“The Dailies: Reentry Into Hollywood”

As I sit in my cubicle Monday, I look down at my desk and suddenly feel like I’m going to start crying. But these aren’t tears of sadness, oh no. I’ve caught a glimpse of my MGM ID badge (photo above) and I’m suddenly overwhelmed — I’m so blessed to be back in Los Angeles again!

My first two days of interning have been wonderful. Yesterday I kicked things off at MGM and today I got acquainted with Participant Media. I came into the week nice and rested after spending five lovely days with my Mother Dearest and sister Jillian. They were in the city until Sunday visiting and helping me transition out here for the summer. I toured them around LA and showed them where I’ll be living and working for the next two months. 

Upon exiting the elevator onto the 14th floor of the MGM tower in Century City Monday morning, I was greeted by the imposing marble lobby that I had admired when I visited back in March, the walls littered with nearly 50 Oscars and oversized prints of old MGM classics: The Philadelphia Story, Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, etc. As I said back in the spring, it just felt like coming home. I was whisked away by Brittany, my supervisor, and started the inevitable paperwork that the first day always presents. I soon was reading scripts, meeting the team, and getting my photo taken for my ID badge. The day seemed to fly by.

The team at MGM is fantastic. I was faced with nothing but kindness and welcoming attitudes. After reading scripts, my new bosses called me over to ask my opinion, pick my brain on what I’d read. I got to sit in on a staff meeting with all the executives, including the president of the company, and contribute to the discussion as they all hashed out the day’s business. I even left with an additional script that my direct boss Matt wants my me to read and give my opinion. I’m going to learn so much working with this group.

My experience at Participant Media was remarkable as well; I left today feeling like a part of their team. In the past, I’ve written coverage (a summary and comments) of scripts that is thrown into a pile and never discussed with me. As was the case at MGM as well, my bosses at Participant wanted to hear my opinion and discuss what I’d read. This really got the creative development wheels turning in my brain and helped me to further process the work and how it could be improved. Angel and Erik, the two creative executives in Participant’s narrative department I’ll be working with, sat me down to pick my brain. They also gave me a stack of scripts to read and we just chatted for a while about life, my background, and what I’ll be doing. Casual, comfortable… these guys rock. 

I also met and got to know many of the other interns at Participant, one of whom may or may not have got me a copy of the new, unproduced Tarantino script. Everyone I met was exceptional and really passionate and excited about what they were doing. Other perks about Participant: gorgeous offices; free and unlimited organic fruit, granola, coffee and snacks throughout the day; the option to take home a DVD of any of their films to watch; and a welcome package filled with tips for interns, maps of Beverly Hills with fun lunch spots highlighted, and a guide to improving your coverage. 

This summer is going to be incredible, I know it. I’m thrilled about my internships, so happy to be reunited with LA friends and UGA transplants who are joining me out here for the summer, and eager to network, explore the city, and learn. I’m looking forward to seeing what God has in store for my time here!

Living my dream,

Blake