Welcome to Hollywood

Is it Worth It? by WM

2008-11-12T16:01:00.000-08:00

Well the semester is almost over and even though it seems like so much was accomplished I feel like there is still so much to do. Both internships have been an amazing experience and I can honestly say I somewhat understand what a life in entertainment is like. There is nobody more passionate about their job than those who have a career in entertainment. At first it seemed like all the actors out here were going to suffocate you but once you find the right group of people, this place is fun to be. LA life is kinda hard to explain because while everything is constantly flowing and projects are going at such a fast pace, it still seems like LA is full of laid back cool people. Overall this can’t be compared to a semester or even four years of college because what and how you learn out here is completely different from what you are taught in school. The best advice to give is to be organezized, very social, and write a review on every script or film you ever see. It all starts with a script and without that perfect script nothing else is possible. Of course this program was worth it. Nothing else could prepare you better for a career in entertainment, A class can only teach you so much about film, but it very rarely if ever teaches you how to have a career in film.

L.A. - Was is worth it?

2008-11-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Most simply put, the answer to this question is H*** Yeah! When I arrived in L.A. I was pretty confident that I had a good handle on who I was and what I was doing. I soon realized however that every experience is different and that the trick is to learn everything you can. At times this experience has been difficult, but no matter what the future holds the lessons learned here will stay with me forever.

I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a career in the real world, whether it has to do with the entertainment industry or not. This program teaches you skills that are invaluable in any job in any city. I would not trade this experience for the world.

Jeffrey Whitlock

Is It Worth It?

2008-11-11T17:23:00.000-08:00

So we only have about a week left here in Los Angeles. And now the question laying on all of our minds is, "Is it worth it?"

So was The Ladder Program worth it? I'd answer with a definite "yes."

A lot of the time we are bogged down so much with work for the program, staying late at our internships, and work for those internships that goes into off-hours, that we can get pretty frustrated and ready to be done with this. Nonetheless, I have learned more than I have in my life.

Going back to school and into the film program, I have so much to apply and feel 100% ahead of the game than most people. I've still got two and a half years left until I graduate, but that means that I have all that time to continue to build and nurture the network that I have already begun to establish.

The amount of money and time that this program takes is well worth the experience. It definitely opened up my mind to new opportunities that the industry offered. There was more than one time where I was second guessing where I want to be and ultimately end up in the entertainment industry. After it's all said and done though, I've solidified in stone that what I wanted to do in the beginning is still what I want to do now- of course, that can still change.

But along the way I have learned countless lessons that will ground me and give me a level head going into the crazy world of film and television. What I have learned will help me along the way tremendously. It was well worth it.

-Jake Castiglioni

Half Way Point by WM

2008-10-15T07:50:00.000-07:00

So far my time here has been very productive. I haven’t been bored since I came to L.A. and the most difficult thing has been to try and organize everything I’m learning so that I don’t forget it by the next day. What I expect to get out of the second half of this internship is a structured plan for the beginning of my career when I graduate college. I hope to make sure my connections are reliable in a year from now. I also hope to complete a short film that is in the process of being made. If I can do all these things then my time here will have been well spent.

Half Way There

2008-10-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! I can't believe that already half of all of this is done. There are so many things that I have learned so far- both for the entertainment industry and for life.

First off, don't bite off more than you can chew... ever. It's not fun. I had the advantage of living here before this program started, but that also left me with a lot of obligations and activities to do since I didn't really 'move away.' I've definitely learned that going 5 days a week with only 3 hours of sleep every night, 12+ hour work days, and other obligations isn't something that should be done.

On a more fun note, the internships have been awesome. I am finally breaking waves at Spyglass and am really starting to enjoy it. Today we find out is SCC is going to be canceled or not (cross your fingers!) There are still some things that I hope to do though.

I want to try a day or two in the art department at SCC. What they create is absolutely amazing and I am in awe of everything that I see on the stages and even on location. What they can think of and what the construction crew can cook up is beyond spectacular.

