By Sofiya Saykovska
Welcome to NYWIFT, Wanda Coppage!
Wanda J. Coppage is a creative force in the music and entertainment industry, driven by her passion for music supervision in TV and film. With a background in broadcast journalism and digital media, she has connected with community leaders and entertainers alike, serving as a red carpet correspondent for the BET Soul Train Awards.
Recently, she launched 70 Starr Media to embrace her multifaceted identity and offer emceeing and digital content services. Currently completing a Music Supervision certificate at Berklee while pursuing her MBA, Wanda is also set to moderate the premiere of Tubi’s Divided Loyalty, showcasing her commitment to creativity and growth in the industry.
Photo courtesy of Wanda Coppage.
Tell us about yourself! Give us some insight into your creative journey, your career aspirations, and what drives you.
Hi everyone! My name is Wanda J. Coppage and simply put – I’m a Creative who thrives in the music and entertainment space. I’ve known that to be my niche since my teenage years but it’s taken me a while to figure out what that actually looks like for me in addition to broadcast journalism and digital media, I’m embracing the new passion of music supervision for TV & film. I love it!
I’m so grateful for my past and present endeavors. I’ve been blessed with opportunities to interview community leaders from my hometown with my work in radio; and to connect with entertainers and music artists in the entertainment industry as a BET Soul Train Awards red carpet correspondent, that I hope to someday work with as a music supervisor.
What brought you to NYWIFT?
Though I live in Connecticut, my availability extends throughout the Tri-State area – especially hybrid and remote projects. NYWIFT is a great organization to connect with other like-minded, creative women in film and television in my area.
Photo courtesy of Wanda Coppage
What inspired you to start 70 Starr Media, LLC, your own boutique entertainment company?
I’ve always known that I thrive best in spaces where I’m able to fully embrace ALL of the pieces of me but, it wasn’t until recently that I realized that space will only exist once I create it. That’s what led me to not just launch 70 Starr Media but to allocate time daily to invest in creating, continuing learning and networking. Thus far, it’s my personal company and brand. I offer services as an emcee and also digital media content. And, lastly I’ve just immersed myself into music clearance, sync and music supervision. I’m completing the Music Supervision certificate program with Berklee online while completing my M.B.A with Southern New Hampshire University. And I just booked a moderator gig for the premiere of the highly anticipated Tubi Series Divided Loyalty.
Thus far, [70 Starr Media, LLC] my personal company and brand. I offer services as an emcee and also digit media content. Just launched is Urban AC Online – a music/entertainment website catering to Adult R&B/Soul music. It’s still very much in its infant stages so I’m not sure if I’m ready to. put that out there just yet. We have the youtube channels we’re working on in conjunction with the website.
Was being a radio host/reporter something you always saw yourself doing?
Funny thing is, everything I’m doing now was never something I planned to do. I knew I wanted to be creative as I previously mentioned but my initial goal, fresh out of high school, was to write for a magazine like Essence or Vibe, with the hopes of one day starting my own.
Photo courtesy of Wanda Coppage.
What was the best part about being a media correspondent on BET’s Soul Train Awards Red Carpet?
I’d have to say the best part of the Soul Train Awards red carpet experience was being able to be up close and personal with artists that I know and love, and being able to talk to them on my own terms – the way I wanted to, without being worried about the “corporate” side of things, and how someone else may want me to speak. It was so exciting meeting Bell Biv Devoe, Keke Wyatt, Nikki Gilbert from Brownstone…I was in AWWWEEE!
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
Great question! The best piece of career advice I’ve received came from an interview I did with Deya Smith-Taylor aka Deya Direct. She’s a former producer with the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Life Coach and everything else that’s DOPE! I was really struggling with being authentically WHO I am – in the space WHERE I am. I explained to her how in being myself, I feel like I’m being picked apart and not being received well. And she said to me, “If they don’t receive you and accept you then that’s NOT your community. You need to find and operate within your community.” I said GIRLLLLL!! That was a WORD and I received that.
Photo courtesy of Wanda Coppage.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter into the world of hosting and reporting?
My advice would be to make sure you start in a niche where you’re comfortable being you. Present day offers so many digital platforms for your voice to be heard in its true authenticity. And there’s an audience for EVERYONE! Don’t pay attention to the trolls who have nothing better to do. Remain true to yourself and what makes you tick. And if you feel there’s no ideal space where you and your voice fit – don’t be afraid to create your own space!
You can reach out and find out more about Wanda on her Facebook!
Sofiya Saykovska
Sofiya Saykovska is an up-and-coming editor based in Long Island, NY. She is freshly graduated from the School of Visual Arts. Her works include "Good Enough", and "Disoriented", both of which were prestigiously awarded from the SVA Alumni Society. Sofiya is actively involved in various creative pursuits, including photography, dance, music, and painting. Her work often showcases her vibrant imagination and keen eye for detail.
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