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Challenge Accepted

A full week on the job and I thought that I had become well-versed in all of Relativity Media’s channels. I had been researching and retweeting coverage for Relativity’s upcoming  films, such as Don Jon, Romeo & Juliet, and Free Birds. I had been keeping up-to-date on MLB games and tracking the success of the athletes that Relativity represents (which wasn’t too difficult for me to do, considering my love for sports). I had even learned that Relativity recently announced plans to launch a fashion division. So when Tina asked me if I would like to attend a casting call for the third season of The American Bible Challenge (which is GSN’s all-time highest rated show), I couldn’t wait to dive right into my first hands-on experience with Relativity Television.

I can’t really imagine any other scenario in which I would be stoked to go to work on Saturday, but I couldn’t wait to see what it was like to be part of casting auditions for a reality show. When I arrived at The Dream Center in Echo Park on Saturday morning, I met a few of the employees from the Relativity Television office who would be showing me the ropes of casting that day. And let me tell you – I had never considered a career or even realized that I had an interest in casting, but seeing how highly skillful the casting director was at interacting with and engaging the aspiring contenders during their group interviews was an inspiration in itself.

“Imagine host Jeff Foxworthy just announced that you won the show. What are you gonna do?! How are you gonna react?!” he would exclaim with sheer enthusiasm. Seems pretty simple, huh? Not so. I witnessed the transition that each group made from beginning to end of the audition, from being slightly tentative in telling their personal stories to being completely comfortable in revealing anything about their lives to the casting director. All I can say is, bring on the next casting call! I hear Relativity is casting for a new Food  Network show soon…

Thou shalt know thy bible trivia.

#AllieTheIntern

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Five Reasons Why I Never Get Homesick Working at Relativity

1. One of the many highlights of my first day at Relativity was discovering that the sports department represents some of my favorite athletes. Signed jerseys of New York Knicks players Amar’e Stoudemire and Iman Shumpert decorate the hallway, and other gems such as a customized Knicks basketball with Shumpert’s name printed on it make for nice surprises when strolling through unexplored parts of the office. As an avid Yankees fan, I most appreciated the fact that among those represented is baseball legend and this year’s All-Star Game MVP, Mariano Rivera. 

Little notes like this show how much we love our clients over here at Relativity!

2. The fancy espresso machine in the kitchen brings me back to my high school days when I worked as a barista. I just have to take note that I can only enjoy a few shots of espresso at the expense of my shaking hands. Intern insight: a black eye is a bad choice. 

So many drink choices – good thing I’m not holding up the line at Starbucks!

3. My assignments include coverage of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s directorial debut and Relativity’s most recent film release, Don Jon. I even had the opportunity to attend an advance screening of the film, which is all about a New Jersey bartender. 

Director, writer, AND lead actor? Look out, Hollywood – JGL’s a triple threat!

4. On the way to the kitchen, fellow Georgetown alum Bradley Cooper looks down at me from the poster of Limitless (a Relativity-produced film and soon-to-be television series) with his piercing blue eyes and silently reminds me that it’s okay to graduate from a government-centric university and subsequently pursue a career in entertainment. The Coop makes Hoyas look good. 

This guy’s talents are limitless.

5. I have always been a huge animal lover. To this day I consider the massive book of dog breeds that I received on my fifth birthday one of my all-time favorite presents. So it always brightens my day when I hear the faint sound of jingling dog tags or have the chance to give a warm welcome to a canine visitor. A pet-friendly office is a happy office! 

My new pal Hal is one happy camper at Relativity!