At Spyglass, I am just hoping that I can continue to build strong contacts that will last outside of the internship when I leave. So far, it's looking good.

That's all I got for yall!

-Jake

What the Industry looks like in motion by WM

2008-10-01T20:41:00.000-07:00

The entertainment industry is a very strange place because many people will tell you being on a set is extremely boring and you’ll end up standing around for most of the time. This is true but at the same time these people are working very fast and hard, and at the end of the day an enormous amount of material is produced. When you look at everything produced you realize they are starting from scratch and creating an entire world for the camera. The background, foreground, props, walls, costumes, makeup, and characters have all been finely tuned to represent a greater whole. This is a big achievement. So when someone tells you that all everyone does is stand around on set, its better to think of it as a stop and then sprint kind of job. You may be standing for a short period waiting for another crew to make their contribution, but then it’s your turn and you’re sprinting again.

A Look From The Inside

2008-10-01T07:14:00.001-07:00

Now that I have been on the "inside" of Hollwood for almost seven weeks now, my ideas on what the industry is and what makes it tick is a little more defined. There is much more business going on than I thought. Everything that happens, happens according to a business decision. Nothing is just "done." I've also come to understand that the business is very, very, VERY dynamic. There is not just one way to do something. There are so many issues that come to mind when someone needs to solve a problem, hire an individual, or choose a project to work on. There are an infinite number of ways one can climb the ladder to success out here.

-Jake Castiglioni

Industry in Motion (Jeffrey Whitlock)

2008-09-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

I think we all have different ideas of what the film industry looks like from the inside. From my experience so far, I think everyone is partially right. Whatever you can imagine, it seems this industry has seen it. It is at times fast and furious, with fast paced negotiating and deals being thrown around the room, assistants madly dialing the phones and the interns huddle in the corner (Kidding). At other times it is slow, and executives wait endless weeks to get an answer from a partner.

But no matter what the speed or disposition of any one any time, there is always the drive to create. Someone is always looking for a good story, and a way to turn into a fantastic film.

Typical day in the life of an intern ( by, WM)

2008-09-17T07:31:00.000-07:00

A typical day includes waking up 20 minutes before you’re supposed to so that you can be 20 minutes early when you arrive. This will be a typical day at the production office for the Sarah Connor Chronicles, on the Warner Bros. lot. You park across the street and at the gate swipe in and go through a metal detector test. Once in the office there are outboxes for each department that may have anything from a new bike for the cast too the usual envelops for accounting, post, costumes and the other departments. Now your off with the golf cart to deliver, while dropping these packages off you must see if there is anything to pick up, everyone is extremely friendly on Sarah Connor so you say good morning to whoever is in and when you get back, there may be more things to deliver or instead you find different little jobs to do until the prelim call sheet comes in. Then you’re off to the copier making a copy for everyone involved in production. You get lunch where you can and continue making the rounds. Towards the end of the day around 8 there are sides and final call sheets to be made. Sometimes one-liners, so your off to the copy machine again although each task is different they all include copying something for the entire cast. Throughout the day you get a chance to check out the sets and maybe watch a scene get shot here and there. Before you know it you’ve been there 12 hours and its time to go home. You get home make a quick meal settle in for about an hour, maybe do some home work and then off to bed to start it all over again. It may sound boring but it’s actually full of interesting scenarios throughout the day. Sure beats any other job I’ve had.

50 Cannon

2008-09-16T23:50:00.000-07:00

The mornings at 50 Cannon are usually very similar. First things first, I pick up the Trades from the lobby, and then its up the elevator to the office. The 50 Cannon office is fueled by large amounts of caffeine and so a large pot of coffee must be brewed. Then, I check for new emails alerting me to schedule changes and new assignments. After that, there is really no telling what could happen throughout the day. I could spend most of it quietly reading scripts at my desk, or running errands for the execs. Everyday has its challenges and its opportunities, but no matter what happens, chances are Rock Band will be played at least once a week.

