Hollywood IQ 106: Veterans Day Special w/ Charles Handy

Synopsis:

In this episode of Hollywood IQ, Host Ri-Karlo Handy speaks with his brother and special guest, Charles Handy, about Charles’ journey from the military to the Hollywood edit bay. The brothers discuss how to recognize when the dream changes — and how to pivot accordingly; the value of a disciplined, military training in Hollywood; and why you have to prove yourself, even after getting your foot in the door.

Guest Bio:

Charles Handy’s route to Hollywood started in an unexpected place: the Army. After joining the service at age 20 and following the 9/11 attack, the now veteran served two years in Iraq as a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist (responsible for supervising and managing the reception, storage and shipping of bulk or packaged petroleum-based products). The managerial role turned out to be a perfect primer for a multitasker in Hollywood.

Upon returning to civilian life, Charles picked up PA work in Los Angeles at Rocket Science, a production company responsible for a slew of reality shows (including “Trading Spouses”). The gig provided steady work, but Charles’ real passion was in dance. He organized street battles while conceiving a street dance battle show. Soon, Charles was figuring out editing software while editing video of battles, which he then posted to newly-launched platforms like MySpace and YouTube.

It’s through this passion project that Charles gained skill as an editor. When making his wedding video in 2012, he had an epiphany: editing is what he wanted to do for a living. With new focus, Charles landed jobs on shows like “The Nod with Brittany & Eric” and the Emmy Award-winning series “Recipes for Change.” Today, he is lead, senior editor for “The Shop” and serves as co-lead of the Television Academy Veterans/Spouses of Veterans Affinity Group, where he helps guide programming and initiatives that highlight veterans working in entertainment.