#AllieTheIntern

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(Not Just Another) Manic Monday

Get the position as Relativity Media’s Fall Social Media Intern: Check. Drive 2,767 miles across the country. Check. Be completely calm and relaxed on my first day: Not so much. As I timidly stepped out of the elevator at Relativity’s office (which occupies the whole third floor!), I took a deep breath and told myself that I was already halfway to making the Los Angelino right of passage of driving during rush hour. It soon kicked in that I had survived my first manic Monday morning drive to work and I was willing to tackle any task thrown my way. By no means do I mean to say that Relativity’s expectations of me are not high, because everyone at the company is enthusiastic about what they do. I feel like I belong in such an environment, especially one that focuses on entertainment and social media. In college, I always felt slightly out of place. In DC, everyone was studying government, economics, or international business. My classmates were both fascinated and perplexed by my passion for media and pop culture. I was the black sheep. Now, I finally feel welcome, and even though I may be the new kid in the office, I no longer have to ignore curious looks for simply pursuing what I love. 

My first day on the job was a whirlwind transition. Signed jerseys of famous athletes decorate the hallway on the way to the coffee machine. Fervent conversations about new projects and creative ideas surround me. Everyone at Relativity takes risks, pushes the limit, and makes great strides because of that tenacity. I feel lucky to be a part of that atmosphere, where everyone strives to do the best and raise the bar. And as it turns out, driving in LA isn’t as bad as New Yorkers make it out to be.

Number three is the place to be!

#AllieTheIntern

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When You Wish Upon A Star

I’m not a particularly spontaneous person when it comes to making enormous life decisions, but when I came across the application for Relativity Media’s Fall Internship towards the end of my two-week visit to LA, my natural tendency to over-think everything fell by the wayside. Virtually every word on the position description popped out at me – “directly interacting with all of the company’s divisions and departments...working with a team of social media experts to generate new and engaging ideas for integration across all social platforms...strong interest in writing and storytelling,” and the list goes on. I literally jumped at the chance to apply when I ran to my laptop and started pouring out my eagerness to get a behind-the-scenes look at a production company in my cover letter. Just by glancing over the components of the application, I could tell that this was not your average internship. The instructions required me to come up with mock-up Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts for three of Relativity’s upcoming films and submit them along with my resume, cover letter, and brief video explaining why I thought I should be Relativity’s new intern. The chance to express myself creatively through writing and work with some of the best in the business, all the while engaging with people from all over the world via the wonders of social media? That’s my dream job.

  I may be a Jersey Girl at heart...

Despite my enthusiasm for the position, I was aware of how competitive it would be to land an opportunity as rare as the one that Relativity was offering. A few days after I had applied, I was checking my voicemail and heard a friendly-sounding woman say, “Hi Allie, this is Tina Mirfarsi from Relativity Media. I just wanted to run something by you really quickly. Whenever you get this, just shoot me an email and we can figure out a time to chat tomorrow morning!” Once I heard those words, I went back into hyper-anticipation mode and imagined possible outcomes of my future conversation with Tina. If I ended up getting the job, where would I live? When would I see my family and friends, most of whom live on the East Coast? Equally, if not more, troubling in my eyes: How would I fare in the LA traffic scene? My mind ricocheted from one thought to another as I sat in the car on the ride home and looked up at a sky lit up by planes traveling to and from exciting places – but I only had one place on my mind. At one point, I happened to see a shooting star, took a page from Walt Disney’s book, and wished that I could go to that place.

Even though my mind was racing, I somehow managed to get some sleep before trying to go about my day as if it were normal (but in reality anxiously awaiting Tina’s phone call). But even after all of that mental preparation that I put myself through, I couldn’t have planned for what happened next. I was expecting another phone interview, another chance to make my case and convey my passion for everything entertainment. So when a pleasant exchange of greetings quickly shifted into Tina saying that Relativity Media would like to extend me an offer to be the company’s next intern, all I could do was bounce up and down in excitement and say, “Thank you!” Tina just laughed and said, “Does this mean you accept?”

After taking a few minutes to celebrate this new development with a mini-dance party in my room, it was finally time to think about logistics, as I had been home for less than ten hours yet was scheduled to start work on the other side of the country in nine days – in a city that practically requires you to own a car. In a daze, I walked downstairs, saw my unsuspecting mother reading on the couch, and blurted out, “Well, I guess I’m moving to California.” I hate being cheesy, but Jiminy Cricket may have been on to something, because wishing upon a star really did work.

  ...but California, here we come!

