Success Behind the Scenes

College of Liberal Arts - Mass Communication

As a senior at Shawnee High School in McClure, Ill., Scott Tucker never dreamed he would make it big in Hollywood.

Scott graduated from Southeast in 1984 with a degree in mass communication, emphasis in journalism. After graduation, he worked for a CBS station in Nashville, Tenn., an ABC station in Louisville, Ky., and another CBS station in Kansas. He then relocated to the West Coast, eventually landing in Los Angeles, where he now works as a director for on-air special projects at ABC Daytime in Hollywood. Scott is responsible for producing the overall image of promotional spots for ABC’s four daytime shows. One of his usual tasks involves creating 60-second teasers for the daytime shows.

“This is a great job because I get to work with our talented soap opera actors from All My Children, One Life to Live and General Hospital.  I also work closely with the co-hosts of The View,” says Scott.

Scott’s hard work has not gone unnoticed. In March 2009, he received a daytime Emmy nomination in the Outstanding Promotion category for All My Children. In March 2010, he received another Emmy nomination in the Outstanding On-Air Promotional Announcement category, and this time, he won. Scott was presented his Emmy award at the 37th annual Creative Arts Technical Emmy Awards in late June 2010. Scott’s winning promotion was a 20-episode series for General Hospital called “Graffiti” starring actor James Franco. Scott has also won a Promax gold award for a One Life to Live promotion. He likens the Promax award to the Oscars for media promotion professionals.

A very hard-working, motivated individual, Scott says the most rewarding part of his profession is “seeing and hearing reactions from the fans who watch ABC’s daytime shows. Our fans are so loyal and engaging; it’s rewarding when your work is watched and loved by so many people.”

Scott offered the following advice to current and future Southeast students.

“If at any time you get the chance, get an internship in your field of study.  Do everything and learn everything you can while in your internship. I mean, really absorb all you can, show that you are interested and stay on top of everything.  Even today, an appropriate, professional dress code goes a long way at impressing the staff around you.  These days, so many students who intern dress very casual…to me you need to take pride in what you do…and look the part.  My parents taught me to do the best job you can and go far and above what is required.  And just be kind to people.”

Scott says his career goals included landing a television job in Los Angeles or New York City. Now that he has accomplished that goal, he has several ideas for TV shows he would like to produce himself.

Scott resides in West Hollywood, Calif. A retired marathon runner, Scott says he works out daily.

“This is California, you’re outside every single day!” he says.