Film Festival reels in talent

	Chris Gifford '81 is the executive producer of Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer."

The Fourth Annual Connecticut College Film Festival on April 9-13 showcased two dozen films by alumni and students—and gave student filmmakers a chance to learn from alumni in the business.

The alumni who returned to campus included Chris Gifford '81, executive producer of Nickelodeon's "Dora the Explorer;" film producer Andre Lee '93; and Nancy Lefkowitz '92, director of talent relations for the Tribeca Film Festival.

The alumni said it's important to get noticed, and urged students to do whatever job they're given—making copies, picking up trash, cleaning sets—efficiently and with a wonderful, positive attitude.

A good attitude, along with the ability to connect with people and make a good impression, will get you noticed, they said. Hard work will pay off. And never, they said, absolutely never burn a bridge.

Lefkowitz added that it's important not to be afraid to be fired. And if you are, learn from the experience, she said. It can open new doors or lead you to discover new areas of interest, she said.