My LA Story - Bailey

When I learned about the TCFinLA program I knew immediately that I wanted to be a part of it. I felt as if I didn’t have enough experience to get me a job after graduation and this was my one opportunity to see if Los Angeles was the place I wanted to be. I knew I would gain some
professional experience, but I never expected to learn so much about myself as person while being here. So as I look back on possibly the best summer of my life, I want to bestow you with some of the things I’ve learned this summer.

This summer I had an amazing internship at AwesomenessTV and I couldn’t have imagined working anywhere else. The environment was so positive and creativity just oozes out of everyone there. While working there with Autumn, Tara, and all the other interns I learned the ins and outs of putting together an unscripted series. I learned the art of LA Casting and how to collaborate with other people to get a job done. I can't even put into words how much I've learned working at ATV and how much they have prepared me to work in the industry. I've met people who work in editing, talent management, directing, and I've met some of the executives. I've learned how each one approached their jobs and the importance of everyone in our little "ecosystem".

But as for my overall lessons that are going to help me from this point on, I split them into two groups. There are the things I learned that will lead in the right direction for my future, and there are the things that helped me grow as a person.

Things I learned for the future:

1.     Acquisitions and distribution are interesting topics.

a.     This summer I finally was able to figure out what department in the entertainment industry I wanted to be a part of, and it’s acquisitions. It’s definitely not the most popular area in film to work in, but I find it fascinating, and more importantly I feel like it’s the right fit for me.

2.     Grad School is a great idea.

a.     One of the big things I realized this summer was that I really want to go to grad school out here. When we toured USC as a group I was speechless. They offer their students so much, and I only wanted to be working in that environment. And while applications can be intimidating, there is no harm in trying. I mean… why not? 

3.     The resources out here are AMAZING!

a.     There are so many opportunities to learn and educated yourself in Los Angeles and it would be silly not to take them up. You can literally go to The WGA Library and read pretty much any script you want. So why wouldn’t you go and look at them?! I’ve never been happier than when I got to read the scripts of so many of my favorite horror movies.

Thing I Learned for my Personal Growth:

1.     It’s okay to talk.

Shout out to everyone who went to the
Big Brother taping with me!

a.     Speaking up or even talking in general has been a huge fear of mine since going to college, and this class definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone.  But by doing so this class taught me that everyone has their own ideas and opinions and that it is okay for me to have my own. 

2.     You need friends to help you on your way

a.     Friends are everything. I don’t know what I would have done this summer without the friends I’ve made while doing this program. Everyone in this class pushed me to be a better person, they pushed me to try new things, and they went with me on any adventure we came up with. Every single person on this trip has a special place in my heart and I am so thankful for every moment shared. (P.S. friends are also great for future networking contacts!)

 

3.     Don’t take life too seriously. Take risks and be adventurous.

Abandoned Zoo at Griffith Park

  a.     Life is supposed to be fun, and while we were here for our internships, we were also here to experience LA as a whole. By doing so we had fun and we had many adventures that I will always remember. Sure I’ll remember working hard at my internship but I’ll look back and smile at the idea that I climbed all the way to the tree of life with a group of my friends. Yeah I’ll remember carry equipment to and from shoots, but I will laugh at the fact that I climbed through abandoned zoo cages at Griffith Park.

You need to take time to have fun, and enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer. You can even go out of the city and experience other things. It was a dream come true for to travel to San Diego and go to Comic-Con and see all the panels and go to the workshops they offered attendees.

Walking the floor at Comic-Con

All these things will help me in my future and I know it may not be noticeable to anyone else, but this trip has completely changed me for better. I hope that I am able to take everything I have learned this summer with me when I go back to school. This was by far the best summer of my life and I am so thankful for this experience. 

Ten points for anyone who finds Tanner in this picture!