A Day in the Life of...

2008-09-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

... an intern at Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Spyglass Entertainment!

My two internships are very different, so outlining what I do at each is pretty different. If there was one thing that I wish I would have known before starting the Ladder Program it was what the interns were doing on a daily basis.

T:SCC
At Sarah Connor I work in the production office, basically as a production assistant (PA). My daily duties include doing sides, copying schedules and call sheets, distributing materials to the other departments, and generally making sure that everything as a whole is running okay. Throughout the day I might be called to another department to help out. For example, I have helped match cut some footage in post, visited location, and helped the art department with various tasks.

Overall, working on the WB lot is very "hands on." I get to attend meetings, meet all the crew, and help out where ever I am needed, or where ever I would like to be that day. The days are long (about 12 hours) but because of all the tasks to be completed, it goes by fast and I am always having fun.

Spyglass Ent.
Spyglass, on the other hand, is a very different type of internship. I work in the creative development office and have less "running around" to do and more office work. On a daily basis I collect articles for the staff to read throughout the day, read scripts, provide script breakdowns, cover desks as needed, bind scripts, and, unfortunately, go on lunch runs every now and again.

It's a good internship to really expose someone to the fact that Hollywood is very much a business and not all glamor and excitement. Although it is the office of creative development, I see wheeling and dealing by the creative executives every day, all day. There are different writers, directors, cinematographers, and other personalities coming in to meet with the CEs all the time. Although it may not be as exciting as T:SCC. there is definitely more going on in the office that will soon translate onto the big screen in a few years.

-Jake

Settling In (WM)

2008-09-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well, L.A. is definitely new territory and something I’ve never experienced before. It seems like if you’re not in the entertainment business then your not supposed to be living in L.A. It’s been two weeks now and I have yet to find someone who does something else for a living. I came close when I was talking to someone who said they sampled Breyers ice-cream for a living, but I soon found out they only used that as a disguise to pick up chicks. Apparently it’s more interesting to be something different and unique, I haven’t gotten the chance to try it yet I’ll let you know on my next blog.
It’s really strange to realize your co-workers (stars on T.V.) are just people who are fighting just as hard as anyone to make a living. I always use to wonder how films and shows can produce something so unique and almost perfect, but after working behind the scenes I see where all the hard work comes from. There are hundreds of people involved all working to achieve to same thing; amaze, surprise and entertain the audience. As far as the stereotype of snobby L.A. people I used to hear about before coming out here, I don’t really know where it came from. Everyone has been very nice and generous. People may sometimes give off the vibe that they are invincible and capable of accomplishing anything, but then you step back and realize that no other city has as many paparazzi and news teams reporting even the slightest moral fowl up of a celebrity. It’s hard not to try and hide your flaws and flaunt your strengths. I’ve only been here two weeks and already I feel like I’m getting dragged into the system, after all we are the best at what we do.

Introducion (WM)

2008-09-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

Hey my name is Wes, I’m from the east coast, I grew up in a little town called Harwinton in northwest CT. I’m the kid always looking to have some new adventure, there is always a lesson to learn in anything and everything you do so why not do it all, with a few exceptions.
This is my second time in L.A., the first time I was only nine and on a family vacation. This time I’m here to explore my future career in entertainment. I have two internships, the first is at Rogue/Focus Features development department, and the second is in the production department of the Sarah Connor Chronicles. Both are extremely fun and challenging at the same time. It never really hit me until I started that people in the entertainment business really do work looong hours. There’s no complaints yet though, until I know how to do everything at both companies, long hours is fine with me, and I’m sure it will be years before I actually can say I know how to do everything, maybe more.

Settling In

2008-09-09T21:46:00.001-07:00

Well, I have been here for two and a half weeks now and it's been quite a ride. I'm splitting my internships between Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Spyglass Entertainment.

