Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Assistant Editors at Warner Bros. Discovery
Entry-level positions in television and film are difficult to find, with post-production assistant (PA) roles often filled through networking; seeking out post coordinators, producers, or supervisors is key, as "everything is, generally speaking, word of mouth for post PA jobs". Alternatively, working on reality TV, like "Dancing with the Stars," offers a less competitive route to gain experience and "get those days" needed for union membership.
Networking, Entry-Level Jobs, Television and Film Industry, Job Search Strategies, Post-Production
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Morgan Hinshaw
Assistant Editor
Warner Bros. Discovery
Loyola Marymount University
N/A
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Creative
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Network extensively while in college to find entry-level positions, using platforms like LinkedIn and IMDB to connect with professionals.
2. Consider working in short-form content editing to gain experience and potentially join the union.
3. Explore reality TV shows, which often hire for non-union positions and provide opportunities for entry-level roles. Many shows are always seeking new employees.
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
If you want to work directly in TV or film, there's a position called a post PA. You'd be hired to work for the show or film, handling paperwork and administrative tasks, and doing runs like taking drives between locations. Generally, you need to be local to where the post-production is happening.
However, these jobs are very hard to find. My first piece of advice is to network, even while you're in college. Reach out with cold emails and connect with people on LinkedIn or IMDB.
Look for post coordinators, post producers, or post supervisors, as they are the ones who hire post PAs for their shows. This can be a way to get an interview, because post PA jobs are usually found through word-of-mouth, not advertised online.
Another option is to work in editing for short-form content that airs on TV. This can help you get the days needed to join the union.
If you want to bypass the post PA route, you could go straight into reality TV. Many of these jobs are non-union. A show like "Dancing with the Stars" is an example that hires many people. Any show with numerous episodes that repeats annually will likely need new staff. This is a good way to get your foot in the door and gain experience.