Sun Devils take Hollywood

When most people imagine working in show business, they picture a busy set with actors running around in costume and directors yelling, “Cut!” But it takes more than on-screen talent for the film industry to run. Read all about the opportunities.

When most people imagine working in Hollywood, they picture a busy set with actors running around in costume and directors yelling, “Cut!” But it takes more than on-screen talent for Hollywood to run.

“When we think about the entertainment industry, we think about actors, editors, high-level execs — but companies also need marketing professionals, they need PR professionals, they need human resources, every position under the sun,” says Alison Dean Scott, ASU associate director for corporate engagement and partnerships for the Western region. “There’s a lot of opportunity for students of all majors.”

In September, in partnership with ASU Career and Professional Development Services, ASU Film Spark invited Sun Devils from all majors to attend an entertainment career fair in Los Angeles at their Film Spark headquarters, located at the ASU California Center in Santa Monica.

The L.A. Entertainment Career Fair featured nearly 20 film, media, and entertainment companies, including CBS, Lionsgate, NBCUniversal, and Univision, that were seeking talent for internships and full-time entry-level positions.

“The opportunities within entertainment are not just in production. They really have companies that expand beyond that in the entertainment industry, which has been super awesome,” says Adam Hays (BS Marketing ’18), a former intern at international talent discovery and model management leader IMG Models.

“I love W. P. Carey students. They know how to comport themselves professionally, they’re very strong academically, and tend to be well prepared,” says Film Spark Director Adam Collis. Being able to connect with and get advice from working professionals in the entertainment industry can be critical for job seekers trying to launch a career in Hollywood.

More than 100 alums and students — including eight from W. P. Carey — attended both events, according to Collis. Surprised by the success of their first entertainment industry career fair last spring, The Film Spark team is even more encouraged by that of their second. They plan to hold a Hollywood Sun Devils networking mixer and L.A. Entertainment Career Fair every semester going forward.

“It’s my hope that Sun Devils bring signature ASU innovation to the industry,” Collis says. “And W. P. Carey students always represent ASU well.”