Working at these places seems very unreal. At home you sit and watch all of the projects produced by these people but it's amazing to see it all get made... in a front row seat! At Sarah Connor things are constantly moving. People are constantly doing things- whether it be running to set, choosing a costume, or deciding on a final edit, there is always something to be done. I am working in the production office so I get to see how all of the departments tie in together. It's amazing.

At Spyglass I work in development- seeing how projects start from the very bottom. It's amazing how even in development- the creative side, that there is a ton of business involved. Even more amazing is how small and tight knit the company is. Spyglass produces huge movies, but their development department consists of only five people!

These first impressions will probably change as time goes on, but for now, this is what I have to let everyone know. I'll update again soon with more specifics of what I do and how things work.

-Jake

Starting in Los Angeles

2008-09-09T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! My name is Jake Castiglioni and I am a student in the second phase of the Ladder Program. This year I am interning with Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles at the Warner Bros. lot, and at Spyglass Entertainment on Wilshire Blvd.

Moving to Los Angeles can be quite the challenge. It's an entirely different world it seems sometimes. Luckily for me, I had a bit of an upper-hand in that I've already been here for a year on the National Student Exchange to California State University, Northridge.

I'm excited to start the semester off and learn as much as I can, as fast as I can! There is so much to see, learn, and do here. But first a little about me:

I grew up in Harrison Township, MI on the lakes. I lived there my whole life up until the summer after graduation. From high school I left to the University of Utah where I lived and studied there for a year. I soon realized that I needed to be in Los Angeles if I was going to be able to actually go somewhere in film. I knew that I wanted to do the Ladder Program so instead of transferring, I did a student exchange to Cal State Northridge. I spent a year here, starting my double major in film production and business management with a minor in mathematical statistics. A mouthful- but not nearly as hard as it seems. :) And now I am here!

I love the outdoors, especially skiing and the beach- an oxymoron, I know. I look forward to updating my life as I go through this all!

-Jake

Jeffrey Whitlock

2008-09-09T21:25:00.000-07:00

My name is Jeffrey Whitlock from American Fork Utah. I am a senior film student at the University of Utah. My hobbies include golfing, skiing, writing and most of all, making movies. It was this hobby that led me back to film school two years ago, and I am very excited to graduate and pursue a career in the film industry.

Being in L.A. as a part of The Ladder Program's internship has been a huge eye opener. You can read all the books you want and see all the films in the world, but there is no substitute for on the job training. In just a few weeks, I have learned more about the business of making movies than all of my classes put together. It is awesome to go to work and copy a script that could very well be the next blockbuster. Make no mistake, there have been some rough days, but I am confident that by the end, I will be very well prepared for life in the "Industry"

TV Taping

2007-10-31T01:56:00.000-07:00

As one of our class trips we had the opportunity to attend a taping of the show Two and a Half Men. This was an incredibly interesting opportunity especially after having worked on a film set. At a live taping for a show like this you are expected to make noise and laugh and enjoy their work. This is actually kind of awkward at first because on a film set you are expected to be absolutely silent. After a few laughs though you get in to it and enjoy the experience. Overall it is amazing to see the pace of television compared with that of film. Definitely something to think about...

(Melissa)

managers and agents

2007-10-24T00:54:00.000-07:00

As part of our time here we have had the opportunity to meet with different members of this industry. One of the people that we met with was a manager. Most people don't really understand the difference between a manager and an agent. I didn't. Through our meeting we learned that a manager has a much more intimate relationship with their client than an agent does. You call your manager in the middle of the night if something is wrong where your agent would probably hang up on you. Besides this more personal interaction, a manager has the opportunity to develop projects with their clients while an agent is the one negotiating the contract. It all depends on the kind of person you are. As far as the creative end of things goes, both are essential to any career.

(Melissa)

Four Weeks To Go!

