Major(s): Film Studies
Minor(s): Economics
What is your current role? What was your journey in arriving there?
I currently work as Executive Assistant to Anthony Bregman (Founder/Principal) at Likely Story. Prior to that, I worked as an Assistant to TV Scripted Agent at Creative Artists Agency. Before that, in my first job out of college, I worked as Executive Assistant to the Senior Executive Producer and Senior Executive-in-Charge at Access Hollywood and Access Daily.
What do you enjoy about your work? What do you struggle with?
I get to learn from one of the top independent film producers working today, who also has a reputation as one of the nicest producers working today. As an aspiring producer myself, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect role in which I am able to see a film or TV show through from the conception of the idea to production to marketing and release.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about entering your industry?
Find ways to stay creative and engage your passion outside of your job. It’s very easy to become jaded by the industry, especially with the long hours and realities of entertainment as a business. It’s important to try to maintain a work-life balance. This career path – this industry overall – never slows down, so you need to develop good habits and boundaries early on. Make your well-being a priority. When you take care of yourself, that’s also when you do your best work and engage fully in the opportunities available to you. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Networking is key. Do not hesitate to ask people out for coffee or for an informational phone call. The worst they can say is no. But, you should always do your research before meeting with someone, especially if you’re just starting out. As you continue in the industry, you’ll realize that networking is also just an excuse to meet cool people who are doing cool things, and it’s a central part of how the industry functions, as well as a great way to make friends post-graduation.
How did your time at Wesleyan influence your career choice/journey?
I was heavily involved in nearly every facet of the campus film scene, including serving as the Treasurer of Cardinal Pictures, crewing and producing Senior Theses, and working as the Head House Manager at the Film Series. I took every class I could without maxing out on film credits, and I also had the joy and privilege of taking Jeanine Basinger’s Film Noir Seminar, which ended up being the last class she taught at Wesleyan before retiring. The film department helped form how I think critically about film, which serves me well in my role in development. Additionally, the summer before my senior year I was a recipient of the Wesleyan Summer Grant, which allowed me to afford to live out in Los Angeles while interning for George Clooney’s Smokehouse Productions. This internship experience ended up being instrumental in opening up all the doors to come.
Updated as of September 29th, 2023
