Thursday, March 5, 1998
Insiders reveal secrets of the biz
COUNSELING: Professionals stress importance of networking,
internships
By Marisa Yamane
Daily Bruin Contributor
Tinsel Town’s most powerful people were present at the Ackerman
Grand Ballroom on Tuesday evening.
Everyone from Tina Turner’s publicist to Kevin Costner’s
personal manager; from the assistant to the executive producer of
"The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno to a sports producer for ESPN and
FOX.
What did all 54 have in common? They’re all UCLA alumni
professionals who participated in Entertainment Night.
The event was a career networking opportunity for UCLA students
to meet and talk with alumni in an industry where success is based
heavily upon who you know.
"The most impressive part was the caliber of the alumni in the
entertainment industry that participated," said Jennifer Wolf, a
fourth-year student and the Alumni Association’s executive director
of the Career Network Committee.
Many of the alumni stressed that perseverance is so important in
the entertainment industry. "If you can stick through the nos and
wait for that yes, then you’ll make it," said Eddie Cibrain, whom
fans know as Cole St. John on the daytime drama "Sunset Beach."
The entertainment industry is one of the most competitive
fields. The chances are usually against you. Many times, there are
a thousand applicants vying for one position. "One vital element is
luck, because there’s so many people who want that one job," said
George Takei, best known for his portrayal of Mr. Sulu in the
acclaimed television series "Star Trek."
Many of the alumni recommended students to find internships or
any type of job to get their foot in the door. "The advantage is
that you’ll get to network and hear about opening positions before
they’re even posted," said Chris Bess, a publicist with the Walt
Disney Company.
Many of the alumni commented that the entertainment industry is
not as glamorous as it may appear. The work days are long. There
are very few breaks. And there’s a great deal of stress involved.
But for those who are passionate about the industry, it is a
rewarding experience.
"The best part about my job is making a client’s dreams come
true. Sometimes it happens overnight, and sometimes it takes
forever," said Ken Stovitz, an agent for Creative Artists Agency,
who represents actors such as Will Smith.
With the overwhelming number of students and impressive list of
alumni, organizers declared Entertainment Night a success.
"UCLA has put out some amazing grads who are some of the most
powerful people in the entertainment industry," said Steve Sauer, a
personal manager/producer for Media Four and the alumni committee
member in charge of Entertainment Night. Many of the alumni present
at the event were obtained through Sauer’s connections.
This was the third year the association put out this event and
each year, it has grown bigger and bigger. "Last year, we had about
500 students who showed up. I hoped there would be a bigger turnout
this year, but I didn’t imagine we would draw over 850 students,"
Wolf said. It was hosted by the Student Alumni Association, who had
been planning for the event since last November.
Most of the students emerged from the Ackerman Grand Ballroom
with smiles on their faces and new knowledge in their heads. "It’s
the best networking opportunity on campus," said Brett Levisohn, a
fifth-year student majoring in Communication Studies.
"They gave the inside info on how to get in, how to stay in and
how to work your way up," added Tritia Cantun, a third-year
sociology student.
The event was also a positive experience for the alumni who
participated. "It’s a great way to reconnect the alumni back to the
university," said Cindy Chernow, the director of Alumni Career
Services and the association’s advisor. "No matter how high up you
become, you always enjoy coming back to talk to the students."
INGA DOROSZ
Eddie Cibrain (far right) plays Cole St. John on the daytime
drama "Sunset Beach". Cibrain was a guest speaker at the third
annual Entertainment Night put on by the Student Alumni Association
on Tuesday.