2007-10-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

As my esteemed colleagues have noted, we're almost outta here! If you're considering doing an internship, one thought that might enter thine brain is this: "is 3 months enough time to learn/make an impression/etc.?"

Have no fear, gentle readers. I had similar concerns when I signed up for this gig. I worried that I would be an anonymous face quickly forgotten in by my co-workers. But in the past two months alone, I've become an important part of the company.

Part of this, I think, comes from working at a small place (which, incidentally, I highly recommend). But in any company, if you can find your niche, you'll become a valued asset - and hopefully meet some cool people along the way.

Halftime

2007-10-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

So, we are halfway through the semester. Wow. It seems like we just got here last week some days. While, other days, you feel so strangely comfortable in this town that it seems like it has been six months. It's a great place to be. Things are still new and exciting, and yet you aren't scrambling to figure out which way is north (it's hard with no mountains!). This is also a time to re-evaluate your progress here. By this time it is easy to fall into a routine and maybe not try quite as hard as you did those first couple of weeks here. While it is important to feel comfortable at your job, it is important to have some self reflection and make sure that you are putting in the effort you want to for those last few weeks. I have a feeling that they are sneaking up on us and it is important to not loose steam, because let's face it we work REALLY long weeks!

(Melissa)

Where did all the time go?

2007-10-16T23:04:00.000-07:00

Hey,

It's insane how time flies. It's an age old saying but it really is the truth. It feels like us interns just barely got here, but we are really almost done. We have less than a month left and I feel like I just started work yesterday. Being so busy really does that to you. My advice for any future interns is to intern only 4 DAYS A WEEK! This way you can have one day off a week to chill or do some tourist type things while in sunny California. It's been fun but I am somewhat sad it's gone by so fast. I feel like I still have so much that I want to do before I leave.

(Pano)

Big Budget!

2007-10-10T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I am writing about being able to take a look at what the budget looks like on a major Hollywood movie. I had worked on a low budget movie shot in Salt Lake City over the summer. That was made for under $5 million. This budget was more than ten times that. It is just crazy to see the different salary ranges for big star actors or what a big name director makes versus a director on a small film. Regardless small or big, the money is a lot to normal people. I think being out here already for a while you start to lose touch with what things cost. Especially because out here where fashion matters, what kind of car you drive might be talked about, etc. it is hard to keep up. Everyone is going a million miles a minute in this town, money is spent left and right, it really makes you appreciate living somewhere else. It also gives you an appreciation of what you can do with the money on a small independent film. You have to make do because you aren't supported by a big studio. You can only dream of what you could do if you had a tenth of what a studio film spends on a movie. It's crazy here in Hollywood!

(Pano)

Junior or Senior?

2007-10-10T05:44:00.001-07:00

There are many differing opinions as to when it is most beneficial to intern- your junior or senior year. Most people would say that it is most beneficial to intern during your senior year as you are about to enter the workforce and interning is a great way to land that first job. I have found that this does not always hold true. First, interning somewhere does not always guarantee employment upon completion of your internship. Second, you may find during your internship that your interests lie elsewhere and that you need to educate yourself in an entirely new area. Interning during your junior year does not eliminate job prospects. It only means that more effort is required on your end to maintain the contacts you do make. Also, many people feel like they know exactly what it is they want to do when they come out here, but many realize, through interning, that their interests may lie in a different area. This realization can be incredibly frustrating if you are in your senior year and have only one semester left in which to explore this newfound interest. As a junior I am very grateful for the extra time I will have when I get back to school. Through my internships I have discovered new passions that I can't wait to explore when I get home!
(Melissa)

Disney Studios

2007-10-09T23:38:00.000-07:00

The production company at which I work is based on Disney's studio lot. This provides an excellent opportunity to peek around and see what there is to see.