#AllieTheIntern

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Fall 2013 Social Media Internship Description

MUST BE CURRENT UNDERGRADUATE OR GRADUATE STUDENT TO BE CONSIDERED

To apply: send resume, cover letter, video, and mock-ups to the email address listed below. Only serious applicants need apply.

  Relativity Media is seeking a social media savvy intern interested in directly interacting with all of the company’s divisions and departments.  

Relativity Media is offering a one-of-a-kind internship in which the intern will be exposed to a quickly-growing social media studio. While performing the standard internship tasks and duties, this unique person will also share their experiences with the world through Relativity’s official social media profiles. Naturally, this intern must be a creative and highly imaginative individual who will be working with a team of social media experts to generate new and engaging ideas for integration across all social platforms within all of Relativity Media’s different departments.

Day to day activities will include creating updates for all of Relativity’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Google+, Pinterest, and Tumblr, assisting in the creation of social media content, strategies and analytics reports, as well as the traditional roles of an intern.

As with any internship, the more you do, the more you know. Relativity Media’s social media interns hold the power to interact and engage with millions of fans using 140 characters.

Qualifications:

Undergraduate and graduate student majoring in communications, television, film, journalism, advertising, PR, marketing or social media

Interest/experience in media/new media, marketing, communications

Able to offer between 20-30 hours per week

Understanding of various social media platforms including: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.

Strong interest in writing and storytelling

Strong interpersonal skills are a must

Ability to work independently and collaboratively while communicating and presenting ideas with clarity and precision

Student may receive academic credit but is not required

Must be comfortable in front of the camera

Ability to think outside the box

Enthusiastic and courageous

Responsibilities:

Work directly with social media experts to craft the story of your internship

Keep up to date with emerging social media platforms

Keep track of Relativity’s various projects across divisions

Interact and support all areas of Relativity’s departments

Keep up to date with emerging social media platforms

Keep track of Relativity’s various projects across divisions

Interact and support all areas of Relativity’s departments

 Day-to-day responsibilities:

Working directly with the Relativity Media social media producers and team to develop your unique voice and personality for social media

Keeping up-to-date on social media best practices and successful campaigns to share with internal teams

Collaborating actively with other interns and members of the content teams to contribute ideas

Being confident, eager to learn, able to take feedback, and know how to ask the questions to get the answers you need

  In order to apply, please send the following items to socialmediaintern@relativitymedia.com:

Resume

6-45 second video telling us why you should be Relativity’s next social media intern

One mock-up Facebook post, one mock-up tweet, and one mock-up Instagram post [including photos] for each of these upcoming Relativity movies: Free Birds, Paranoia, and Don Jon

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Farewell to our Disk Jockey Athlete!

Sam the Man. It’s been so much fun watching you assimilate to all of the tasks we’ve given you over this summer. You and I have a kinship as we are both completely mortified when put on the spot but you have impressed me over these past few months by completely taking on every project we’ve given you. Your laugh will be missed around the office…that’s when I know you’re being photographed or recorded. Hope you’ve enjoyed your time here with us as much as we have enjoyed yours. Enjoy the rest of college and keep in touch with us. My door is always open for RML's first social media intern!

  xx

#TinaYourOldBoss

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Farewell to our Disney Princess!

Dearest Jen. Summer came and went and now you are going back to school. It has been so much fun watching you constantly tackle each task we have given you. You are such a natural and I envy you for that. I hope that you were able to gain something from this internship and that you go back to school with a new perspective on things. You truly rock and I hope that you keep in touch and that our paths cross again one day. 

  Until then, enjoy every second of being in college. I will live vicariously through you!

  xx

#TinaYourOldBoss

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The Experience of a Lifetime

What exactly does my job entail here at Relativity Media as #SamTheIntern?

I have been asked this question time and time again by friends and family over the course of my internship and it never gets any easier to give them an answer. Even now, as I am finishing up my last day at this incredible place, I cannot easily put into words a description of my position as a social media intern. I’d like to think I’m a pretty intelligent guy, “relatively” good with words, but this question continues to stump me.

