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Bree, Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios: Advize Career Interview
A career in film and television is attainable with hard work, dedication, and flexibility, as demonstrated by a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios.
An English degree and proactive networking, not specialized skills, led to a production assistant role on a Marvel show, then their current position.
A typical day involves tasks ranging from distributing scripts and compiling reports to handling ad-hoc requests, requiring adaptability and problem-solving skills.
The most rewarding aspects include the collaborative team environment and contributing to entertainment projects.
The unpredictable nature of the job requires even-headedness, but the opportunity to work alongside creative professionals and contribute to something others will watch is incredibly fulfilling.
To break into the industry, undergraduates should seek internships or entry-level positions, even in seemingly unrelated departments, and build life skills.
A proactive approach and self-motivation are key, proving that anyone can achieve their entertainment goals with determination and stamina.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Bree Plume
Field Services Assistant
Walt Disney Studios
UCSB
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
English
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Took Out Loans
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Career Path of a Production Assistant at Marvel Studios
Bree's career path began with an English degree from UC Santa Barbara, where initial pursuits in publishing ("I thought that was interesting, but it wasn't until I graduated that I realized, oh, I wanna work in film and tv") led to a post-graduation move to Los Angeles. There, a combination of networking and taking initiative ("a lot of networking, a lot of...just kind of going for it") resulted in a production assistant role on a Marvel show, ultimately paving the way for their current position.
Main Responsibilities of a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios
Bree's role as a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios involves a dynamic mix of responsibilities; from distributing "call sheets and scripts" and compiling daily "production reports" to handling various ad-hoc requests from different departments, including "keeping the coffee running" and ensuring office supplies are available. This highlights the multifaceted nature of an assistant's work in film and television production, demanding adaptability and a willingness to assist across various tasks.
A Day In The Life Of A Field Services Assistant At Walt Disney Studios
A Field Services Assistant's day at Walt Disney Studios begins "an hour and a half before filming," involving tasks like document gathering and distribution, and preparing the production report for higher-ups. The afternoon is highly variable, with responsibilities ranging from project work and gift preparation to assisting various departments, requiring adaptability and the ability to "think on your feet."
Most Important Skills for a Production Assistant at Walt Disney Studios
For a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios, flexibility and "the ability to think on your feet" are paramount, allowing the individual to creatively solve problems arising on set or in the office. A friendly, open, and hardworking attitude, rather than specialized hard skills, proves more valuable in navigating the demands of production.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Field Services Assistant At Walt Disney Studios
Bree enjoys the collaborative nature of the work, being part of a team that "builds something that other people are going to watch," contributing to movies and TV shows. This sense of collective accomplishment and the ability to share in the joy of creating entertainment are highlighted as the most rewarding aspects of their Field Services Assistant role at Walt Disney Studios.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios
Bree's biggest challenge as a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios is the unpredictable nature of the job; the daily variation, while exciting, requires maintaining "a level of even-headedness and calm" in the face of unexpected problems on set.
Favorite Parts of Working in Film Production as a Field Services Assistant
Bree enjoys being part of a team working on entertainment, something "I also enjoy being a part of and watching and doing on my own time." The opportunity to witness other professionals' creativity firsthand, from "producers or even actors or writers," in a "boots on the ground in production" role is also a highlight of their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Entertainment Industry, According To A Field Services Assistant At Walt Disney Studios
To thrive in film and television, self-motivation and independence are key, as "no one's gonna walk you through Hollywood," but equally important is the ability to collaborate effectively within teams; a confident yet humble approach, combined with persistent goal-oriented action, is essential for career advancement in this competitive industry.
What a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Entertainment Industry
Bree, a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios, learned that a career in film and television is attainable for anyone with "hardworking, determined," and "flexible" qualities, contrary to the initial perception that it requires specific skills or a certain "type of person." The most valuable lesson was the realization that "anyone can really accomplish what they want with entertainment if they have the stamina and the determination."
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Field Services Assistants at Disney
To break into the entertainment industry, Bree recommends undergraduates seek internships at studios like Disney or production companies in major cities, noting that even roles in seemingly unrelated departments —"like marketing or PR"— can lead to unexpected career paths. Landing a production assistant role, even on a low-budget project, is also valuable experience that can help someone "get their first role as an office assistant," which is what Bree did.
Significant Career Lesson from a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios
Bree's significant career lesson centers on the importance of "hard work, dedication, friendliness, and perseverance," outweighing even technical skills; furthermore, proactive job applications, despite initial apprehension about rejection, ultimately propelled their career trajectory.
College Experiences That Helped a Field Services Assistant at Walt Disney Studios Succeed
While strong academics as an English major provided a foundation in writing and critical thinking, the most impactful preparation for a career at Walt Disney Studios was developing "life skills of how to take care of myself," building a social network, and gaining experience through extracurricular activities and internships. This holistic approach, including focusing on academics and "getting to know new people," proved essential for relocating to Los Angeles and succeeding in the chosen career field.
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