The Network Effect
Internships and Mitzie Lewis !
"Making It"
Knowledge, Wisdom, and Guidance for The Talented
by
David Hamilton
Networking VIA internships
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I myself started out as an intern when I was 14
and just pulled music, but then I actually got my first real internship with
this crazy voice guy David Lee. I had a high school councilor who was tied in
with Mark Kruegar ( management for 93 QFM ) a rock radio station on Lake
Michigan. Mark Kruegar gave me my first shot in entertainment by teaching me
promotions and working in production under David Lee ( The Lee Monster), one of
the most famous voices in radio. This internship taught me how to deal with the
ins and outs of radio and I was able to network with these guys who are now my
friends too! That is why networking early with an internship can definitely be a
start in the right direction for you regardless of where you are headed. That is
why I
wanted to let someone at the TOP tell you how important internships are, no matter
what form of entertainment your in.
"From The Top"
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Meet Mitzie Lewis, ( Music Director for KZON ) ! The
reason why I asked Mitzie to answer this question, is because I visit Phoenix
every month to see my son, and on my visits I listen to her station. Out of all
the rock stations I have listened to, KZON has the best sounding flow of
Rockin Music in the country, in every way shape and form. If you are from
Arizona reading this, you probably listen to Mitzie's work every day, because
she is in part; responsible for the sound of the station. Since Mitzie started
her career off as an intern, I wanted her to also spread the importance of
internships and starting out in entertainment:
1. Can you explain how important it is to be an intern in general, and then explain
how it helped you become one of the country's best Rockin Music Directors for
KZON ?
Internships are EXTREMELY important. I got my first internship right after high school at an alternative station in Phoenix, Az.. I knew I wanted to be on the air…but it didn’t happen overnight. I practically lived at that station so every department would get familiar with me. I did promotions and helped programming…which eventually opened up doors for me since turnover was high at the time. Eventually, I got to do part-time overnight shifts. You have to get yourself out there though. If getting on the air is important to you…see if you can help the Music Director out. File cd’s, ask to be involved with music meetings, tally up request sheets. You will learn a lot. The money won’t be great at first…but remember…it’s a labor of love. Eventually things will work out and if you’re good, someone will notice and you’ll get a break.
2. Any other advice for those that want to entertain ?
I am a big believer in finishing college. That bachelor’s degree is important. There were a couple of times I wanted to quit because something cool came open (like an overnight shift). I never did it though….I got my degree in broadcast journalism and I think it’s important to have something to fall back on just in case. Also…never burn bridges. I work with two people now that I met 8 years ago during that internship. You’ll need your contacts later on…. I am really lucky that I work at KZON as the Music Director. I LOVE it! If I never did an internship…things may have ended up differently. I am really happy doing my thing.
Mitzie Lewis can be reached at KZON Radio in Phoenix, Az. and
as time goes on, I am sure you will see her rise even higher ! Thanks for taking
the time to help the young up and coming talent Mitzie !
As you can see, internships are the start to something
incredible. Even if you are headed to film / tv / producing...... radio
internships can elevate you to internships in TV and into film as well, because
of the people you meet while you are out learning in the field. You can also get
into television internships and film internships if you put your effort into
seeking out that special chance that is waiting for you. Before I get into the
next part of networking, I want to share one last internship networking story
with you. My friend Julie Machado was an art student at Parsons in New York.
While visiting Miami, we were out walking along South Beach when I asked Julie,
" Why don't you go for an art gallery internship in NY ?" she replied, " you
really think there are internships at art galleries ?" ........ " Of COURSE !
You just have to ask questions, and seek out the right opportunity ! Now, Julie
is graduated from Parsons, she has a clothing line started, and she works for
the same art gallery she interned for ! Internships will allow you to learn,
make mistakes, grow, gain knowledge, and meet industry leaders that will form
early networking for your future career in the entertainment business !