EVOLVE ENTERTAINMENT FUND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM BLOG SERIES

BLOG #2 – STUDENT PROFILE: DEVIN JOHNSON

We’re thrilled to share our third blog in a series celebrating our students’ and alumni’s accomplishments in partnership with Mayor Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund (EEF). Eight Columbia College Hollywood students and recent alums are working or have worked at different sites across the city as part of the EEF Internship Program. The Evolve Fund is a public-private partnership aimed at creating new opportunities for communities that have been historically excluded from the entertainment industry.

As part of this series and our Black History Month features, we are excited to share this Student Profile on Devin Johnson who is currently interning with Anonymous Content, the production company behind 13 Reasons Why.

Getting involved with the Evolve Entertainment Fund is an ongoing opportunity for CCH students. EEF is beginning their recruitment process for their paid summer internship program. Our Career Development Team will be hosting a workshop for students on the requirements and how to apply on Friday, February 14th at 1PM in the Main Theatre.

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Devin Johnson is a current student at Columbia College Hollywood pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film & Television with an emphasis on Producing. She is an intern at Anonymous Content production company.

Why did you choose to attend college at CCH?
I needed to be in California. As a transfer student coming in with entertainment credentials from the east coast, I wanted to be able to kill two birds with one stone. Having the convenience to attend and complete film school while simultaneously working professionally in the industry was the best way for me to be a little ahead of the game. CCH is simply the most accommodating for that particular lifestyle.

Is there anything you’ve learned at CCH that has been useful in your internship?
I had a professor named Leslie LaPage who set the record straight. She completely altered my perception of the entertainment industry. LaPage taught us how to not only pitch our projects, but how to pitch ourselves. We learned how to utilize our experiences to put our best foot forward.

How do you think attending CCH prepared you for your internship?
CCH is an ideal resource for space in creation. I say this because their facilities are there for me to use to my advantage. 

What are some of your responsibilities at Anonymous Content?
My time is split between PA/Intern and Talent Assistant duties. I have basic responsibilities such as making copies and mail delivery. I also complete coverage for scripts which can range from sketches to features. More complex responsibilities include research for developing projects and client appts.

Can you give an example of some of the things you’re learning.
Mail can be tedious at times, but it’s the epicenter to understanding who everyone is, where they are, and what they do. In a weird way, it’s literally the perfect task to take advantage of so you can learn the ins and outs on the Company.

How do you balance life, school and your internship?
Truthfully, it’s tough. At the start of the quarter, I was working full-time hours on Jordan Peele’s Us Universal project, part-time at Anonymous and part-time at school. To add on top of that, being the VP of the Student Government at CCH came with its own load of responsibilities. I was incredibly spread thin and with a schedule like that, I had to anticipate a lack of social life. Though I was very busy, there was a sense of isolation; which I think was possibly the best circumstance at the time because I actually learned a lot about myself!

What advice would you give to other students?
Thinking with an out of the box perspective changes how you perceive your environment. In the likely chance you meet someone who inspired your journey, take that chance to build upon it. Create professional relationships with those people because you never know who will help you get your foot in the door. Confidence is KEY. Once you get your foot in, it is 100% your responsibility to show your best side.