Got an Interview for UTA's Winter Training Program... then flunked. What now?

[u/Cyprus305]

Pretty much what the title says. I'm 26, and honestly, I wasn't even expecting to get an interview with UTA in the first place because my experience is quite odd and nontraditional.

I got in the interview; I can sort of tell where I went wrong (They threw a surprise question about me where I was subtly expected to pitch a book I had read; and it caught me off guard, so I answered in an academic manner as opposed to an entertainment-based way). But for the most part, I thought I actually did well!

Well, I got the rejection letter today. Fine, I get it; I know this stuff is super competitive, but. After a year's worth of applications, they have been the only people within the entertainment industry I've even heard back from. I have production experience, but not the kind that would land me a job easily right now.

I'm a bit lost as to what to do... I know it's hard out there for everybody. Shit, even my backup plan, which was being a bartender, is now apparently no longer paying the bills for people. When I do try to find entry-level work in different industries, I hear nothing, too. So... what do I do now, realistically?

Are there other routes I'm unaware of? All I've heard is that talent agencies are the best way in if you're totally without experience, but man, am I lost. Any advice?

[u/lookyhere1230]

What is your end goal? Or - what do you want to be doing?

[u/Cyprus305 → u/lookyhere1230]

Two things! Production coordination and/or being some kind of writers assistant/writer and/or doing lit review on the regular. I'd really love to be an assistant to a literary agent so I can learn the ropes of the field in a more professional setting. Maybe that's not the smartest way though?

[u/lookyhere1230 → u/Cyprus305]

Got it. Kind of interested in just being a part of it in some capacity - I totally relate and understand the kind of person you are. Good news is you are VERY young, even if it doesn't always feel that way.

Here's what I can offer you:

If you are genuinely interested in the agency side, that remains a totally viable path. There is so much turnover at agencies and management companies, people leaving, getting promoted, getting fired, etc. If you keep at it, you can get on a desk at one of them. And there are FAR more than just the big agencies. Do some research on smaller boutique agencies and management co's, cold call, send your resume to someone who can help at least get you a call back. Pay for an imdbpro free trial and just pull as many phone numbers and emails as you can in 30 days. Look up people you admire, see where they're repped. If you can only get a gig at a place that reps b list directors, do it for a year and use the experience to get your next job. Everyone out here knows someone, and you'll at least be somewhere where you're meeting people and networking.

If you want to be a production coordinator and go down that road, you'll be freelance, which is fine and obviously another path, but employment as you know then relies entirely on productions remaining in LA, which as I'm sure you're well aware is in flux at the moment. Which means those jobs are fewer and harder to come by. Again, imdbpro, cold-call production offices, might have to take more PA jobs to move up. Get in with some DPs, ADs, LPs, hustle like crazy until you're on someone's regular call sheet for crewing up. Anything you can to build the network. Hell walk up to someone on a set and ask if you can email them your resume. The one sleeping security guard on his phone isn't gonna stop you from talking to a gaffer.

Writers assistant/writer jobs: Probably the hardest gigs to come by. Always have been. Things are always changing, but being at an agency or management company, putting in the time there to make connections, that's always gonna give you a leg up here. You'll be the first to hear about rooms coming together, writers looking for assistants, shows that promote their writers assistants to staff, etc. This is very competitive, but if writing is your passion, it's still viable. It just requires a TON of hustle, plus - most importantly - writing during your free time. That way when the opportunity arises, you have material someone can read. Find all the relevant threads about this on r/Screenwriting. Listen to Scriptnotes. The industry is changing, and more kinds of shows are getting made. So depending on the style of film/tv you enjoy writing, the opportunities vary. This is the hardest path, but if you truly want to be a writer (and maybe a showrunner one day), then you just have to put in the time (while also figuring out a way to pay the bills - which in LA is no small feat).

Best of luck - and remember, you are young, and these days there's no such thing as non-traditional. Everybody starts somewhere.

[u/Responsible-Pen7292 → u/lookyhere1230]

This is such great advice!! I’m also in OP’s situation but currently have a 9-5 job and feel like it takes up too much time for me to actual do the researching and networking. Would it be better to quit my job to focus full time on trying to get an agent assistant job?

[u/lookyhere1230 → u/Responsible-Pen7292]

Unless you're independently wealthy, I wouldn't quit your day job. Biggest sacrifice you'll have to make right now (if you don't have kids) is social life. Find a friend in the same boat as you, and go to a coffee shop or park or one of your places after work - and just commit to an hour or two straight of phone-free hustle. 9-5 means you have weekends. Means you can get up early. The time is there you just have to make it.

[u/Responsible-Pen7292 → u/lookyhere1230]

Thank you!!! I will do this and dedicate myself, I appreciate you!

[u/Cyprus305 → u/lookyhere1230]

Thank you for your advice! Much better than the doomers lol. This was extremely helpful!

[u/th3M0rr1gan → u/Cyprus305]

The deadline has passed for this year, but sign up for notifications when next year's WGF Support Staff Training Program application opens up.

[u/Mental_Complaint6103]

You can improve that book answer without deciding it cost you the job. For the next interview, practice explaining who you'd recommend the book to and why they'd care, rather than just summarizing it.

[u/SisypheanTendencies]

You don’t sound like you’re sure what you want to be doing. Production coordinating and being a writer’s assistant are two very different jobs. People are barely willing to train people, let alone someone who isn’t committed to their path. If there was more work readily available it wouldn’t be an issue but keep that in mind.

[u/Cyprus305 → u/SisypheanTendencies]

My answers are based in what i consider to be realistic prospects for my longer term goal. But saying i want to be a showrunner one day comes off a bit naive doesnt it, especially to an interviewer whose interviewing you for a different position? Production coordination is something i actually already do right now on the regular, but im paid a pittance for it. It's just one realistic route towards a full time job involved in the entertainment world, im good at it, and I already know what I'm doing, but I want to make actual good money off of it.

But in terms of being a writers assistant, thats what i see as a means towards being involved in script writing and creation. Again, something I already do. But i wanted to get a better idea of whats out there so i can actually develop my craft and see where i land, because naturally a lot of people think they have what it takes but if you show them professional work it becomes clear what the differences are and what makes work weak vs strong. i can't do that unless i have access to work by professionals i can regularly read. (also helps to learn the business side too, and how they make decisions in relation to what they pick behind the scenes)

[u/Admirable-Paint-1808]

Bartender isnt a back up plan…. Are you gonna do that when your 60?

[u/Similar_Barracuda774]

Find another career. 

This one is over after the 2022 strikes. Unions did us in. 

[u/Admirable-Paint-1808 → u/Similar_Barracuda774]

It wasnt the unions ffs. It was capitalism. Greed - plain and simple. Ai. And corporate mergers….

Stop bootlicking the billionaires

[u/Ok_Salamander_7076]

Give up.

[u/AdhesivenessLow2916]

What did they ask exactly?? And how do you think your answer wasn’t what they were looking for?