One of the most interesting things is all the brand identity going on. Everywhere you turn, there are posters for new Disney movies, weird architecture based on Snow White, whatever. Much like a Disney film, there are actually squirrels running around happily on perfectly manicured grass. It's so idyllic it's almost creepy.

I think the biggest advantage to being on a lot, as opposed to in an office building, is sharing your building with a lot of cool companies. Our next door neighbor, for example, is this guy. Everyone on the lot has that cool entertainment industry casual-clothing thing going on, unlike the offices we're moving to, which are populated by uptight lawyers.

TV or Film???

2007-10-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

Hey whomever might be reading this,

So it is definitely tough trying to figure out what you want to do when you grow up, maybe a little tougher in this industry. Everyone loves the movies, and idealists are always like "I want to direct" but of course it is not that easy. However, trying to find your niche is what this whole experience is about. Internships are a great tool to help you figure out what you want to do.

A lot of film students tend to turn up their nose when it comes to television. This is something that is relevant to me and my world out here. Working at a production company with a film and TV side is great because I can experience a little of both. I find myself more interested in TV every passing day. TV is a lot faster than film, by that I mean the process. TV is more cyclical because something has to be on at some hour in the day. Movies don't have to get made. It can take up to several years, maybe a decade to get a film made, whereas in TV it's like a sports season, a one year cycle, a bit of a break, and back again. If a TV show gets canceled you come up with something new next year. It seems as if there is more riding on a film that you put everything into.

However, with a film it seems easier to get into. TV requires being "established" whereas anyone with some money can go make a film and do what they want with it. Since TV is so controlled by the studios and networks there really isn't a independent niche like in film.

So anyway, both have their pros and cons, but I am here to find out what is for me!

(Pano)

Trends

2007-10-02T23:23:00.000-07:00

In class, we often talk about different trends that show up throughout the industry in certain years. For example, many of this year's new shows are light "dramedies." Well, I just noticed a bizarre trend for this year in TV/film. See if you can spot it:What the hell?

Dress Code

2007-10-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

Appearance plays a huge role in this industry. There is this desire to look younger while still making it seem effortless. Men will dye their hair while women will dress like their daughters to fit the young mold. This is fueled by the fact that there will always be a fresh crop of talent vying for their jobs. People need to appear as though they are on top of their game and are in touch with what is hot and the easiest way to do this is through their appearance. It has been very interesting to watch the different facets of this struggle with appearance. Working at two different companies has given me a unique perspective on this. At my studio internship I am in an environment that consists of mostly women. This fuels a very 'high fashion' environment. Every outfit consists of at least a pair of expensive, uncomfortable shoes, or a trendy bag. On the other side of things, at the production company, people aren't quite as trendy. It is more of a business environment. That being said, it is still extremely laid back. People look like they are still in college even though they are well in to their careers. This intense focus on appearance begs the question of whether or not you are prepared to make appearance a priority for the rest of your life...
(Melissa)

The first weekend in LA or getting "oriented."

2007-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hey,

I wanted to talk about the first weekend arriving in LA. More specifically "orientation weekend" for the ladder program. It can be a scary experience coming to a new place and not knowing where you are. The first weekend here gave us an opportunity to get more acquainted with our surroundings. We went to dinner as part of our orientation weekend down near Venice Beach. This was awesome to initially experience some quality food because it is harder to find good food in a smaller and less diverse place...i.e. Utah. On Sunday we were able to get some directions and our very own Thomas Guides to LA. A Thomas Guide is a book with a ton of maps for all the streets that you will end up going down by mistake. So we went on a scavenger hunt to find our respective workplaces and how to get there, along with a stop at a local favorite Barney's Beanery. A sort of restaurant/bar that is very popular. We ate some good food and were able to find out how to get to work before actually having to go Monday morning. That night we had a barbecue at Heidi's house which let us meet a few former interns. This was awesome to hear from previous interns who now work and live out here.

