About a month ago, I finally made the decision to really start pursuing entertainment work. Sunday, March 11, I had the good fortune to meet a friend of a friend (a guy who helped some awesome friends of mine get cast on "Deal or No Deal" a few years back) at church who works in casting. He told me about this fab.u.lous. Facebook group called "I NEED A CASTING DIRECTOR," but you have to be added to it by a current member (invitation only, people, what). I applied for about 2 or 3 entry-level positions early in the week, mostly casting assistant positions, and then on Friday, the 16th, I applied for an assistant coordinator position. The job posting said the position required excellent phone skills and organization. DING, DING, DING. Done. I applied.
About an hour after I applied, I got an e-mail that I'd landed an interview. WHOOP WHOOP! I knew I would kill this, I knew I would murder this, I knew I would--um . . . have to figure out what an assistant coordinator IS. So I hit up some friends who work in the industry, two editors and one PA. After sifting through what they all thought an assistant coordinator does so that I would be at least somewhat prepared and knowledgeable about this role, I reviewed my own resume and worked on those awkwardish interview questions that often come up:
"What is your greatest strength? Tell me about yourself. What is your biggest weakness? Why should I give you this job? Are you willing to promiseyourfirstbornor attheveryleastyourpetinexchangeforthisjobbecausethereareabout 5011otherpeoplewhoareatleastasqualifiedifnotmoresothanyousowhatmakesyousospecial, huh? Also, are those sweat stains on your shirt right now? Calm down, girl, no pressure, goodness."
So I went to the interview, answered the questions, went home, and by three hours later, I was convinced I didn't have the job. I poured myself into the editing job I had, dying work for me as you know, and worked myself into a state of blase not caring. But I did care. So when the call came at 6:39 p.m. that I'd gotten the job and they would like for me to start first thing the next morning, I was plenty down to be brought WAY back up. I was so excited! Elliott must have fist-bumped me 28 times that night. It was really cute :)
Today is my fourth day on the job. This is definitely an entry-level position, but I am really loving it here! We are working on a new prime time show for one of the top four broadcasting networks, and I am mainly dealing with the paperwork of the talent. I also get to make fun phone calls to ask questions about legal issues they listed in their questionnaires. I feel a bit Nancy Drew like, even though the clue is always just an answer in questionnaire and the solution is always whatever the talent explains to me. Ha! I'm also working with a great group of fun, smart, and talented people who keep my day interesting and who are teaching me industry jargon and such I need to learn.
So for the next four or so weeks on this contract job, my first in-office job in the industry, I am planning to soak up all I can and move on to the next show, whether here or elsewhere. I'm just so happy to be working again and in a brand-new, exciting field. I kind of feel 22 again. Holler!
