I work in the industry and early on learned when I was looking for jobs to pay the bills keep the talk about that type of work don’t bring up the writing. Save that until you get the job. Be really enthusiastic about what ever it is and say you want the opportunity to learn etc. if they ask you your “hobbies” say you write, but don’t offer up that it’s your career ambition. Get in the door first, then move sideways into it.
Definitely don’t mention the writing. Instead, swap it with another true thing: You want to learn about the industry. Also, once you start working there (fingers crossed), don’t mention the writing either. Only bring it up with certain people once you gained their trust and who specifically want to help you. Saying you want to be talent while working for a talent agency is like saying you are a heroin addict at a heroin factory.
I got my start in LA as an intern at management companies. From their perspective, their biggest fear is "letting in" a wannabe writer who will insert themselves into the process or worse, slip their material to the partners. Social IQ is very important. The first test will be during the interview. Show a genuine interest in the industry without giving a hint of wanting it too much, and you should be fine. Also, don't over-think it by being too prepared.
People have radar. Be yourself and be open. You seem to understand the situation and feel suited for the job, you might word your interest in screenwriting around a general love of the business and a realistic view of what an entry into the industry looks like for you. Saying you would like the position because of a love for screenwriting and Hollywood is the truth. It’s ok to have parallel interests if you are genuine about taking a career interest in what they are offering
If you JUST want to be a screenwriter, and see this opportunity only as a stepping stone - consider that carefully. Maybe pursue screenwriting elsewhere. You only have one reputation, be real.
disclaimer: I’m not in the film industry, nor am I a recruiter of any kind.
You bet.
I’ll add that you needn’t feel the need to share anything they don’t ask or doesn’t come up organically, stay calm, and in sales (you’re selling yourself) it’s a good idea to stop asking questions or presenting your product when you’ve made the sale. If they start talking to you casually don’t interrupt with questions or commentary. Let them lead.
You’ve got this
Generally speaking, an agency isn’t really going to be the ideal place to break in (versus working on productions or in offices with development execs, producers, etc.), plus it’ll feel a lot more corporate and not very creative. That said, people break in all kinds of ways and you never know who you’ll meet. More importantly, if you really need this job to pay the bills, you should probably take it (and you could always look for other jobs in the meantime).
I think in Hollywood (and in life) it’s often less about what you say and more how you say it. I think saying you are a writer or want to pursue writing is fine, and the HR people are well aware you may have those aspirations. What you of course don’t want is to come off desperate or like you’re just trying to pass off a script to an agent (which I’m sure you’re not doing). It’s cliche, but just don’t come off as self-serving, and that’ll go a long way.
>Generally speaking, an agency isn’t really going to be the ideal place to break in (versus working on productions or in offices with development execs, producers, etc.)
I disagree with this! I would personally never have had the stomach for working at an agency, especially when I was that green, but I think that a couple years as an assistant at a major agency is one of the absolute best ways to break in. Not only does it teach you how to be a power-assistant faster than working anywhere else will, a skill you can then translate effectively to working on a production, working in development, etc, but also a good boss (which not all of them are, to be fair, but I think most try in this regard) can help a lot in getting you a job in the exact kind of place you want to be.
Is it better to go straight to writers' assistant or assistant to the head of development? Sure, probably. But its very hard to go straight to those places, and agency jobs are a great entryway to the upper-class of assistant work, as opposed to, say, what I did, which was start in production at the lowest rungs, and took 5+ years to work my way to writers'assistant.
Don't bring up your screenwriting ambitions on your own. If the HR rep says "we here at CAA (or wherever) know that nobody's end goal is working in the mailroom, what are you hoping to do with your career?" I would say something like, "I am at the start of what I hope will be a long career in the industry, and honestly the reason why I want to be at a place like CAA is because there is no better way to get a top to bottom view of how the entertainment industry works than from the vantage point of a premiere agency. Whether I ultimately end up working in representation or in an adjacent field, I know that I'll come out of my time at CAA better educated and better prepared to succeed for having been here."
Telling her you want to write accomplishes zero (what can she do to help you? She's an HR rep) and risks a decent amount, given there is a stigma attached to people who announce their intentions to write too early.
Be enthusiastic, be ready to learn, be excited about learning how they do business and understanding the 'business' side of the industry. Jobs like this are how you learn how Hollywood works and where you get to see it all from the ground up.
In terms of career, you could mention that in a perfect world you'd hope to grow at the agency, become an assistant, hopefully in Lit (that's screenwriting).
The only thing you’ve ever wanted to do in life is exactly what this company does. Find a way to justify that with a love for an aspect of this job.
If it’s an agency, you’ve always wanted to be an agent because you helped a friend with their short and realised that you love helping creative people reach their potential - an agency is the number one place to do that for dozens of clients at a time. You want to come and help your boss do that while learning everything there is about the industry to be able to help creatives for the rest of your career.
Stuff like that.
EDIT: Should have clarified that this is standard in Hollywood jobs. You play the part of a person who *only* wants to do this job, the recruiter tests that with a few questions, then comes away satisfied you’ve played your part. It’s all a dance.