But I suppose the reason for this is simple: I have done SO MUCH STUFF during my time here!

It is honestly so crazy to think about all the different experiences I’ve had this summer, many of which (like I’ve said before) opened my eyes to aspects of life that I would never have been interested in before. I got to immerse myself in the world of sports and music (areas in which I was already familiar), and eventually in the world of acting and producing, which I had never really given too much thought about previously. I was able to hangout with NBA and NFL superstars at the Major League Gaming Championships in Anaheim, attend secret movie screenings, learn from famous YouTube actors and producers in downtown LA, ALMOST go to the ESPYs (thanks for trying Tina!), and speak with the great Matt Weaver, who produced the unbelievable Broadway show, Rock of Ages.

Each one of these things was amazing in its own way, and it was so cool that while I was “on the job” at each one of the events or interviews, nothing was stressful, and not only because the events themselves were enjoyable, but also because the people I was working with were some of the most awesome people I’ve met in my life thus far.

Sadly this summer is coming to a close, but it was definitely one that I will never forget. I’ve learned so much from being a part of the Relativity Media team, and definitely hope to work with these great people again someday.  

To the next round of social media interns at Relativity: Be proactive, be hungry to learn, be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, and most importantly, have fun! You’ll do great, but honestly, after Jen and I leave, you’ll have some pretty big shoes to fill.

Thanks for putting up with me this summer!

#SamTheIntern

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#JenTheIntern is Just Jen...again

I’ve been dreading this day for a while:  The day when I must turn in both the laptop and iPhone and pass my beloved hashtag along to the next social media intern. The day when I, ‘#JenTheIntern,’ become simply ‘Jen’ once again; when I no longer breeze around Los Angeles, proudly sporting Relativity’s logo around my neck via a delicately designed key card; when I, instead, peruse the city like a lost puppy… with no bone.

I must admit that I envy you, future social media intern, for you are about to embark on the greatest internship experience of your life.

Just a few months ago, I entered Relativity’s office feeling both excited and tentative, as I had no idea about the journey I was soon to embark on. But within these months, I have received treasured advice from nearly every executive in the office, attended various Relativity pre-screenings, casually kicked it with several superstar athletes (Dwight Howard, we still on for Friday?), got an in-depth look at the “Rock of Ages” musical and spoke directly with producer Matt Weaver, attended a casting session, produced an exclusive intern film project, and honed my social media networking skills. I never once picked up a lunch order or got coffee, not because I was opposed to doing so, but because I was constantly engaged in some other, awesome aspect of Relativity.

In retrospect, I thoroughly enjoyed working with #SamTheIntern, and I can honestly say he did a marvelous job of integrating me into the sports realm at Relativity! I speak on behalf of both of us when I say that we felt like vital staff members, who respected, and felt respected by, Relativity.  I can’t thank my boss Tina enough for guiding me these past two months, and enabling me to attend exclusive events where I could engage with Relativity executives.  

So, in passing the torch along, my advice to the future Relativity interns: This internship is what you make of it!  Future social media interns, #SamTheIntern and I had the greatest summer ever because, well…we wanted to! We were determined to educate ourselves about social media, to network, to expand Relativity’s online voice, and to gain insight into Relativity as a whole.

In conclusion, thank you to everyone at Relativity, primarily Tina and #SamTheIntern, for supporting me and enabling me to have an incredibly fun, educational and memorable internship this summer.  

And a final note to you future social media interns, I’m jealous of you!     

#JenTheIntern

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On The Field And Into The Interweb

When I first met Dwight Howard, I wonder where he buys his clothes.  Why?  Because his legs are longer than my entire vertical structure.  I would ask him myself, if it weren't for the other fifteen billion people vying for a picture, autograph, etc. But alas, I decide to make a quick B-line for the A-list star.

