Favorite Parts Of Working In The Entertainment Industry As A Finance Professional
Miriam's career in the entertainment industry transitioned from a hands-on role where "going on the lot" and witnessing productions like "How I Met Your Mother" filming was a highlight, to a finance position. Now, Miriam appreciates the "neutral" nature of finance, focusing on delivering results rather than the "political" aspects of other entertainment sectors.
Finance, Project Management, Entertainment Industry, Accounting, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Miriam Holzman-Sharman
Scrum Master/Program Management Office
Film Studio
UCLA
Masters of Business Administration, Loyola Marymount University (LA)
Communications
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Manufacturing, Operations & Supply Chain
Operations and Project Management
Video Highlights
1. Working in the entertainment industry offers unique experiences, such as seeing shows being filmed on studio lots and recognizing familiar TV sets.
2. The finance side of the entertainment industry offers a more neutral and less political environment compared to other areas of the business.
3. A career in entertainment finance involves essential accounting functions applicable across various industries, providing stability and transferable skills.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
I work in the entertainment industry. My current focus is finance, and much of what I do could happen at a textile factory. There are certain accounting aspects unique to finance and some that differ from other industries, but generally, we're discussing accounting functions.
Before this, I worked much closer to the industry's content. When I lived in Los Angeles, I loved visiting the studio lots. Seeing different shows filming was exciting.
I remember seeing "How I Met Your Mother" filming and realizing Jason Segel had just backed into my car. It was cool to witness that. My workplace was even used as a backdrop for a TV show because studio lots are active filming locations.
Your office building could become a hospital or cafeteria for a scene. That was one of my favorite aspects of working on a studio lot in LA. Driving onto the lot and thinking, "This is cool."
Now, I enjoy the finance side of entertainment because it's more neutral. While nothing is entirely neutral, other areas of entertainment can be very political. "Cutthroat" is too strong a word, and I was always back office, but there was still positioning and discussions about reporting structures, which I didn't enjoy.
In finance, the focus is on delivering numbers and getting things done. That's what I like at this stage in my career.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn.com/in/miriamsharman