Scott Budnick
Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC)
Los Angeles, CA USA
"You’ve got to get proximate to the issues and proximate to the people to really understand and be able to make change and fight for justice."
Career Roadmap
Scott's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Politics, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
Some people believe that because I don't have first-hand experience with incarceration, I don't belong in this space. I think we need everyone in this space. In order to make change, we can't exclude anyone. To anyone like me who is passionate and moved by this cause but not directly impacted, I say spend 90% of your time listening and 10% talking. Get proximate to those who are affected and really take the time to listen. Then figure out how your unique skillset can support—not lead—the cause.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Management and Marketing
Emory University
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
I went into college as a pre-med major and thought that I’d ultimately end up as a doctor treating kids with cancer.
2.
After getting first-hand experience on a movie set as an extra, I decided to switch directions and study business and film—I graduated with a major in management and marketing and a minor in film.
3.
I started my career working on films like “Road Trip” and “Old School” before being tapped by director Todd Phillips to start his new production company.
4.
While building my film career, I started getting involved with criminal justice reform issues after visiting a juvenile hall and learning about the experiences of incarcerated youth.
5.
I went on to produce The Hangover—the highest-grossing R-rated comedy in film history—as well as “Due Date,” “Project X,” and “The Hangover 2.”
6.
I realized my privilege as a movie producer could open doors to larger players in government and policy—I’d get us in the door and then give the floor to those affected by the criminal justice system.
7.
While making “The Hangover 3,” it became clear to me that I was now happier doing social justice work than I was making movies, so I decided to leave the movie business and start a nonprofit.
8.
I founded the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC), a support and advocacy network for formerly incarcerated people and criminal justice reform advocates.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
You're not formerly incarcerated so you don't have a say in this space.
How I responded:
Some people believe that because I don't have first-hand experience with incarceration, I don't belong in this space. I think we need everyone in this space. In order to make change, we can't exclude anyone. To anyone like me who is passionate and moved by this cause but not directly impacted, I say spend 90% of your time listening and 10% talking. Get proximate to those who are affected and really take the time to listen. Then figure out how your unique skillset can support—not lead—the cause.