Accompanied by #SamTheIntern, and with the help of various Relativity staff members, (thanks guys!) I meet the star and snag a photo. Where am I?  The Major League Gaming convention in Anaheim, of course!  And I just happen to be chilling with Dez Bryant, Ty Lawson, DeJuan Blair, and Dwight Howard…

I quickly immerse myself in the gaming culture.  I attempt some random game and end up running around in circles with an axe for a half an hour.  Defeated, I relinquish my controller and wander the premises, noticing crowds of gamer fans gathered around their all-star icons. I meet several of these master gamers, watch their live tournaments, pocket some Sheets, and obtain several pieces of gaming advice i.e. what each button on a controller does, the best way to win! A gamer reborn, I head back into the convention, prepared to battle it out in the virtual world.

And now that I might be slightly obsessed with playing video games on the regular… no more than, you know, a few hours a day… any game recommendations?

Until next time!

#JenTheIntern

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MLG: Major. League. Gaming.

The words “famous” and “gamers” do not generally seem to fit appropriately in the same sentence.

  Sure, professional athletes are constantly in the spotlight and known all over the globe, but one would never think this to be the case for people who master video games for a living.

  But when #JenTheIntern and I attended the Major League Gaming Championships in Anaheim, my eyes were opened to a whole new world.

  Pulling into the Anaheim Convention Center, I was truly unprepared for the atmosphere that I encountered. As soon as I entered the building, grabbed my VIP wristband (thank you Relativity!), and walked into the main arena, my mind was blown!

  Teenage boys and a few young men in their 20s, each among the top ranked video gamers in the world, were surrounded by enormous crowds of people asking for pictures and autographs. I was in complete shock! Not in a bad way, but I was simply unaware that anybody could be famous to this extent for playing video games! To say this was cool would be a complete understatement, but the coolest part of the event was soon to come.

  Relativity Sports had arranged for Houston Rockets big man Dwight Howard, Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Dez Bryant, San Antonio Spurs Power Forward Dejuan Blair, and Denver Nuggets Point Guard Ty Lawson to not only attend this event, but to compete against each other on stage in front of thousands of people in an intense battle of Call of Duty--Black Ops.

  As the social media interns for Relativity Media, Jen and I were responsible for covering the event in its entirety on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and were given access to the VIP section where the athletes hungout after their Call of Duty battle. How unbelievably cool is that?!?!

  While most of my friends were out doing the same old thing on Saturday night, I was chilling with some of the most famous athletes in the world at an event that featured the greatest video gamers in the world.

  The entire evening was overwhelming. Is it possible to slow down time? Because I really don’t want this summer to end.

  Talk to you soon!

#SamTheIntern

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I Am A Musical Theatre Junkie

That’s right, I have no shame in admitting that I blast the ‘Rock of Ages’ soundtrack in my car...on repeat...to work and back. I sometimes imagine myself in some televised version of the production, rocking an 80s inspired frock, and belting out “Don’t Stop Believing!” So you can bet I was beyond thrilled to get to speak to ‘Rock of Ages’ producer, Matt Weaver before the panel yesterday!

  He still has such passion for this project! Even five years after the conception of the production, Weaver actively participates in all functions of the show from casting to opening night and beyond!  The show has certainly come a long way since it’s unconventional beginning at a Los Angeles bar - it now reigns as one of the longest running Broadway productions of all time!

The story goes that in 2007, Matt Weaver brought ‘Rock of Ages’ to Las Vegas - a test run that remains the biggest disaster in ‘Rock of Ages’ history because not a single casino picked up the show! Disappointed but not discouraged, Weaver remained enthusiastic about the production and continued pushing forward until it’s Off-Broadway debut in October 2008 where it quickly skyrocketed into history!

  Matt is now in a partnership with Relativity Media, and attributes Relativity with saving the day for ‘Rock of Ages’ by coming on as a producer at the most crucial time. He calls Relativity “inspirational, entrepreneurial, excitable, and passionate” and values Relativity’s positivity above all else. He advises me to keep plugging away at my craft, to work super hard, to not get discouraged, to surround myself with great people, and to love what I do.  

I am so inspired by Matt’s passion, drive, and positivity. The story of the production process and the insight from the crew are things that I will not easily forget!

