Behind the Silver Screen
Tyler Clauson-Wolf '17, Lionsgate Entertainment
Major:
American studies (minor in film studies).
Internship title:
Motion picture development intern.
How I got this internship:
Last summer I did an informational interview with an assistant in Lionsgate’s motion picture department to learn more about the film industry. At the end of the meeting, she asked me if I wanted to intern for Lionsgate this summer. I said, “Of course!” And here I am!
What I do, day to day:
My primary responsibility is to read scripts and then write coverage on them. Script coverage consists of writing a log line, synopsis and critique of the script and recommending the writer or script (or not). The assistants and executives in my department don’t have enough time in the day to read every submission, so interns like me help them identify quality scripts and writing talent.
Previous internships:
In the past I have interned at the Larger Than Life production company (Los Angeles), Late Show With David Letterman (New York City) and The Soup With Joel McHale (Los Angeles).
Most valuable part of this experience:
In addition to meeting and networking with the amazing people at Lionsgate, the most valuable aspect is learning how to function as an assistant in the busy world of entertainment. In all likelihood, my first job in the entertainment industry will be an assistant, and Lionsgate has done a great job preparing me for that position.
Advice for students considering internships:
Look far and wide for internship opportunities, and if one comes your way that interests you, take it! In all honesty, internships are not the most glamorous jobs, but you have to start somewhere. They are a great way to get your foot in the door at a place where you may want to work in the future, and they should be used as stepping stones. Take your job as an intern very seriously and be a nice person, and the people working there will take notice and want to help you out.
How this internship has helped me:
This internship has prepared me for life after Dickinson because it has taught me a lot of the technical skills that I will need as an assistant. Most of my previous internships have been in television, and so this has helped me develop a greater understanding of the factors that studios consider when they determine whether to make a film. I have a much better understanding of the vast amount of work that goes into a script and a movie well before the actual filming even begins.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I will be looking for a full-time job as an assistant in the world of entertainment, while also continuing to pursue my goal of becoming a stand-up comedian.
Learn more
Published August 8, 2016