Hattiesburg, Miss - Victor Mejia’s day starts out like other most employed people. He eats, showers, catches up on the day’s events and then heads off to work. But that’s where the similarities end. While most nine-to-fivers are content to swap stories around the water cooler about “Britney-this” or “Paris-that,” Mejia is meeting the people that inspire the gossip.
 Since joining the nationally syndicated show “Extra” more than five years ago, Mejia has captured some of the most electrifying, insightful and sometimes side-splitting interviews given by Hollywood’s crème de le crème. He has interviewed an array of “A-list” celebrities, including Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro -- the list goes on and on and on. He’s also covered some of the film, music and fashion industries’ biggest shindigs such as the Oscars, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards, Grammy’s, etc. And let’s not forget about those “private” parties that even the so-called “B-listers” can’t crash.
Yet, despite the glitz and glamour, the Pasadena, Calif., native has remained grounded, focused and mindful of the many people who have encouraged him along his path to success. In an exclusive interview with chinika.com, Mejia talks candidly about his triumphs and his low points prior to landing the job with “Extra.” He also shares his view on the so-called “bad girls” of Hollywood. CC:
How does it feel to work with such a prominent entertainment television show? Victor:
You know that feeling when you're a kid getting a present and can't wait to see what’s in it … that’s the feeling. Everyday it’s a different assignment. You never know what the surprise of the day will be. Will it be an interview with Morgan Freeman, a red carpet event, or will it be a secret charity party filled with celebrities? That’s the excitement of working with an entertainment show. CC:
Before I go any further, what's the difference between you and the paparazzi? Victor:
The paparazzi has a tougher task in getting a picture of the celebrity they are targeting. Their job requires them as photographers to be aggressive or lose the chance for that great photo opportunity. In my case, the producers arrange the interviews with the celebrities’ managers in advance so when I arrive to videotape a celebrity, I expect to get all the shots I will need. CC:
What is your take on the so-called bad girls of Hollywood such as Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan? Do you think they are getting a bad rap? Victor:
Its not a simple answer, some have had a tough history and some of that history gets misinformed ... I believe a few of them are getting a bad rap. CC:
Describe the chaos of covering stories like the infamous Britney-Kevin Federline debacle. Victor:
It’s sad how some of the stories of celebrity couples turn out, especially when you've worked with a few of them and suddenly they're not together. I have always felt it was disrespectful to get involved in their personal lives when they are going through such difficult times. In most cases, the chaos of covering such stories for me only begins when the celebrities are ready to talk to our cameras … then it’s a mad rush to get it on the air on time. CC:
What is your most memorable interview thus far? Victor:
Celebrities are human like all of us, but some have extreme tempers. There was one time I arrived early to videotape an interview with an “A-list” celebrity. I was sitting in a lobby of a hotel waiting for my producer when suddenly I spotted a little kid asking the well-known celebrity for an autograph. The celebrity shouted, “I hate kids and I don’t sign autographs!” I was shocked to hear that and so were the kid’s parents. While I was setting up the camera for the interview, the celebrity turned to say hello to me. He turned red as a tomato when he realized I had witnessed his reaction to the kid in the lobby. After apologizing profusely for his behavior, we began the interview. The superstar was so shamed by the situation, he had to be retouched with makeup several times from the sweating of embarrassment. CC:
Sounds like you have had your share of encounters with unpleasant stars, so who’s your favorite celebrity to interview? Victor:
My favorite celebrities are the ones who remember me by name (Laughter). But seriously, I have met lots of great celebs such as Johnny Depp, Tom Hanks, Keanu Reeves, Jessica Alba, Robin Williams, and Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith.
CC:
Switching gears now to your personal life. Will you share with our audience a little about your family’s history?
 Victor:
My history is a diverse mix of Mexican and American cultures. My family traces its roots back to the early 1800s from a little town named Calera in the state of Zacatecas within Mexico. Calera was a town with a population of 4,000 people in the 1950s when my parents decided to make the big move to the United States. As my family grew, I became the youngest of three brothers born in the city of Pasadena, Calif.
CC:
When did you first fall in love with videography? Victor:
When I was 7 years old, I always wondered about that little square box my dad would point at us whenever we went on vacation. At 8 years old, I realized it was a Kodak 8mm film camera. In the years that followed, I grew fascinated by the flickering images I would see when the family gathered in the dark to watch our family vacations on the big screen. I began to wonder what if I could operate the camera and capture such captivating images. At age 11, somehow, my dad realized I had a fascination with film, so he invited me to go to a store in Hollywood to buy our first portable video camera (Quasar) and a portable video recorder (Technicolor). At that point, my dad let me use the video equipment any time I wanted. I took the opportunity to film mini-movies with friends. While video was different from film, it was instant playback, so I saw the many flaws to my videotaping like lots of shaky camera work. But I got better over time with practice as all of my family members would call my father to see if I could videotape their weddings, birthdays, events and family reunions. CC:
At what point, did you determine you wanted to turn your new found passion into a career? Victor:
The big calling point in my life was when I saw Steven Spielberg’s movie “Back to the Future.” I couldn't believe the electrical jolt I got that day. That was the day I knew I wanted be apart of the television industry. CC:
Describe your efforts to make your dreams become reality?  Victor:
My path to become a television videographer was a difficult journey ... but I had strong support from my parents, teachers and friends. At age 17, I took a television course at the local Pasadena television station, PCAC Channel 56. My television teacher and great friend Pete Arnold, who I highly respect, taught me all aspects of the television industry from the camera work, sound, directing, producing, lighting and editing to working together as a team with other students. He also introduced me to great friends who, oddly enough, would help me get further in my career in the future.