#JenTheIntern

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My Interview with Matt Weaver

Phone interviews are always somewhat nerve-racking, but the one that Jen and I conducted this morning was definitely an exception. We had the privilege of speaking with Matt Weaver, the producer of Broadway sensation turned film Rock of Ages. Funny enough, Matt was actually on his way to a casting session for the musical, which is one of the longest lasting shows on Broadway to-date. To say that he was inspiring would be a complete understatement, as each one of his responses was extremely captivating and insightful.

After conceiving the idea for the show in 2005, the process to actually get it off the ground was a long one. Matt explained to us how important it is to truly and passionately love what you do, especially in this business, because success is preceded with failure after failure (and sometimes even more failing). His love for this project has helped him overcome some of the low points in the process, and even today, his passion appears as strong as ever. I couldn’t believe we were getting the opportunity to speak with someone who has achieved so much, and was honestly one of the most down to earth, genuine people I have had the pleasure to meet.

We had about twelve or so questions for him, which could’ve easily been rather difficult to get through, but Matt made the whole interview fun and enjoyable. By the time we got off the phone, I was, for the first time, feeling an enormous amount of inspiration to become a producer in the future. Sports and music are my life, and never in a million years would I have thought about getting into producing for television, movies, or musicals. However, speaking with Matt Weaver today definitely sparked something inside of me. I wouldn’t expect anything less from this internship, though, as I constantly find myself learning about new things and wanting to learn even more about them in the future. Not many people can say that about their internships, so I am definitely pretty lucky.

It is so awesome that I got this sneak peak from Matt Weaver, and I’m so excited to attend the Rock of Ages panel on Monday to learn even more!

Talk to you all soooon!

#SamTheIntern

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Embracing the Moment

Still “relatively” new to the crazy LA traffic, I started my nine mile drive a ridiculous hour and a half before I was supposed to be at the shoot. I arrived and decided to head into the building early to get mentally prepared. As I walked into the building, I heard a loud voice calling my name. At first I didn’t know what was going on, but then I realized that the voice was that of the infamous #JenTheIntern. This was my first time meeting my partner in crime for the summer and - I have to admit - I felt freakishly tall standing beside her.

The two of us got in the elevator and headed up to the photo shoot with multiple outfits in hand. We engaged in a bit of small talk which was slightly awkward at first, but by the time we arrived at our destination it was clear we were going to get along just fine.

While she is small in stature, Jen’s personality is rather enormous. She was extremely comfortable in front of the camera, having fun being in the spotlight and embracing the moment. I had the opportunity to get my pictures taken first but politely declined (perhaps because of nerves) and let Jen go before me. BAD IDEA! She made it look so easy, and performed each pose in a confident, relaxed manner as if she had been there before (maybe she has, I don’t know).

Soon my time came to step up to the plate. The shoot ended up being awesome. I got to use hilarious props such as a tennis racquet, DJ headphones, iPads, and a huge stack of binders and folders to balance in my arms (officially letting the world know I’m an intern). Overall, I had a great time. And witnessing Jen’s comfort and genuine enjoyment in front of the camera was a great learning experience. I saw her truly embracing her moment in the spotlight and I realized that to succeed in this town that is such an important thing to do. I want more than anything to develop my voice and become known here and I’m excited to learn from #JenTheIntern more as the summer goes on.

What do you guys think is essential for succeeding in Hollywood? Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

-#SamTheIntern

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Shooting The… Flix…

Next, it’s time to revamp Relativity’s social media sites with a photoshoot.  I arrive on location and, oh, yeah, forgot to mention, I’M the subject of this shoot.  I’m placed in front of the camera, where I feel most comfortable, and I pose with various outfits and props.  Here’s where I first meet #SamTheIntern, a six foot five giant to my barely five foot high frame… when I’m wearing five- inch platforms- (warning: blog may contain exaggerations for emphasis)!  My platforms then come off, and we take photos together to emphasize my minuscule stature.

