Entertainment & Media

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Entertainment & Media

The media and entertainment industry consists of film, print, radio, and television - more specifically movies, TV shows, radio shows, news, music, podcasts, newspapers, magazines, graphic novels, comics and books.

In general, media and entertainment jobs include reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts; writers and authors; editors; photographers; graphic designers; translators; film and video editors and camera operators; broadcast and sound engineering technicians; announcers; producers and directors; and performers—from actors to musicians and composers. The workers who are behind the scenes and focused on the business side are public relations people, talent agents and representatives, marketing managers, entertainment lawyers, and distribution workers, among others.

Job Title Examples:

  • Broadcast Engineer
  • Camera Operator
  • Talent Agent & Lit Agent
  • Film and Television Producer
  • Music Producer
  • Actor
  • Attorney
  • Screen Writer
  • Accountant
  • Make Up Artist
  • Data Analyst
  • Production Designer
  • On set Electrician/Grip
  • Finance Executive
  • Marketing Executive
  • Public Relations Officer


Skills Needed:

  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Flexibility and versatility
  • Ability to research and think critically
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Creativity
  • Attention to detail
  • Attention to Detail
  • Strong Knowledge of Production
  • Strong Knowledge of Development
  • Strong knowledge of the business of Film & TV

Find Opportunities

 
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Everyone interested in entertainment should do lots of research about companies and start building a network.  Apply to internships/jobs directly with each company or HR contact.

Using IrishCompass, LinkedIn, and ND’s alumni association directory called myND is the best way to start on the networking front.

Job Databases:

Industry Timeline

Many jobs in this industry are not posted online. This is very much a "who you know" business and roles are often filled from "in house" or through personal recommendations. Small companies fill their positions very fast (in a week or less) and almost always come from personal recommendations. 
 
Larger companies and studios do post online and do some recruiting, but again the volume of applications is very high. Any personal connection to the company is extremely helpful.  Internships are often a very helpful way to get your foot in the door, build relationships and hear about upcoming positions.  These are also filled pretty quickly (4 - 6 weeks).

Networking is critical with the entertainment industry. Beginning a career in the industry often requires a move to LA, NYC, Chicago or Atlanta after graduation.

Applying and Interviewing

Resumes

 

Entertainment Resumes are very different than the standard resumes of almost all other industries. Your resume will often be the first impression for a potential employer.  You want to make sure that your resume is concise, direct, and specific. Ensure that your resume is tailored for the position and for the industry. Highlighting relevant coursework can demonstrate your fit for a particular position. Review our guide on resumes for more information on how to construct one.

We highly encourage anyone applying for an internship/job in the industry to have our Industry Specialists Marcus Cox or Kelsie Kiley review your resume.

Entertainment Industry Resume Tips

1. Convey Experiences - Notre Dame has a lot of clubs that have very specific names that aren't immediately obvious to employers. Adjust club titles, job titles, etc., to better convey what your position is at each job. 

  • For example, if your job is to take videos and create social media content for a company, but your title is just "student assistant," feel free to make your job title a little more all encompassing of your actual duties. Changing to "Student Social Media Manager" is just as accurate, but also gives us a clearer picture of what you do without having to read the bullet points.
     
  • In that same vein, a student club or job on campus will be very obvious to Notre Dame students, but not so obvious to employers. For example, "Show Some Skin" student actor/director - instead of just the title, adjust the headline to read, "Show Some Skin" Notre Dame Diversity Play. Or something like "FYS Administrative Assistant" would make more sense as "Freshman Year Administrative Assistant."
     
  • Any experience/internship you secured for summer of 2020 and was canceled as a result of COVID-19 CAN STILL BE ADDED to your resume. Indicate that it was canceled do to COVID-19.  Even though you did not get the experience it shows you were active is searching for a position AND that you were chosen which will still differentiate you from the crowd.
     
  • Student Films can be listed like jobs in an experience category. Did you directed a student film? Tell the employer about that. That's way more valuable related experience than for example, VP of Water Ski Club.

2. Education - College Education should be at the bottom. We recommend that you do not include anything from High School. Also, unless you are a first-year student, do not include high school jobs on your resume.

3. Contact Information - Include your name, phone number, email, and social media handle if you are comfortable with it. (Social Media, not required, but a plus!). Addresses are not necessary on resumes.