CC:
Just exactly how hard was the task of breaking into the industry? Victor:
Applying for work in the television industry in the beginning was extremely tough. The competition was high and major experience was required. Joining a union was a hard decision, but the move was required by all the major film and television companies. And it seemed like the better choice at the time, since I had no money and had been denied lots of times for work in the Los Angeles area. While still living with my parents, the business my dad worked for relocated from California to Houston, Texas. The big change of atmosphere turned out to be what I needed to keep my dream alive. After settling down one month after the move, I distributed résumés which housed little experience. But with great passion for what I wanted to do, I landed two job interviews within two days. Nick Rivera, the promotions director of Telemundo Network, offered me my big break opening the door for me in the television industry as a promotions producer. During my five-year stint there, Rivera enhanced my creative skills and helped strengthen my social skills in the Latin and American cultures. CC:
Sounds like Nick has played a key role in your success. Victor:
To this day, Nick has been one of my strongest supporters in my efforts to stand against the toughness of network politics, which often belittles employees. But most of all he has taught me to be strong, be myself and work hard. CC:
Just how cut-throat can the television industry be?  Victor:
Working at Telemundo, I found myself sometimes being pushed around or mistreated by other co-workers. I was accused and blamed for things that I had nothing to do with. I've been belittled by racist remarks, but I never allowed myself to stoop to their level of behavior. Instead, I gained strength to work harder, learn more and gained the wisdom to cherish the friends that encouraged me to persevere. CC:
I understand you gained something else while working with Telemundo (laughter), or should I say someone else. Victor:
Indeed, I did (laughter). I gained a beautiful, supporting wife named Adriana. CC:
Where did your career lead you after leaving Telemundo? Victor:
I was hired to work for the ABC Network as a broadcast technician by another wonderful boss, Rick Herring. Rick taught me the true meaning of honor, respect and leadership. I met lots of outstanding people during my time with ABC like Henry Florsheim, Tom Ash and Rick Sanchez. CC:
You are at the top of your game now. And instead of directing the attention to your own efforts in achieving your dreams, you, throughout this interview, continue to deflect attention to your supporters. Why?  Victor:
It is important to remember the people who believed in me and my talents before I made it to the big leagues. My road to success would have been a lot bumpier without them. It is also important for your readers to realize that each one of them must be very careful about how they treat other people because you never know whose help you might need in the future.
CC:
After landing a job with ABC, what prompted you to make your move towards the entertainment industry? Victor:
It was the first week in November 2001, and I was walking up to the fridge when I heard the theme song of a show called “Entertainment Tonight.” That song sent another electrical jolt through me and I knew instantly that I wanted to work with an entertainment show. The next day, I browsed the internet for entertainment jobs and there it was, a blinking little icon that read “new posting” alerting me to a cameraman position at Warner Brothers. I e-mailed my resume at 9 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m., I received a call. The person on the other end of the phone asked, “How would you like to work for Warner Brothers?” CC:
Wow! That’s unbelievable. Victor:
But wait, it gets better. When I arrived in California for the interview, I called a few friends to let them know I was in town. I met up with an old friend of mine from my first television class and it just so happened that he worked for Warner Brothers’ “Extra,” and coincidently, it was in the same building that I was supposed to meet my interviewer. Since I arrived early, my friend gave me a tour of the place, introducing me to everyone in site, including the soon-to-be interviewer. After the tour, I was directed to the executive’s office. He asked, “Do you know the guy giving you the tour?” I responded, “We both have known each other since the 1980s.” Then he said, “The cameraman job is yours if you want it.” Of course, I accepted. I was now a cameraman for two entertainment shows, “Extra” and “Celebrity Justice.” CC:
What was the reaction of your co-workers back in Texas? Victor:
Naturally, my mentors were very excited for me. But it was hilarious how the co-workers who treated me badly suddenly became friendly. Some of them even asked me to hand over their résumés to the hiring managers of Warner Brothers (laughter). While I have forgiven them, the memory of some of them sucking up to me still makes me laugh hysterically. CC:
Although you possessed 15 years of experience before the call from Warner Brothers, were you at all nervous during your first day at “Extra”? Victor:
As with any new job you want to prove yourself. My motivation kept me focused, the assignments kept me busy from worrying, and I had strong support from my co-workers. 
CC:
What advice can you offer to people seeking to follow in your footsteps? Victor:
Believe in yourself at all costs, follow your passion, and surround yourself with positive people. Get out and meet lots of people in your industry because you never know if they will, someday, be the ones hiring or helping you in the future. And this may sound out of the ordinary, but volunteer as much as you can at your local charities because it will keep you down to earth and enhance you spiritually. CC:
What’s next for you? Victor:
Well, I am currently fulfilling my goal of becoming an entrepreneur. I have started a company called Telesis Media. Its mission is to expand options in a broad range of media services. My first launch was from the company is ChidoTrade.com. It’s a free online classifieds service to anyone who wants an alternative choice when trying to locally sell the things they no longer want around their house. More great things from Telesis Media are on the horizon. CC:
Out of all of your accomplishments, which do you value most? Victor:
Keeping a tightly- knit family. Family is very important to me. My wife, parents and my brothers have been by my side during the bad and good times. I cherish every moment I can with them. After work, I help my parents around the house, and then spend time with my wife helping others by volunteering at various charities. My outlook on my personal and professional life is heavily influenced by a man I highly respect named Monsignor August Moretti. He once said, “We don’t live to work, we work to live”. The interview obtained by chinika.com may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of Chinika, LLC.
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Extra's Victor Mejia
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