So about that #SamTheIntern… first thing he says to me: “I’m gonna win this match”.  Interesting…  I was unaware that this internship was a competition? But he’s an athlete, and today, he shows up with a tennis racquet in one hand and a tux in the other.  #SamTheIntern exudes confidence as though he runs Hollywood… so he’ll fit right in.  Because you gotta lead to succeed in this business, and he definitely has a strong head on his shoulders.     

Until next time,

#JenTheIntern

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The Start of Something Great

As is true for any intern’s first day, my heart was pounding with anticipation and fear as soon as I entered the elevator heading up to Relativity Media’s office in Beverly Hills. I walked into the lobby to find it crowded with other interns waiting for orientation to begin, each of whom had the same anxious looks on their faces. Being a competitive athlete my entire life, I think I was able to hide my nerves quite well, and once orientation began and introductions were made with everyone around the office, feelings of excitement took over.  I was beginning to realize that this internship could be one of the coolest opportunities of my life.

Waiting for me at my desk was a laptop and iPhone, which I couldn’t believe considering the fact that I’m only an intern! My supervisor, Tina, introduced me to each member of the Relativity Media team, including President, Tucker Tooley and Co-COO, Happy Walters!!!! Their laid back nature made them really easy to talk to and get along with. Unlike many internships where your first day consists of nothing but getting situated in the office and performing monotonous “intern tasks,” I couldn’t believe how much I was already learning in just my first few hours in the office!

I was hoping more than anything to meet some of Relativity Sport’s athletes over the course of the summer, and just when my tired eyes began to twitch from staring at my computer screen that wish was granted. I glanced up from my desk to see Demarcus Cousins, the incredibly talented 7 foot tall center for the Sacramento Kings, enter the office and walk right towards me. I pride myself on rarely getting star-struck, but for some reason I was not able to form actual words in response to his simple “hey man how’s it going?” as he made his way past me and into the office of Happy Walters. I was so embarrassed!

Luckily nobody said anything about my encounter with Demarcus the giant, and I was able to carry on with my day. For my last hour or so, I sat at my desk and contemplated the insane opportunity that has been put in front of me for this summer. As my parents always used to tell me (and still do on occasion), “I am the captain of my own ship.” Just as I was packing up to leave, I realized that if I truly make the most of my time at Relativity Media over the next 8 ½ weeks, doors will open and the possibilities will be endless for future endeavors that I wish to embark on.

Until next time,

#SamTheIntern

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Intern and the Cupcake Courage… A Drama-dy

“You sure you have the right Jen?” I double check three times before the shock dissipates and the news sinks in... It’s Relativity Media on the line… can you hear me?! RELATIVITY MEDIA…  And they offer me their first ever social media intern position!!!  I have a slight obsession with social media, and may or may not, be on all possible social media platforms at any given moment.  I am an aspiring producer, and it’s essential for me to utilize social media for networking.  

So on March 28th, I make the journey to Relativity’s Beverly Hills office!  En route, I stop at a nearby cupcakery and stuff myself with “sugar courage” before entering Relativity’s reception lobby.  There, I wait eagerly next to the giant “Free Birds” movie statue for my boss and Chief of Staff, Tina Mirfarsi, to escort me through the office.  Some minor paperwork and a short time later, Tina introduces me to several executives, assistants, and key staff members from all of Relativity’s departments. Then, I receive a personal computer, iPhone, and desk, and begin my four month adventure.

My initial plan: Meet and greet assistants, executives, etc., obtain behind the scenes photos, and decorate my drab desk.  I realize that everyone in the office is passionately engaged in his or her work, and it would be inappropriate and unprofessional for me to intervene.  So Phase One of Plan A: observe the passersby, and become a recognizable face within their eyes! Once my face is known around the office and the staff develops a trust in me, I hope to segway into Phase Two of Plan A: interview key members in each department and share exclusive content with you, Relativity Media’s online followers.  In the meantime, I’ll casually stroll around the office, gather as much relevant information as I can find, and maybe bust my camera out to take some pics and videos.

So… Any advice for a producer who wants to get noticed around a production office?

Until next time,

#JenTheIntern