4. Demonstrate Interest/Experience - In the Entertainment Industry those hiring aren't looking for general career experience, but media experience and a demonstrated interest in the creative arts & media industry. Anything you can do to show that clearly is more valuable than a job that isn't related. For example: do you have a blog? Include that as a work experience line. "Writer/Operator xxx Blog."

5. Be Creative - Get creative with your resume. People in the Entertainment Industry are used to seeing graphic elements, colors, unique resumes. It absolutely has to be clear, concise, and easy to read.

6. GPA - Normally, employers don't care about your GPA, so you shouldn't worry about including it. If you do want to include it, it should be super impressive.
 

Cover Letters

A cover letter introduces you to a potential employer. Use the position description to make specific connections between your skills and experience and what the organization is looking for in a candidate. The cover letter should be concise and well-written—if a potential employer reads your cover letter and is intrigued, they will then read your resume. Your cover letter should not repeat your resume verbatim, but enhance it. Together the cover letter and resume can help land you an interview. Review our guide on cover letters for more information on how to construct one.

Interviewing

For smaller production companies and creative companies (writers, actors etc.) the vibe is very relaxed. These companies want to know about you as a person, your creative tastes, favorite films/music/books and what drew you to the entertainment industry. The interviews are often very informal and the dress is more casual cool (dresses and suits/blazers are a big no).  These interviews are still interviews, but more conversational. They want to know if you are fun, smart and effective.
 
Larger companies, studios, agencies, networks are much more corporate and tend to be more traditional and formal in their interview process. In these interviews they will still ask you about film, TV and books but they are also much more about the business.  Thus dress code is more formal as well as the variety of questions asked (leadership, overcoming adversity, playing on a team etc.)

Most interviews will contain a mixture of resume based questions (questions about your past experience) and behavioral based questions (your ability to handle prospective situations at work.  Most positions will begin with an interview that has a mix of these questions. Review our guide on common interview questions. 

Preparation is extremely important for interviews. Research the company/organization, current and previous projects they’ve worked on, and even the people that you’re interviewing with. This will not only help provide talking points but will show your knowledge and genuine interest in the position. Utilize our resources on how to best prepare yourself to excel in your interview.

Portfolio

Being able to show work examples is a key component when preparing to interview. The Advertising Industry, most of the time, requires a robust portfolio including specific examples of writing, design, campaigns, and other relevant work to the industry. Tailoring your portfolio to the kind of work that the company that you’re applying to is important.

An online portfolio is a great resource to build over time that visually displays the work that you have done. There are several online platforms to build your own website such as square space or wix. Having a well made online portfolio or website will help you to stand out and provide employers easy access to view your work.

Online Resources

Blog/Podcasts/Resources:

Books:

  • The Hollywood Economist 2.0 by Edward J. Epstein
  • Sleepless in Hollywood by Lynda Obst
  • Writing the Pilot by William Rabkin
  • Directing Actors by Judith Weston
  • Moviemaker's Master Class by Laurent Tirard
  • The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

Professional Associations:

Explore:

 

Campus Resources

Career Counselors:

Marcus Cox
Regional Engagement, Media and Entertainment Industry Specialist

Kelsie Kiley
Regional Engagement, Media and Entertainment Industry Specialist
Schedule an Appointment

 

Student Clubs:

Employer Examples:

  • The Walt Disney Company
  • 21st Century Fox
  • Direct Group Holdings (DIRECTV)
  • Time Warner Inc.
  • NBC Universal
  • National Amusements Inc.
  • CBS Corporation
  • Viacom Inc.
  • News Corporation
  • TEGNA Inc.
  • Scott Free
  • Anonymous Content
  • Bold Films
  • Canal +
  • A24
  • Magnolia
  • Film Nation
  • Kapital Entertainment

Join Handshake:

Personalize your feed, explore your curiosities, and get updates that matter to you. Handshake is a dynamic system that works to match students with the most relevant resources and opportunities offered by our office including:

•   Access to personalized job recommendations – This is based on major, career interests, and profile information such as skills and experiences. When students fill out their profile, they’ll be able to see jobs and internships that match their interests and skills.

•   Ability to schedule one–on-one counseling appointments  – Counseling appointments are able to be scheduled through Handshake and held virtually via Zoom. 

•   Ability to Interact with employers – Students can research contact information for local and national employers. Employers can also message students with opportunities and information.

•   Connect with students across the country -  Students can interact with their peers through messaging, get tips and advice, as well as network. 

•   Search for and apply to open positions -  On Handshake, students can see jobs and internships posted specifically for them as well as employers actively recruiting from Notre Dame.