Overall orientation weekend was a blast!
(Pano)

The Hollywood Bowl

2007-09-26T00:20:00.001-07:00

For our first class trip we spent an evening at The Hollywood Bowl. The Bowl is a natural amphitheater that has been host to many legendary acts. During our visit we heard the music of 'The Films of Paramount Pictures'. Hearing a live orchestra accompany some of the most iconic films of our time was, to say the least, moving. It's amazing to realize the impact that a soundtrack has on the movie-going experience. This, coupled with the incredible scenery, was an incredible welcome to Hollywood.

During our visit we also had the opportunity to chat with former interns about their experiences. These interns were incredibly engaging and were a source of comfort at the beginning of our adventure here. This world can seem intimidating at times and it is always nice to hear stories of success. Also, it is nice to hear these stories from people who were interns only a couple of years ago. They are not only an incredible asset but are also really fun to talk to!
(Melissa)

Moving to LA

2007-09-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we've been out here over a month now. If I think back real hard-like, however, I can give prospective interns a few tips on moving out here.

Pack light. Seriously. This is the most important tip I can give you. You're going to be working full time, and you'll only be here three months. I know you love 90210, dude, but do you really need The Complete Series taking up that shelf space? Pare it down.
The usual boring automotive stuff holds true, especially if you're driving out from a few states over. Checked your fluids? Got some spare oil in the trunk? If you don't know a lot of this stuff, your car-obsessed brother can help you out. For once.
Another car thing: give yourself a few days and see the country a bit. We started in Denver and stopped in Durango, Colorado, which is a great spot, and Barstow, California, which... not so much. But the point stands.
You made it to LA. Explore! There's so much to do here it blows my mind, and I still haven't seen a tenth of the stuff I want to. Ask people at work what they do, and try to avoid going the usual touristy route. The Grauman's Chinese and stuff like that are great, once, but LA has way more to offer.

Days

2007-09-19T07:30:00.001-07:00

When deciding to intern there are many decisions to be made. As part of this process you must decide whether to commit 5 days a week to one company or to split your time between 2. One company, five days a week means that you are always there. You're the go-to guy. Everyone is used to your presence and you are able to build those bonds a lot faster. Also, hopefully you are able to forge more solid contacts this way. If you split your internship you are grouped in with everybody else, as most interns are not able to be there five days a week. The bonds take longer to form and it is a struggle to learn that many more names. This makes the process a bit more challenging but it allows more opportunity for exploration. If you are not sure where you want to be in the business this is a great way to use your time and this opportunity to the fullest. So the real question is not five vs. two or three, it's 'do I know where I fit'?
(Pano)

Competition

2007-09-19T00:21:00.000-07:00

This industry is run by competition. There exists a rivalry between the interns themselves, between the interns and the assistants, and then there is the competition between everyone else on a much larger scale. This is all really interesting to observe as an intern. It is especially interesting when you are not graduating in the spring and are not a direct threat to your fellow interns. Once you establish that you are not trying to take a job opportunity away from the intern next to you, you must make this clear to the assistants you work with as well. It is a hard line to straddle but it is a skill that must be learned. The competition battle is fought on every level of this industry. It just goes to show that there will forever be the fear of someone better and younger and more in tune coming along to dethrone you. Kind of a scary thought if you're on the throne...
(Melissa)

Pitchin'

2007-09-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

You've done it. As a writer, you've written a successful spec, landed an agent, and you're ready to pitch.

Now what?

First off, you might be asking, "what is a pitch?" What say you, Wikipedia?

A pitch is a concise verbal (and sometimes visual) presentation of an idea for a film [or TV series], generally made by a screenwriter or director to a producer or studio executive in the hope of attracting development finance to pay for a screenplay to be written.

As my boss has both pitched and been pitched to, she has a particular insight into what to do and what not to do when you're trying to sell your idea.

First off, have a unique voice to bring to the table. This unique voice, if you've got it, comes from your life experiences, or because you've honed it through years of writing, or from your wild and crazy world view. Whatever makes you you, you dig?

