Living in Los Angeles has surely been a transformative experience, immersing me in the heart of the entertainment industry. This city, deeply intertwined with film and television, feels like the epicenter of it all. Coming from Pittsburgh, a city I’ve been living in almost all my life, the contrast is stark. Pittsburgh, while rich in its own culture and history, lacks the same density of connections and opportunities in the entertainment field compared to cities like LA or NYC. Here in LA, being surrounded by so many global entertainment companies and professionals is beyond amazing. It’s not just about proximity but about the drive and reachable opportunities that radiate from the city.
Throughout my program in Los Angeles, I have significantly developed my communication and networking skills. An example from my experience is the interactions with industry professionals during tours of Lionsgate and Warner Studios. Meeting with a manager at Warner Records and having conversations with industry veterans like Winnie Holzman, who wrote the screenplay for Wicked, and Lauren Shuler Donner, who is the executive producer for Deadpool and X-men, have honed my ability to effectively communicate and connect with influential figures. These specific experiences have also increased my confidence and grounding for dealing with such respected and adored names. Meeting people as high on the entertainment food chain as them is very nerve racking and I’m grateful for these experiences for making me more confident, prepared, and ready for future conversations with industry leaders. These interactions have taught me how to present myself confidently, ask insightful questions, and build meaningful relationships—skills that are invaluable in any professional setting.
On the technical side, my program has equipped me with robust skills in developing marketing plans and analyzing data within the music industry. One of the most exciting projects I worked on was creating a marketing pitch for a better promotional rollout of Ariana Grande’s “Eternal Sunshine” album. This involved analyzing radio airplay, sales, streaming numbers, and industry trends, as well as studying the strategies of artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, and Billie Eilish. My insights, based on thorough research and conversations with industry clientele such as a manager at Warner Records, allowed me to critique and improve the existing promotional approach of Grande’s Album. This project has significantly enhanced my ability to create data-driven marketing strategies.
The skills I’ve gained in Los Angeles will profoundly impact my future endeavors. Improved communication and networking abilities will be instrumental in building a strong professional network, crucial for advancing in the competitive entertainment industry. On the other hand, the unique marketing project and ability to work and develop my plan with an industry worker will surely be helpful at honing my skills in marketing for the music industry. The project was a very unique and rather niche experience that aligns perfectly with my dream job and career aspirations.
