Episode 28 - Merri Howard
"What happens right now is that everybody wants to, you know, not get the coffee. Everybody has to pay their dues, and in paying your dues, it's about learning. That's what so important to me. It's like, you will get there. but you know, it's slow and easy and you don't want to be the person who goes in and basically gets the job in a year, year and a half but doesn't have the knowledge."
- Merri Howard
Merri Howard has thrived as a television producer for over 30 years.
But she sort of got here by accident.
She was certain she’d be a dentist or dental hygienist until destiny intervened and led her to the wonderful world of production, where she PA’ed on her first set.
She was hooked and quickly became a production coordinator and assistant director on shows like HAPPY DAYS, CALL TO GLORY and the original MACGYVER.
Shortly after that, she spent the next 17 years as working as an assistant director, Unit Production Manager (UPM) and Producer on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION and STAR TREK: VOYAGER. She climbed the ranks and became a Supervising Producer on STAR TREK ENTERPRISE.
She became a part of the Shondaland family in 2011working on SCANDAL since the pilot, along with THE CATCH and FOR THE PEOPLE.
Merri co-executive produced Hulu’s LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington.
Even though she's been in the business for 30+ years, she is still learning new things everyday. She firmly believes in mentorship and paying it forward.
The timing is ironic as so much of our chat is about slowing down.
We also discuss the importance of paying your dues, your attitude and perception, and all the little fires she had to put out on little fires everywhere.
In her downtime, she spends quality time with her husband and daughter...traveling the globe, going on food adventures, and hanging with their much loved Labradoodle, George.
Merri's generosity is palpable and I'm incredibly grateful we get to spend this hour with her.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this week’s episode!