Career Path Of A Publicity Lead At Amazon MGM Studios
Amanda's career trajectory, beginning with a political science degree and a proactive approach to networking ("I would drive to and from Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to take in-person meetings"), showcased a strategic progression from a low-level data entry role at Disney Channel Junior to a Publicity Lead at Amazon MGM Studios. This involved leveraging each opportunity to gain experience on high-profile campaigns ("Moana," "Inside Out," "Being the Ricardos"), demonstrating adaptability to evolving industry landscapes ("from your old school corporate studio like Disney and now moving over into a streaming and theatrical world with Amazon").
Networking, Career Development, Overcoming Challenges, Media and Entertainment, Public Relations
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Amanda Hahn
Publicity Lead
Amazon MGM Studios
University of California Santa Barbara
N/A
Humanities, Political Science, American Studies
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Amanda's career path highlights a successful transition from temporary roles to a prominent position in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes the importance of networking and informational interviews in gaining entry-level positions and building connections within companies like Disney.
2. Her experience at Disney, working on major movie campaigns, showcases the value of gaining experience in high-profile projects to build a strong foundation in publicity. This is particularly relevant for students aiming for a similar career.
3. Amanda's move to Amazon Studios demonstrates career progression and adaptation to the evolving media landscape. Her experience working across different projects with various production types and A-list stars underscores the diverse opportunities available within the publicity field for career growth.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path? Please start with your experiences in college, and any internships or jobs you had before your current role.
My career path began in college. I majored in political science with a focus on international relations.
I did not have any internship experience before graduating early. I used that quarter to conduct as many informational interviews and meet-and-greets as possible. I would drive between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara to meet people.
Eventually, an alumna from UC Santa Barbara suggested I look into temp or contract jobs. I interviewed with and then got a job at Disney Channel Junior. It was a low-level data entry position, but it got my foot in the door at a company I was passionate about: Disney.
At Disney, I made sure to introduce myself to everyone in the office. Word got around about an opening for an assistant to the vice president of creative marketing at Disney Channel. I learned a lot in that role.
After about a year, people began passing around my resume. There was a full-time, permanent job opening at Disney Studios, the movie side, for an assistant on events and publicity. This was my big break, moving from temp jobs to a permanent position at Disney Studios. This was in 2015, and I became the assistant of the events and field publicity team.
During my time at Disney, I worked on major movie campaigns for titles like *Moana*, *Inside Out*, *Beauty and the Beast*, all the *Star Wars* films, and various *Avengers* and Marvel titles. These experiences provided a solid foundation in high-profile, global publicity campaigns.
In 2017, I moved to Amazon Studios as their publicity coordinator to enhance my career. I have since been promoted twice. I've worked on numerous notable campaigns, ranging from *Borat* to the musical *Cinderella* with Camila Cabello, and with top-tier stars like Nicole Kidman on the Academy Award-nominated movie *Being the Ricardos*.
The industry is changing, and it's been exciting to grow with it. I've transitioned from traditional corporate studios like Disney to the streaming and theatrical world with Amazon. This is how my path developed from part-time work to a full-time career of 10 years in the same industry.
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