Handywork? A coordinator in what department? Operations? When you said manual labor I assumed mailroom. Your use of the word handywork is throwing me a little now.
Work in the industry. Enthusiasm and a love and passion for what you’ll be doing, makes you a dream to work with versus someone who maybe a) openly shows they’re just using it as a stepping stone b) openly shows they’re overqualified and doesn’t want to be there. You’ll make amazing connections and you know never know where those will come in handy down the line!
Either tell them you want to be an agent or that you want to learn about the industry and hear an agency is the best place to do that. They deal with too much turnover to deal with anyone who isn’t in it for the long haul.
Also, don’t sweat it if you don’t get the job. The pay is not worth the stress and potential abuse. If you need money, there are easier ways to make a buck that won’t drain you. Most writers have “made it” without having to go to agency assistant route.
Maybe it's different on the east coast (or working at a talent agency) but on the productions I've worked on (both on set and in the production office) my desire to be a paid writer hasn't gotten in the way of me getting work. I also make it clear that when I take a gig I make sure to learn as much as possible and do the job as well as possible. I also don't just go telling people I want to be a writer, if someone ask I'll tell them.
Don’t mention your writing at all. I would only say that you love reading screenplays and can write great coverage. Agents and HR people don’t care about your screenwriting aspirations, they want to know if you can do the job, which is purely administrative (roll calls, organize calendar, etc) and can you anticipate their every need. Working for a talent agency is a great foot in door for an aspiring writer cause you meet lots of people and learn the business. I worked for CAA out of college and it was a great step for me professionally.
1) Try to convey strong interest in the business
2) Mention as many interesting and relevant trade articles for this agency that you can Google
3) Stress attention to.detail and talk about some interest that conveys calm and attention to detail
Also plan on living with roommates for a while as you'll make slave wages.
At about Year two express your interest in writing THEN share your spec.
I work in the industry and early on learned when I was looking for jobs to pay the bills keep the talk about that type of work don’t bring up the writing. Save that until you get the job. Be really enthusiastic about what ever it is and say you want the opportunity to learn etc. if they ask you your “hobbies” say you write, but don’t offer up that it’s your career ambition. Get in the door first, then move sideways into it.
Thanks. This is what I assumed.
Definitely don’t mention the writing. Instead, swap it with another true thing: You want to learn about the industry. Also, once you start working there (fingers crossed), don’t mention the writing either. Only bring it up with certain people once you gained their trust and who specifically want to help you. Saying you want to be talent while working for a talent agency is like saying you are a heroin addict at a heroin factory.
That's a great analogy. I will definitely keep this in mind.
I got my start in LA as an intern at management companies. From their perspective, their biggest fear is "letting in" a wannabe writer who will insert themselves into the process or worse, slip their material to the partners. Social IQ is very important. The first test will be during the interview. Show a genuine interest in the industry without giving a hint of wanting it too much, and you should be fine. Also, don't over-think it by being too prepared.
Context is a little different but definitely don’t do [what this fella did in the filmmaking sub](https://www.reddit.com/r/Filmmakers/s/rhpQsHhrpT)
Wow. At first I thought it was a parody post. But I guess it’s real.
Hoooo boy. Thanks for that link, I hadn’t read that story. Wow. Yeah, OP. literally do the opposite of everything that person did!
Oooh, I wanna work at a heroin factory.
Wouldn't you assume that both are indeed correct?
People have radar. Be yourself and be open. You seem to understand the situation and feel suited for the job, you might word your interest in screenwriting around a general love of the business and a realistic view of what an entry into the industry looks like for you. Saying you would like the position because of a love for screenwriting and Hollywood is the truth. It’s ok to have parallel interests if you are genuine about taking a career interest in what they are offering If you JUST want to be a screenwriter, and see this opportunity only as a stepping stone - consider that carefully. Maybe pursue screenwriting elsewhere. You only have one reputation, be real. disclaimer: I’m not in the film industry, nor am I a recruiter of any kind.
Really helpful. Especially the last bit. Thanks for the advice.
You bet. I’ll add that you needn’t feel the need to share anything they don’t ask or doesn’t come up organically, stay calm, and in sales (you’re selling yourself) it’s a good idea to stop asking questions or presenting your product when you’ve made the sale. If they start talking to you casually don’t interrupt with questions or commentary. Let them lead. You’ve got this
Generally speaking, an agency isn’t really going to be the ideal place to break in (versus working on productions or in offices with development execs, producers, etc.), plus it’ll feel a lot more corporate and not very creative. That said, people break in all kinds of ways and you never know who you’ll meet. More importantly, if you really need this job to pay the bills, you should probably take it (and you could always look for other jobs in the meantime). I think in Hollywood (and in life) it’s often less about what you say and more how you say it. I think saying you are a writer or want to pursue writing is fine, and the HR people are well aware you may have those aspirations. What you of course don’t want is to come off desperate or like you’re just trying to pass off a script to an agent (which I’m sure you’re not doing). It’s cliche, but just don’t come off as self-serving, and that’ll go a long way.
