Profiles of Tenacity: Talia Bloch

Talia Bloch is a fourth-year entertainment and media studies major from Long Island, NY. With a passion for comedy and creativity, Bloch is co-hosting the fourth-annual Backlight Student Film Festival. She also participates in improv and stand up comedy, along with being a part of Sharkwing Sketch Comedy. Bloch has used her experience as an EMST student to set herself up for success for a career in entertainment and hopes to move to Los Angeles, California, upon graduating in May 2025.

Read her Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

I have known since high school that I wanted to be a storyteller and involved in the entertainment industry in some capacity. Choosing EMST was a no-brainer once I saw Grady had a program that combined both hands-on experience in filmmaking, writing, editing and producing with informational classes about the industry and business-side of things. It’s such an incredibly well-rounded program, and I knew it would prepare me in every sense for the real world. What more could you possibly want?

What does tenacity mean to you?

To me tenacity means standing firm in your beliefs – knowing what you want and who you are and staying true to that. Tenacity is a beautiful mosaic of determination, confidence, intrinsic drive and optimism. It is understanding your goal and working diligently towards it. 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

Don’t let fear stop you from doing anything. I struggled so badly, and still do, with imposter syndrome. I always feel like everyone around me is so smart, knowledgeable and has their life together while I don’t. First off, that’s false, we’re all clueless. But, that’s the whole point! We are all in school to learn and grow, so it’s ok to not know, to not understand or to have a billion questions. Don’t get discouraged, let that curiosity motivate you and keep striving to learn.

What motivates you?

When I see a really cool old lady on the street with gray hair and a funky outfit and big jewelry, that motivates me. I want to be like her, full of wisdom and amazing stories. Someday when I look back on my life I want to be proud of all the opportunities I seized, all the crazy things I made happen and the wealth of knowledge I gained.

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

Grady LA quite literally changed my life. I felt like I was in a real-life movie; immersed in the industry for 8-weeks; interning, building my network, and exploring LA with an amazing group of peers. I interned at The Groundlings Theater as well as Colloff Nicolo Casting, and learned such a ridiculous amount in 8 weeks. Come graduation in May I’m trying my hardest to find my way back out there. An honorable mention to Sharkwing for quenching my thirst for a collaborative environment to grow in my comedy writing and performing endeavors!

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

March 29 and 30, I’m hosting the 4th annual Backlight Student Film Festival with my best friend and frequent collaborator, Whit Pope. Being able to write a script for the festival and tap into my most comedic, creative self while honoring the amazing Georgia student filmmakers and rapidly growing industry here is just amazing. Last semester I also wrote a comedy pilot, Capable, with Whit in Professor Matthew Evans’ television writing class. It was by far the most challenging, intellectually stimulating and most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and I am beyond proud of myself and Whit! 

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

I am so frequently found at the MLC Jittery Joe’s that it feels unfair to say anything else. It’s the perfect combo of social and studious over there, I can get a vanilla oat latte, study and talk with my friends. It’s perfect. Also the baristas over there are amazing – keep up the great work guys.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my freshman self that the journey (getting to figure out who you are) is as important as the destination (graduation). Don’t spend all four years worrying about what you’ll end up doing, or where you’ll move post-grad, or who you’ll be friends with, just enjoy experiencing things. College is the time to discover yourself and what you love about life, so take time to make friends, and make friends with yourself!

Editor: Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu