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How do I break into the film and television industry as someone who wants to be an executive?
I've been applying to internship programs at studios/production companies but is there another path?
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Danika !
Working in the Television or the Film Industry is quite exciting and how great it would be if it were just a matter of "breaking in" to it. You didn't mention if you are in college with a Film, Broadcasting or Communication Major, but you certainly have some good colleges to choose from since you're in New York City. You will also need to know exactly which aspect of executive work you'd want to do.
The Television executive positions that you can look up online to learn about the job duties are: Television Executive (this is a huge job), Current Executive, Development Executive, Executive Producer, Showrunner (yes, it's an executive position), Vice President, Senior Vice President, and other senior level executives, Head of Business and Legal Affairs - Scripted Television Production, Managing Editor and News Operations Manager. So in order to gear an academic path to work in television, you really do need to know exactly which position you'd want to prepare for. You'd have to go to college for a degree in Television, Communications or Media Studies. It's very competitive so having the degree is one of the qualifying factors. Plus you'd have to know everything about studios inside and out.
If you are already in college, ask your professor if students get Internship Placement in their Junior or Senior year. You will need an intermediate level of how the Television industry works in order to obtain an Internship. I'm not sure how to advise you because you didn't say if you're already in college or not. I know that starting out selling commercial time can be a good way to start out, but even that is competitive and the ones who have experience usually get the job. Also, if you're applying for internships, why do you want a different way to find work in television ? NYC Service, a city run platform, helps residents find volunteer opportunities where their help is needed, which may include media or broadcasting related roles. Some stations may offer internships or hands on experiences that could serve as a pathway to involvement. First try WABC-TV if you haven't already. To work as an Executive in Television, you will have to know everything about television studios.
For Film the executive positions are Executive Producer, Producer, Line Producer, Showrunner and Co-Executive Producer and Unit Production Manager. Explore these positions as they relate to the film industry. If you would like to volunteer to gain experience, Rooftop Films runs on a volunteer model. As a volunteer you can participate in over 40 summer shows, gain insight into film festival operations, connect with staff and filmmakers, and contribute to an exciting cultural event. Just as with television, consider going for Volunteer Work if you're not hearing back for Internships.
A good path would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree as a Film or Communications, Broadcasting or Media Studies Major and go to a university that provides abundant opportunities for their students. Being in New York City, it shouldn't be a difficult thing, and you can inquire and find out which stations or film studios have volunteers. There's a lot of information for what you're asking, too lengthy to write here.
Film Studios and Television Stations are huge places and take a long time to ace every aspect. Give yourself time and it can be done. There's also a strong need for networking, making contacts and if you're in college, making very strong connections with your Major Department.
Definitely return if you have any specific questions, state if you are in college currently and say exactly which position you are going to pursue, Also, television and film are two different niches, so is there one that you're leaning towards more than the other or did you want to learn both ?
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Working in the Television or the Film Industry is quite exciting and how great it would be if it were just a matter of "breaking in" to it. You didn't mention if you are in college with a Film, Broadcasting or Communication Major, but you certainly have some good colleges to choose from since you're in New York City. You will also need to know exactly which aspect of executive work you'd want to do.
The Television executive positions that you can look up online to learn about the job duties are: Television Executive (this is a huge job), Current Executive, Development Executive, Executive Producer, Showrunner (yes, it's an executive position), Vice President, Senior Vice President, and other senior level executives, Head of Business and Legal Affairs - Scripted Television Production, Managing Editor and News Operations Manager. So in order to gear an academic path to work in television, you really do need to know exactly which position you'd want to prepare for. You'd have to go to college for a degree in Television, Communications or Media Studies. It's very competitive so having the degree is one of the qualifying factors. Plus you'd have to know everything about studios inside and out.
If you are already in college, ask your professor if students get Internship Placement in their Junior or Senior year. You will need an intermediate level of how the Television industry works in order to obtain an Internship. I'm not sure how to advise you because you didn't say if you're already in college or not. I know that starting out selling commercial time can be a good way to start out, but even that is competitive and the ones who have experience usually get the job. Also, if you're applying for internships, why do you want a different way to find work in television ? NYC Service, a city run platform, helps residents find volunteer opportunities where their help is needed, which may include media or broadcasting related roles. Some stations may offer internships or hands on experiences that could serve as a pathway to involvement. First try WABC-TV if you haven't already. To work as an Executive in Television, you will have to know everything about television studios.
For Film the executive positions are Executive Producer, Producer, Line Producer, Showrunner and Co-Executive Producer and Unit Production Manager. Explore these positions as they relate to the film industry. If you would like to volunteer to gain experience, Rooftop Films runs on a volunteer model. As a volunteer you can participate in over 40 summer shows, gain insight into film festival operations, connect with staff and filmmakers, and contribute to an exciting cultural event. Just as with television, consider going for Volunteer Work if you're not hearing back for Internships.
A good path would be to obtain your Bachelors Degree as a Film or Communications, Broadcasting or Media Studies Major and go to a university that provides abundant opportunities for their students. Being in New York City, it shouldn't be a difficult thing, and you can inquire and find out which stations or film studios have volunteers. There's a lot of information for what you're asking, too lengthy to write here.