Secondly, you should know the world you've created like the back of your hand. Go beyond what you've written and think outside the box.

But not too outside the box. Make sure you don't brainstorm in the pitch and throw out unmarketable adjectives. Remember, you're selling a product! You can fight the network for your artistic integrity once you're on the air.

There you go. Now get working on that script!

Battle of the Sexes

2007-09-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Hey, my name is Pano Mintiloglitis and I am interning at Scott Free Productions. I am excited about pursuing my "dream" while out here in California.

It's interesting how quickly men and women are given different roles in this industry. As an intern I have seen a segregation of duties between the male and female interns. Men are good at running errands while the women are better suited for writing coverage. Ridiculous? Of Course. Will it change? I'm not sure. I am trying to broaden my duties and make people realize that I too am capable of writing. It's a difficult fence to straddle because although I want to be recognized as having a brain and the ability to write, I also don't want to ONLY write coverage. It will be a process to convince these people that one person can do both. Stay tuned...
(Pano)

Artists in Business

2007-09-12T04:27:00.000-07:00

During my internship I have the opportunity to watch artists and designers involved in the marketing process. This is an interesting struggle as the artists are unaware of deadlines and are more invested in the artistic process than anything else. The marketing department on the other hand is not only concerned with deadlines, but also has to deal with restrictions placed on them by the brand and by the different parties involved. This would seem to hinder the artistic process. I thought it would. However it becomes an opportunity for the artists to think outside of the box and to create work that would not have been conceived if they were not forced to create something based on specific guidelines. This struggle that they endure is essential to putting a product on the shelves. Both parties must fulfill their duties in order to put out the best product possible.
(Melissa)

Phone Calls

2007-09-12T00:54:00.001-07:00

Your mom or dad probably taught you not to listen in on phone calls when you were a kid. It's rude, invasive, and you always get caught cause they can hear you breathing. Not so in Hollywood!

Believe it or not, assistants are allowed and, in fact, expected to listen in on their bosses' calls. Why, you ask? By and large, it's so the assistant can keep up on what's going on with various projects, and so they can instantly update their boss's calendar as plans are made over the phone.

Also, they have a "mute" button, so there's no need to worry about creepy breathing sounds. It's movie magic!

Hello!

2007-09-04T23:21:00.000-07:00

My name's Matt, and I'm also here interning in LA with the Ladder Program. I'm originally from Denver (or thereabouts) and I'm on my third year at the U. My internship is with 50 Cannon Production Group, a company you've probably never heard of, but hopefully will when the Fall '08 TV season rolls around. We're owned by Mike Newell, who directed Harry Potter 4, among lots of other good stuff.

Tune in for more internship related goods and random LA tidbits!

Melissa

2007-09-04T22:59:00.000-07:00

My name is Melissa and I was born in Salt Lake City and was raised in Ecuador, Honduras and Peru. I am currently in my junior year at the U and am pursuing a degree in Film Studies and Business. Obviously I am conflicted in my interests and this experience is all about combining my two passions and seeing if there is a place for me in this world. I am splitting my internship here. Three days a week I intern with Sidney Kimmel Entertainment (Alpha Dog, United93, Death at a Funeral, Breach, Talk To Me, and soon to release Kite Runner). The other two days I work with New Line Cinema's Home Entertainment department (The Lord of the Rings, Rush Hour, and Austin Powers franchises as well as Wedding Crashers and Hairspray). The internships are obviously very different but that is what makes this experience even more beneficial. I am looking forward to learning more about myself and where I fit in this industry!

The adventure beings...

2007-08-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

On August 18th, 3 University of Utah students arrived in Hollywood to participate in The Ladder Program - an entertainment internship program. They will be spending the next 13 weeks living, breathing, studying and working in the entertainment industry. Meet Matt, Melissa and Pano and hear about their exciting adventure...