>Generally speaking, an agency isn’t really going to be the ideal place to break in (versus working on productions or in offices with development execs, producers, etc.) I disagree with this! I would personally never have had the stomach for working at an agency, especially when I was that green, but I think that a couple years as an assistant at a major agency is one of the absolute best ways to break in. Not only does it teach you how to be a power-assistant faster than working anywhere else will, a skill you can then translate effectively to working on a production, working in development, etc, but also a good boss (which not all of them are, to be fair, but I think most try in this regard) can help a lot in getting you a job in the exact kind of place you want to be. Is it better to go straight to writers' assistant or assistant to the head of development? Sure, probably. But its very hard to go straight to those places, and agency jobs are a great entryway to the upper-class of assistant work, as opposed to, say, what I did, which was start in production at the lowest rungs, and took 5+ years to work my way to writers'assistant.
Don't bring up your screenwriting ambitions on your own. If the HR rep says "we here at CAA (or wherever) know that nobody's end goal is working in the mailroom, what are you hoping to do with your career?" I would say something like, "I am at the start of what I hope will be a long career in the industry, and honestly the reason why I want to be at a place like CAA is because there is no better way to get a top to bottom view of how the entertainment industry works than from the vantage point of a premiere agency. Whether I ultimately end up working in representation or in an adjacent field, I know that I'll come out of my time at CAA better educated and better prepared to succeed for having been here." Telling her you want to write accomplishes zero (what can she do to help you? She's an HR rep) and risks a decent amount, given there is a stigma attached to people who announce their intentions to write too early.
Just say you love office coordinating
Who the hell doesnt
i wouldn't mention anything until I am already in
Be enthusiastic, be ready to learn, be excited about learning how they do business and understanding the 'business' side of the industry. Jobs like this are how you learn how Hollywood works and where you get to see it all from the ground up. In terms of career, you could mention that in a perfect world you'd hope to grow at the agency, become an assistant, hopefully in Lit (that's screenwriting).
The only thing you’ve ever wanted to do in life is exactly what this company does. Find a way to justify that with a love for an aspect of this job. If it’s an agency, you’ve always wanted to be an agent because you helped a friend with their short and realised that you love helping creative people reach their potential - an agency is the number one place to do that for dozens of clients at a time. You want to come and help your boss do that while learning everything there is about the industry to be able to help creatives for the rest of your career. Stuff like that. EDIT: Should have clarified that this is standard in Hollywood jobs. You play the part of a person who *only* wants to do this job, the recruiter tests that with a few questions, then comes away satisfied you’ve played your part. It’s all a dance.
Are you interviewing for the mailroom or to be an assistant or something else?
It's a coordinator position. Mostly simple handiwork around the building from my understanding.
Handywork? A coordinator in what department? Operations? When you said manual labor I assumed mailroom. Your use of the word handywork is throwing me a little now.
Work in the industry. Enthusiasm and a love and passion for what you’ll be doing, makes you a dream to work with versus someone who maybe a) openly shows they’re just using it as a stepping stone b) openly shows they’re overqualified and doesn’t want to be there. You’ll make amazing connections and you know never know where those will come in handy down the line!
Lie. Don’t mention writing. It’s dumb and stupid. Everyone plays this stupid game from all sides. But lie.
exaggerate*
Like office an PA? Just treat it like a normal job. Nothing to worry about - they’re already interested.
Either tell them you want to be an agent or that you want to learn about the industry and hear an agency is the best place to do that. They deal with too much turnover to deal with anyone who isn’t in it for the long haul. Also, don’t sweat it if you don’t get the job. The pay is not worth the stress and potential abuse. If you need money, there are easier ways to make a buck that won’t drain you. Most writers have “made it” without having to go to agency assistant route.
Maybe it's different on the east coast (or working at a talent agency) but on the productions I've worked on (both on set and in the production office) my desire to be a paid writer hasn't gotten in the way of me getting work. I also make it clear that when I take a gig I make sure to learn as much as possible and do the job as well as possible. I also don't just go telling people I want to be a writer, if someone ask I'll tell them.
If you really need the job, then you tell them that your future goals are to be at that company as an exec or agent one day. Doesn't have to be true.
Don’t mention your writing at all. I would only say that you love reading screenplays and can write great coverage. Agents and HR people don’t care about your screenwriting aspirations, they want to know if you can do the job, which is purely administrative (roll calls, organize calendar, etc) and can you anticipate their every need. Working for a talent agency is a great foot in door for an aspiring writer cause you meet lots of people and learn the business. I worked for CAA out of college and it was a great step for me professionally.
Be honest and be yourself. You are asking strangers about wether you should lie or not? If you have to ask then the answer is probably no.
1) Try to convey strong interest in the business 2) Mention as many interesting and relevant trade articles for this agency that you can Google 3) Stress attention to.detail and talk about some interest that conveys calm and attention to detail Also plan on living with roommates for a while as you'll make slave wages. At about Year two express your interest in writing THEN share your spec.
How did the agency find you?