Tracy L. Burnett currently serves as vice president, business and legal affairs at VH1, where she manages the West Coast division overseeing television series, specials, and movie projects. In this position, she has successfully negotiated deals with Tommy Mottolla and Dick Clark Productions, to name a few.
Burnett began her career in entertainment law at Fox Broadcasting Company, then moved to Warner Bros. Television Production. While at Warner Bros., Burnett was responsible for overseeing such television productions as “Living Single” and “For Your Love.”
One of Burnett’s greatest challenges has been finding a balance between her career and personal life. “Because I truly enjoy what I do, I sometimes find it difficult to know when to cut off the lights in my office, and when to turn on the fireplace at my home.”
In addition to mastering the latter, Burnett advises women to “be honest and forthright, as your ‘word’ is what will carry you throughout your career.”
Burnett received her B.A. from Wesleyan University, and her J.D. from New York University School of Law. She is a member of the California and New York bars, and is the current vice president (West Coast) of the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA).
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From the March/April 2003 issue of Diversity & The Bar®