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Dillan, Director, Content Operations at Global Media Company: Advize Career Interview
A career in entertainment operations offers a dynamic path from independent film production to directing content operations at a global media company.
This journey, as detailed by a Director of Content Operations and Financial Analysis, involves navigating film acquisition, developing release strategies across various platforms, and managing complex budgets exceeding $50 million.
Daily responsibilities encompass overseeing multiple film lifecycles, collaborating with diverse teams, and performing meticulous financial reporting.
Success in this field requires attention to detail, strong communication, and a proactive approach, while the biggest challenge involves adapting to evolving theatrical distribution models.
The industry's collaborative spirit and the ability to connect diverse films with their audiences are highlights, with networking and persistence crucial for long-term success.
Undergraduates should seek internships at major studios to gain broad exposure and discover their passions, remembering that obsession with customer satisfaction and proactive relationship-building are invaluable assets.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Dillan Damodar
Director, Content Operations
Global Media Company
University of California, Irvine
UCLA Anderson School of Management, MBA, Spring 2024
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Economics, Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
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Career Path Of A Director Of Content Operations At Entertainment Studios
Dillan Domadar, Director of Content Operations and Financial Analysis at Entertainment Studios, built a career in entertainment starting with independent film production and an internship at Freestyle Releasing, where they explored various departments before focusing on distribution. This led to a full-time role, leveraging the mentorship of industry veterans and contributing to over $50 million in revenue, showing a progression from "producing [their] first feature film" to overseeing the "marketing and distribution budgets" for successful movie releases.
Main Responsibilities of a Director, Content Operations at Global Media Company
Dillan's role as Director, Content Operations involves "navigating...from the Inception" of film acquisition, developing release plans (from wide theatrical releases to targeted platform rollouts), and ensuring all elements—marketing, distribution to theaters and streamers, and accessibility options—are flawlessly executed. This includes collaborating with various teams and stakeholders to maximize each film's potential, encompassing both operational and technical aspects of theatrical distribution and subsequent licensing.
A Day in the Life of a Content Operations Director at a Global Media Company
Dillan's role as Director, Content Operations involves managing the multifaceted lifecycle of five films concurrently, from initial budget verification and vendor collaboration on creative assets ("trailers and posters") to post-release expense tracking and financial reporting. This dynamic process culminates in a post-mortem analysis determining the film's success and the return on investment.
Most Important Skills For A Director Content Operations At Global Media Company
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations, emphasizes the critical importance of "attention to detail" and open communication across all departments, even seemingly unrelated ones, to prevent delays and ensure project success. This proactive approach, exemplified by Dillan's efforts to keep everyone informed of relevant details—even if "it's not exactly related to their department"—mitigates potential problems and avoids "disastrous results" in the fast-paced film industry.
Favorite Parts of Being a Content Operations Director at Global Media Company
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations, most enjoys the broad visibility into different departments and their contributions to film releases, gained from their smaller team. The ability to "see how the numbers and the data can communicate a story," particularly in revealing unexpected successes, is a favorite aspect of the role.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Theatrical Distribution Director At A Media Company
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations at a global media company, identifies theatrical distribution's uncertain future as the biggest challenge in their role, describing it as "unsteady ground" due to shifting consumer behavior towards home viewing. This necessitates justifying the significant investment in theatrical releases, especially for big-budget films, as a necessary step to maximize digital revenue.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Media Industry as a Director, Content Operations
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations, loves the collaborative nature of film production, noting the "hundreds of really hard-working individuals...united under one goal"—a unique focus they find uncommon in other industries. This passion extends to the diverse range of films and audiences served, highlighting the industry's ability to connect "all sorts of films to an audience," from French art films to children's animation.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Entertainment Industry According To A Director Of Content Operations At A Global Media Company
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations, highlights the importance of networking and relationship building in the entertainment industry, stating that "folks who thrive...are very good networkers and very vocal," emphasizing the long-term benefits of fostering strong personal and professional connections to ensure continued success within the field.
What A Director Content Operations At Global Media Company Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Media Industry
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations, reflects on the significant "hard work" and "perseverance" required to succeed in the entertainment industry, noting the initial difficulty is akin to an actor's struggle to secure that first audition. The key takeaway is that while the initial hurdles are substantial, continued effort leads to easier success, highlighting the importance of persistence for those considering a career in this field.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Content Operations Professionals
For undergraduate students seeking entry-level positions, Dillan suggests internships at major studios, describing them as "almost like factories" in the context of creative work and distribution. These internships, such as rotational programs at Paramount, offer broad exposure to various fields like "strategy, distribution, finance, and marketing," allowing individuals to discover "where their passions and skills really lie."
Significant Career Lesson From A Director Content Operations At Global Media Company
Dillan, a Director of Content Operations at a global media company, learned the significance of "being obsessed about the customer or the client," even when it means going "beyond obligations" to ensure a positive experience. This approach, particularly valuable in the context of film releases where creative priorities sometimes clash with business needs, fosters better collaboration across departments and ultimately benefits the entire company.
College Experiences That Helped a Content Operations Director at Global Media Company Succeed
To prepare for a career in content operations, Dillan founded a film club in undergrad, focusing on "a thriving community" through collaborative filmmaking. This experience fostered a "give to a relationship" mentality, transferable to Dillan's later work with independent film producers and ultimately their current role.
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