Hard work and honing your craft truly does pay off. The opportunities are endless when you commit yourself to something and Wilder Weir is living (and suavely entertaining) proof. Down to earth, creative, and charismatic are three attributes that accurately describe Weir. Funny and a chick magnet, would be a couple of others. Get to know Wilder Wier.
Notable: What is your name and age?
Wilder: Wilder Weir, age 27
Notable: What is the name of the company you work for and what industry is it in?
Wilder: I’m a television director and on-air host for “oh so cosmo” on cosmotv and the w network. I also narrate the tv show cash & cari on HGTV in the United States. Websites include: cosmotv.ca/wilder, Twitter @WilderWeir
Notable: Elevator pitch (we just met on an elevator, we have 30 seconds together in the elevator, please describe your business):
Wilder: Well if we’re in an elevator that smells weird… it wasn’t me. I’m a television host for the national tv show “oh so cosmo,” a half hour entertainment based program talking about sex, style and celebrities. I’m also budding director. I field direct for cosmoTV as well as direct viral videos for several clients in Canada. I’ve also been an actor my entire life.
Notable: Why did you get involved in your industry, why this one, what was the inspiration?
Wilder: I got involved with film and tv at a young age acting in commercials and bit parts when I was a kid. I earned a bachelor of arts degree, with a major in film from queen’s university playing division 1 hockey and moonlighting as a cfrc-fm sports commentator. In my spare time from school I performed stand-up comedy in front of the wild crowds at yuk yuks and had the chance to perform at Montreal’s bourbon street comedy club and the Pittsburgh Improv. I realized television and film was a profession that I wanted to pursue when I got a job writing for TSN Sportscentre out of school and really started to understand the business. The rest is history.
Notable: What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis?
Wilder: The best part is that every day is different! I’ve interviewed celebrities such as Gerard Butler, Terrell Owens, Dr. Oz, Candace Bushnell and Chris O’Donnell to name a few. I’ve also had the chance to be featured on eTalk, ET Canada, CMT and numerous other media outlets. I have major A.D.D. so it’s great that I get to live such an entertaining and discombobulated life.
Notable: What is the most challenging part of your job?
Wilder: The most challenging part of my job is time management.
Notable: Where do you see yourself going in 5 years?
Wilder: I don’t like to have a set plan for the future. It’s tough to do that in the TV world, it changes constantly and you run a risk of being disappointed. But, I’d like to be still performing on-air, developing concepts for new shows and at some point move on to direct some bigger projects.
Notable: Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Wilder: Try and get your foot in the door as soon as possible. KIDS STAY IN SCHOOL but you’re going to learn a heck of a lot more about the TV/FILM industry by getting involved in it at any level. Also, it doesn’t matter if you’re a writer, performer or director… the more you ‘play’ the better you’ll be so use the online world as your sand box and make a mess!
Notable: What is your greatest asset as it relates to business?
Wilder: I take what I do seriously but I don’t take it personally… and I give great head scratches?
Notable: What does success look like to you?
Wilder: My own Yacht that’s called “Yacht to be working”
Notable: What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Wilder: It’s not a milestone but one memorable moment is when I walked a mile around downtown Toronto in a pair or red high heeled shoes (I’m a size 14 women’s if you’re wondering)… I really respect what women have to go through wearing those things now… Sidewalks were definitely designed by men, I almost died.
Notable: Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Wilder: My dad, Wally and I are involved with the Shriners Charity back in our hometown of Montreal. He’s an ex NHL hockey player and we support their cause whenever we can.
Notable: What is notable to you?
Wilder: The Angry Birds iPhone app… it’s addictive and I need to stop…