October 22, 2024, by Arts Placements
HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD
Niamh Green was one of the lucky few who landed her dream placement in LA in Summer 2024 on the highly sought after Hollywood Internship programme. Here she tells us all about it.
From dreams to reality
In late 2020, when I first started investigating different universities, I found myself circling back to University of Nottingham. This was for one specific reason- a page on their website called ‘The Peter Rice Hollywood Internship Award’. After investigating further, I discovered that this award gave students the opportunity to spend a summer carrying out placements across several major Hollywood studios. Once I arrived at Nottingham, I obsessively checked my emails daily for any update on the program, desperate not to miss any information or news. If someone would have told me back then that I’d have not only get my dream role at The Walt Disney Company, but also have the most amazing time living in Burbank with three of my now-closest friends, I’d never have wrapped my head around it. I’m still not sure I fully can now!
Disney!
Disney, placed me in the Original Movies team of Disney Branded Television. Having grown up on ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Camp Rock’, working in the department where those films were created was extremely surreal. Miley Cyrus mentioning our office in her “Disney Legends” speech was a particular highlight! I cannot thank Disney enough for making me feel like a valued member of the team from my first day. They encouraged me to share my own opinions in team meetings. Any notes I wrote for a script were discussed with me in detail so I knew what I did well and what I could improve on for next time. Everybody (not just in my team but in the entire company!) was so supportive. They gave such helpful advice when it came to sharing their own journey into the industry.
Not all work, work, work
Outside of work, we were all very eager to make the most of our time in LA. We went to Universal Studios, relaxed on the beach, searched for stars on the Walk of Fame, explored museums, watched a show at the Hollywood Bowl… even attended movie premieres alongside the stars! As a huge film fan, I was so delighted to visit two of my bucket-list cinemas. ‘Vidiots’ and the ‘New Beverly Cinema’. I got to watch a double feature with one of my favourite directors in the former, and a special anniversary screening of ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ from Tarantino’s own personal collection, at the latter. I treasure those experiences, and am forever grateful I achieved these lifelong dreams!
If any student is considering applying for the scheme, I cannot recommend it enough. You are highly supported by the university throughout the application process. Additionally, Peter Rice’s generous funding means flights and Visa costs are taken care of, helping enormously. My summer in LA give me invaluable experience in working in the film industry. It also gave me memories and experiences that I will never forget. I’m excited about my next career steps. I am forever thankful to Disney, University of Nottingham, and Peter Rice for everything they did to make this happen.
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