Alumna gaining experience in every aspect of the entertainment and film industry

Produced by University Communications
H arlee Pope, ’18, is all wrapped up in the entertainment and film industry. From working on the set of the CBS TV series “MacGyver,” interviewing rock legends like “Men at Work,” starring in the Pretense music video by Alex Gråey, Pope applies the knowledge gained through her Georgia College & State University degree daily. 
Harlee Pope on the set of the CBS TV show "MacGyver"—Season 3.
Harlee Pope on the set of the CBS TV show "MacGyver"—Season 3.

“Being a part of Georgia College’s Georgia Film Academy program allowed me to learn the ins- and-outs of the film industry,” she said. “At the end of the course, I got an internship in the Atlanta Film industry, then a full-time job on the MacGyver reboot for CBS.”

Pope is a film industry freelancer. She’s worked on more than 34 professional film productions in three years. You may have seen some of her credits in films and television series including DC Universe’s “Doom Patrol,” Lionsgate’s “Heels,” Netflix’s “Insatiable” and  “Thunder Force” and Fox’s “The Resident.” 

Pope enjoys watching coworkers collaborate creatively to make a film great.

“To watch patient, hustling, problem-solving, creative, forward-thinking people work every day is so inspiring and challenges me to grow,” she said. “You never know who or what is going to come to set each morning. It's exciting to adjust constantly. I am never afraid of change.”

In the YouTube concert series “Live at the Print Shop,” Pope contributes both on- and off-screen. She operates cameras and conducts interviews with musicians who play a private concert. The crew has presented artists like: Drivin’ N Cryin’, Kool & the Gang, Men at Work, The Mavericks and Zac Brown Band’s John Hopkins.

“I just love being on the set and hearing the amazing stories,” Pope said. 

Harlee Pope works the set of the Fox TV series, "The Resident"—Season 3.
Harlee Pope works the set of the Fox TV series, "The Resident"—Season 3.

She recently acted in short films and two music videos, as well. One film, called “Hush,” was featured in several film festivals. Pope also acted in the short film “Get out of Harris County,” by Producer Eric Burleson. And she has two film and television projects currently in the works.

Pope got her start in theatre at Georgia College, where she played leading roles in “Miss Nelson is Missing!;” “Chicago the Musical;” “Almost Maine;” “Intersexion;” “American Idiot;” and “Cabaret.” Her production credits include: “Anything Goes,” “Big Love,” “The Cat in the Hat” and multiple solo performances.

In addition to playing leading roles, Pope worked as a choreographer, director, editor, interviewer, on-set film assistant, props master and stage manager.

“Because of this experience, I am a go-getter and not afraid to take ‘no’ for an answer,” she said. “It taught me how to spot talent and help individuals grow to their potential. Mostly, I learned the art of collaboration by understanding how to work with other brilliant minds to utilize their skills and bring a beautiful creation of art to life.” 

Pope credits her career success to Beate Czogalla’s shop and stage management class, which taught her organization and how to properly prepare for a production. Dr. Amy Pinney’s class showed Pope how to refine her acting and solo performance skills. Guest artist Iona Holder taught her how to channel her inner performance through symbolism with her body and be patient with the theatre process. 

The Theatre program showed me what I was capable of. I still use tools I learned from each production today. Also, by learning to be positive and good spirited, I’ve received calls back from film studios to work with them again, because I have good energy on set.
– Harlee Pope

Pope also thanks Dr. Karen Berman, former chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance, for securing her a job for three summers where she directed plays in Florida, Georgia South Carolina and Texas.

“It’s an awesome freelance program,” she said. “I was happy to be a part of helping students grow and learn through theatre.” 

Harlee Pope on the set of the CBS hit TV show MacGyver, Season 4.
Harlee Pope on the set of the CBS hit TV show MacGyver, Season 4.

In addition, Pope studied abroad in the Czech Republic for one month where she starred in eight theatre performances in five cities about a famous Czech artist.

“I understood how important theatre and the arts are for everyone in the world,” Pope said. “It’s healing. The way they cherished theatre there was so beautiful, as well as their operas and artist centers.”

Her experience, working in every aspect of Georgia College’s Theatre program, strengthened Pope’s performance repertoire. It taught her adaptability and forward-thinking skills.

“The Theatre program showed me what I was capable of,” she said. “I still use tools I learned from each production today. Also, by learning to be positive and good spirited, I’ve received calls back from film studios to work with them again, because I have good energy on set.”

Pope prepared for the GFA program by working with GC360 and mass communications, where she was the entertainment news host for two years. Pope also worked in the editing room, clipping together her interviews and footage to produce each story.

“That experience made me way more comfortable on-and-off camera,” Pope said. “It also taught me the preparation needed to attend the GFA program.”

Today, she works every day, and the on-set hours can be excessive. But she stays positive.

“We can learn from the dark times and bring those ideas to life through art,” Pope said. “I love knowing our opportunities are truly endless. I am here to help guide anyone and share my talents. Always feel free to reach out. You never know what can happen.”