86 JILLIAN MCCAFFERTY Class of 2015 Streaming Production Assistant Paramount+ | CBS Interactive at ViacomCBS Los Angeles, California “Look into out-of-state internship opportunities while you’re still a sophomore or junior in college. There are lots of unique internship experiences offered by various film and television companies in NYC available only to college sophomores and juniors. These companies readily accept out of ADVICE FROM ALUMS RELOCATING (NEW YORK) RELOCATING (OTHER STATES) 1 DAN SCHAMPERS Class of 2002 Director of Accounting and Billing Company 3 New York City, New York “Take chances. I moved to NY without knowing anyone and not knowing about the company I have worked for for nearly 18 years, and it was the best chance I ever took.” 4 WHITNEY LAUTNER Class of 2014 Content Producer Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Durant, Oklahoma “Film is everywhere, so don’t rule out opportunities because it’s not where you want to be. I ended up in Oklahoma, grew my career in film, and four years later, here I am planning a move to Australia for an awesome job opportunity! Everyone always says L.A., N.Y....but there are so many opportunities! All you need is your foot in the door, and your continual desire to grow yourself, no matter where you are.” 1 ROBERT SKRODENIS Class of 2006 Editor and Camera Assistant Darkhorse Productions Louisville, Kentucky “Louisville (KY) is not a production mecca like L.A., New York, or Chicago, so when I moved here, I had to get out, network with others within the industry as well as continue my education on cameras and other editing software to keep myself more marketable.” 2 2 KYLE FLANNERY Class of 2018 Digital Intermediate Post-Production Coordinator Harbor Picture Company New York City, New York “If you’re considering moving to a new state, as I did with New York, do it on your own timeline. You may feel pressured to make big moves or you may be under the impression that you should be doing something in your field immediately following graduation, but that’s not always the case – there are so many factors at play, and many are likely out of your control, as they were with me. Be patient, find support, do your research, have fun, and never give up. When you get an opportunity, remember to stay humble and work harder than everyone else around you.” CHRISTINA CHORIATIS Class of 2013 Production Coordinator Story Syndicate New York City, NY “Making the move is not an easy decision. The dream of packing up whatever fits in your car and driving out to the big city should come with careful planning and preparation. If you are able to get a job or internship before moving there, that’s great! (Note: Many places are hesitant to hire if you’re not already in-state, so this can be a challenge!) Decide if you like the city first. Plan a trip before you move strictly for work purposes. Try to set up a few meetings with any and all contacts you may have in the city. Find a film to work on for the day for free. Many grad students post online ads looking for PAs for their thesis films, and this is a great way to make contacts. After your trip, FOLLOW UP! This is so important in keeping those contacts who will help you with future work when you do move.” 3
