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Sydney Caulder Independent Study 197 Internship

Film and Media Studies Independent Study Internship Course 197

During the Winter Quarter 2022, FMS Major Sydney Caulder served as a talent management intern at Entertainment Lab where she gained experience in all aspects of the storytelling process - from screenwriting to talent to production. Entertainment Lab, a talent management and production company, develops the careers of established actors, writers, and directors in film, TV, theater, and commercials, packaging and developing film and TV projects. Sydney learned how to navigate online casting systems like Breakdown Express, Casting Networks, and Casting Frontier, along with how to effectively use IMDb Pro when researching talent representation information. Sydney also hosted several meets and greets with the acting, writing, and directing clients, as well as other producers, talent agents, and casting directors to learn about their experience within the industry. Sydney is excited to be interning for a company with a friendly and calm work atmosphere and programs designed to have interns master new skills necessary for a career in talent management.

1. How did you get this internship?

“I initially saw this internship on Handshake and applied there, but I also saw that they provided an email in the internship description, so I went ahead and emailed my resume to the email provided just in case that was their preferred way to receive applications. They responded back to my email and we set up a time to interview from there, and then I got my internship offer shortly after the interview!”

2. What about your FMS education has helped you get the internship? Or what parts of your FMS education do you utilize while at your internship?

“My FMS education will contribute greatly to this internship because it will allow me to combine my major and two minors -- Drama, Film and Media Studies, and Management --  into one program. I hope to utilize my education on contemporary cinema, as well as my knowledge of popular films and actors in the industry, to contribute to conversations within my internship and provide my input on the up-and-coming actors in this industry! My education in film history and film analysis from UCI will also serve me when reading scripts and performing script coverage for Entertainment Lab.”

3. What do you hope to get out of this internship or what responsibilities do you have?

“Throughout the internship, I will get to have meets and greets with talent managers to learn about their experience in the entertainment industry and gain advice for best navigating this career. Some things I am looking forward to learning are how to use online casting systems like Breakdown Express, Casting Networks, and Casting Frontier, as well as how to more effectively use IMDb Pro when researching talent representation information. I am also excited to compose emails regarding auditions, callbacks, and appointments to send out to talent, as this will prepare me for a future assistant role at a management company or talent agency.”