Exploring Production Through The Eyes of an Actor

For my senior project I am continuing an internship I have had all year with Vivian Sorenson, a producer and director. I have always been interested in the film and television industry, but I thought I wanted to be an actress. I had never considered a career on the production side of things. As I was moving through the college process and questioning what I wanted to major in and pursue as a career, I came upon a major I had never heard of; television screenwriting. I was intrigued, was this really a major where I could combine the two things I knew best, my love of reading and writing and my knowledge and understanding of actors/acting. As I learned more about this major, I realized how good of a fit it is for me. So in the fall, I started an internship with my friend’s mom who is very involved in the entertainment industry. Before I started, I feared I would find much of the work tedious and boring and that it would lack the thrill of performing. However I’ve grown to understand how integral the production work is and without it, there would be no place for actors like me to express themselves. 

This internship does and will continue to challenge me. I find comfort in familiarity, but the nature of this industry and internship is that no two days ever look the same. Just as I’m getting the hang of one thing, a new project or skill is thrown at me. I have to work on adapting and being comfortable pushing through moments where I’m not exactly sure what to do. I typically would seek help from my peers or teachers, but this forces me to really work through challenges on my own and find solutions myself. In addition, I’m familiar with acting but less so with the production. This project allows me to use my knowledge of acting and see how that applies and can translate into the production aspect. 

There are four categories or ‘buckets’ that each project must fulfill; experience, creative, academic, and service. This is an experience based internship where I get to be involved in the various aspects of the job Vivian has. While the job is creative in nature, I am also going to work on a television show of my own, using the things I am learning to influence my writing. I will ultimately pitch my show to Vivian and receive feedback. There are many academic aspects of this internship including research and writing. I will continue tutoring weekly to fulfill service. 

During the six weeks senior project takes place, I will create my own show while incorporating all I’ve learned both acting and during the internship. I will go on shoots, watch and learn from experts, and assist where needed. I will participate in meetings, and be involved in casting and developing show ideas. I am taking an active role with social media marketing as well.  I will do research related to projects being worked on, and be involved in most other aspects of Vivian’s job. It really is an experience where I am thrown in and learn from doing. 

Although the work isn’t directly connected to the writing aspect, it has provided me with a better understanding of the industry that will help me if I chose to pursue a career in that. My acting experience has made me better at this internship, and in turn, I know that this internship will make me a better actress. Before this internship I never understood the significance of understanding multiple aspects of the industry. Many filmmakers become actors, and many actors become involved in filmmaking. I hope to come away with a season of my tv show written, a more complete understanding of the tv/movie industry, growth as an actress, and a better sense of what I want to study and pursue in college and beyond.