School of Theatre, Television, and Film Welcomes Back Industry Leader Paul Haas

From midterms to major deals, Paul Haas has come a long way since his days at San Diego State University’s palm-lined campus. Today, he’s returning as a partner at WME, a leading global talent agency known for representing top artists, creators, and brands across entertainment, media, sports, and beyond. 

Haas, co-head of WME’s television literary and packaging department, will speak with students during An Evening with TFM Alum Paul Haas at Scripps Cottage on Dec. 2. He will also visit several classes during his two-day stay.

The visit is a full-circle moment.

Haas explained the motivation behind his upcoming reunion, “When I saw another alum join an advisory board, I thought, oh, that’s a cool idea. I looked into it for State and decided to jump in.”To Hollywood

After graduating from SDSU with a bachelor's in liberal studies, Haas returned to Los Angeles and began building his career in entertainment.  

“I always wanted to be in show business. So I came out, and I started, you know, I temped and got jobs working for producer-managers and that kind of stuff. I got my first agency job when I was about 23, and became an agent by 24 and a half. And I’ve been an agent since,” Haas said.

Before entering the industry, Haas had started a small business washing cars and windows during college. 

“I didn’t want to have a boss those days,” he explained. 

His drive for independence and hard-working mindset continued throughout his career journey.

Career insights

Haas emphasized that for him, ambition and grit matter more than formal preparation or test scores.

“Being ambitious and being hardworking and having grit and being able to, be effective, that counts a lot more than how smart you are and whether you went to college and where you went to college. I outfoxed them. That’s how I did it,” he said.

Haas went on to describe his approach to recognizing talent, noting that true potential isn’t defined by technical skill alone, but by individuals with a strong creative vision and work that can endure and connect with audiences for generations.    

Today, Haas represents and packages talent for some of television’s most iconic programs, including CSI, Friday Night Lights, The Office, Parks and Recreation, Ugly Betty, Rescue Me, Battlestar Galactica, and the Game of Thrones novels.

One of his favorite parts of the job? Seeing a project come to life.

“A client will come and pitch you a show or hand you a script, and then you'll sell it, you'll put it together, and it takes a lot of time to do that. And then one day you're driving down the street and there's the billboard for the show. Fun. That you played a part in that is cool,” he said.

Advice for students 

Haas encourages students interested in talent management to seek out agency experience. 

“Work at an agency. That’s how you learn the business,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of initiative and networking. Haas explained that students have a multitude of opportunities and should utilize the resources available to them. During his recent visit to SDSU for an advisory board meeting, Haas said he met a student speaker who embodied that drive. 

“She was incredible, she didn’t have any relationships in the business. She got two internships on her own all through LinkedIn and sending letters. Very impressive,” he said.

Reflecting on his college years, Haas shared the advice he would give his younger self:

“I'd probably work harder in college than I did. But I actually really had a good experience,” he said.

Haas said he’s looking forward to engaging with students and hearing about their own personal ambitions.

“I just like the idea of engaging with students…I think these days, people are more well prepared. You all have plans. I was motivated and ambitious. That's all I needed. And it's easier today with all the internet,” he said.

Students of any major who are interested in hearing more from Haas are encouraged to attend the event on Dec. 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Scripps Cottage.