Film Studios and Television Stations are huge places and take a long time to ace every aspect. Give yourself time and it can be done. There's also a strong need for networking, making contacts and if you're in college, making very strong connections with your Major Department.
Definitely return if you have any specific questions, state if you are in college currently and say exactly which position you are going to pursue, Also, television and film are two different niches, so is there one that you're leaning towards more than the other or did you want to learn both ?
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
TIFFANY’s Answer
You’re already doing the right thing by applying to internships, but there are several other ways into the film and TV industry, especially if your goal is to become an executive. Many executives start by working at talent agencies or management companies because those environments teach how projects get packaged and relationships are built. You can also get involved through film festivals, mentorship programs (like Women in Film, Sundance, ARRAY), or by working on set as a Production Assistant to understand how films actually get made. More importantly, focus on developing your “executive voice” — your taste, point of view, and network. Attend screenings, panels, and industry events, connect with junior executives on LinkedIn for virtual coffee chats, and build relationships consistently. In this industry, relationships and perspective matter just as much as job postings.
Choose five junior executives or assistants at studios, production companies, or agencies you admire on LinkedIn. Send each one a short message asking for a 15-minute virtual coffee chat to learn about their path. Keep it genuine, brief, and specific — something like: “Hi ___, I’m interested in development and really admire the work your team did on ___. I’m exploring entry points into the industry and would love to hear about your journey if you have a few minutes to chat.”
TIFFANY recommends the following next steps:
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
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Updated
Steve’s Answer
You have some wonderful insights here, and I'm excited to add to your collection of knowledge.
The entertainment industry is going through a unique time with changes and challenges like layoffs and consolidations. I've seen similar shifts in my 40+ year career. Right now, the industry is figuring out how to stabilize and create new opportunities. Generative AI and other technologies are changing how films are produced. Despite these changes, the need for talented writers and producers remains strong.
While Los Angeles was once the main hub for the industry, being on the West Coast is still beneficial for aspiring executives like you. Meeting people face-to-face is crucial for building a network that can support your career.
If you're connected with a university offering degrees in production, they can be a valuable resource for internships and job placements. However, the key is to focus on building your network.
I hope this advice encourages you on your journey.
The entertainment industry is going through a unique time with changes and challenges like layoffs and consolidations. I've seen similar shifts in my 40+ year career. Right now, the industry is figuring out how to stabilize and create new opportunities. Generative AI and other technologies are changing how films are produced. Despite these changes, the need for talented writers and producers remains strong.
While Los Angeles was once the main hub for the industry, being on the West Coast is still beneficial for aspiring executives like you. Meeting people face-to-face is crucial for building a network that can support your career.
If you're connected with a university offering degrees in production, they can be a valuable resource for internships and job placements. However, the key is to focus on building your network.
I hope this advice encourages you on your journey.
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Hi Danika,
While I can't give advice on how to land an executive role since I'm not an executive, I can give you advice on how to start and what has worked for me.
Applying to internships programs and film studio programs, while being an unknown quantity, is a very difficult road to take. It's almost a gamble of sorts for the people at the studio or internship because they do not know you. They're most likely going to base their impression of you on your resume and cover letter, but they may not even read those if it doesn't match up with the algorithm that pre determines if you're even a good candidate. It can be very disheartening and make you want to give up.
So, what's the solution? I highly advise that you go out to many film festivals/events related to film and you meet people. Make a business card, and hand it out to people you're interested in speaking/working with. Purpose yourself to find those people. Make friends with people at the event, and they'll help you find those you want to meet. By going in person, you're able to make a first impression on people face to face, and that is the first key to getting your foot in the door.
The next step after meeting the people you've wanted to meet is to follow up. And, I don't mean a tiny follow up. I mean FOLLOW UP. If the person forgets about you, remind them that you're still interested, politely. And if one person doesn't pan out, go to the next interested person. Keep knocking on the door, and don't give up. Eventually a door will open, and you will find your place. But it's really important that you hustle and go from place to place, making connections and meeting people you're interested in working with.
I hope this helps.
While I can't give advice on how to land an executive role since I'm not an executive, I can give you advice on how to start and what has worked for me.
Applying to internships programs and film studio programs, while being an unknown quantity, is a very difficult road to take. It's almost a gamble of sorts for the people at the studio or internship because they do not know you. They're most likely going to base their impression of you on your resume and cover letter, but they may not even read those if it doesn't match up with the algorithm that pre determines if you're even a good candidate. It can be very disheartening and make you want to give up.
So, what's the solution? I highly advise that you go out to many film festivals/events related to film and you meet people. Make a business card, and hand it out to people you're interested in speaking/working with. Purpose yourself to find those people. Make friends with people at the event, and they'll help you find those you want to meet. By going in person, you're able to make a first impression on people face to face, and that is the first key to getting your foot in the door.
The next step after meeting the people you've wanted to meet is to follow up. And, I don't mean a tiny follow up. I mean FOLLOW UP. If the person forgets about you, remind them that you're still interested, politely. And if one person doesn't pan out, go to the next interested person. Keep knocking on the door, and don't give up. Eventually a door will open, and you will find your place. But it's really important that you hustle and go from place to place, making connections and meeting people you're interested in working with.
I hope this helps.