Ava Mazilauskas is from South Lyon, MI, and is a Junior at Michigan State University with a major in Acting. She gained experience as an intern for Mosaic Media Company, a talent management and production company located in Beverly Hills, California.
Name: Ava Mazilauskas
Hometown: South Lyon, MI
Major and class standing: BFA Acting, Junior
Where you interned: Mosaic Media Company, Beverly Hills, CA
What was your internship title and role/responsibilities?
I was an intern at Mosaic Media Company. My role in the company was to provide the managers’ assistants with extra help. My daily responsibilities included setting up and stocking the kitchen, checking the printers and office supplies and taking on projects team members around the office needed assistance on. Throughout the day, I performed script coverage, sent out Casting Breakdowns, covered the receptionist’s desk, read new scripts and shadowed assistants. I also had the opportunity to meet with managers. I also would act as a reader for actors who were auditioning for projects Mosaic set them out for.
How did you obtain your internship? What resources did you utilize to secure your internship?
I got my internship through word of mouth by talking with people in the entertainment industry. Networking is key! Talk to everyone, you never know who has a connection!
What did your daily routine include?
I would arrive at the office at 9am and begin the day. The first steps included setting up the kitchen, loading the printers, and checking in with managers’ assistants to see if they needed anything to begin their day. During the day, I read newly released scripts, providing a breakdown of what they were about for managers. I sent out Casting Breakdowns to the company that fit who they represent as well as covered the Reception desk when needed. Here, I answered phone calls, checked-in guest and set up lunch and meetings. Interns also attended “Intern Lunches,” which gave us the opportunity to speak one-on-one with managers and assistants about their journey regarding the entertainment field. I also got to shadow assistants to learn more about the industry and what services they provide to their manager(s) on a daily basis.
Your favorite experience from the internship?
My favorite experience from the internship was meeting everyone at the office. I got to connect with many aspiring film makers and directors who interned alongside me as well as get to know managers and assistants who gave me great advice for someone who wants to pursue acting full time!
What was your least favorite part of the internship?
I didn’t have a least favorite part. I had such a blast meeting everyone and staying up to date in the entertainment industry, I was so happy to have this internship.
What skills did you learn and/or build upon during your internship?
I learned how to effectively manage my time as I balanced multiple tasks which needed to be done by the end of the work day, effectively write and format a script breakdown and built my confidence in asking for guidance, especially when it came to those in positions of higher authority.
What did you learn about the industry or your career path as a result of the internship? What are your future plans?
This internship reinforced my love for the entertainment industry and taught me that a career in film is possible if you keep working at it! After spending a month in California, I will certainly be moving there post-grad because it feels like a wonderful environment for an aspiring actress.
What advice do you have for other students seeking out internship opportunities?
Talk to everyone and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It’s okay to ask for a favor, you’re allowed to advocate for yourself. Apply early and apply to everything. You never know what you’ll get.
