move forward. I personally appreciate these so-called trolls because they help you grow as a person and be better at what you’re doing. Being told how great you are feeds your ego which could lead to some serious issues down the road. What has been your biggest obstacle thus far? Practicing patience. It’s a daily struggle and can be discouraging. You don’t wake-up as Beyoncé. It takes time and a lot of small gigs to get to that level. I’m a major planner and want everything to go exactly as I picture. Life doesn’t work like that so I’ve had to learn to go with the flow and let things happen when they’re meant to. Easier said than done, but baby steps. What is your dream job within the industry? Covering the Oscars red-carpet as an entertainment reporter for E!. I dream of it almost every night and it’s on my vision board. I feel like that’s when and where I’ll have my “a-ha moment”. Who would be your dream interview and why? *(You can choose anyone dead or alive) Joan Rivers. There hasn’t been a female comedian even close to her level of funny. She told it like it was and had many struggles. I was heartbroken the day she passed. I feel if we had the chance to chat, the banter would be memorable and she’d have some killer stories to tell. What is your daily mantra? “If Britney survived 2007, you can make it through today.” What are you currently working on? I’m currently working on growing my blog The Saverina Scozzari Collective’s brand through a couple of video series, collaborations and photoshoots. I’m really looking forward to what the next couple of months have in store. |