Q&A with Johanna Alvarez: Inspiring Inclusivity
This year Johanna was chosen to be an Intern through the CSU Entertainment Alliance Internship Program for the highly competitive Evolve Entertainment Fund created by award-winning Director, Ava DuVernay and the Mayor of Los Angeles.
Q: How did you find out about the internship?
A: I found out about the Evolve Entertainment Fund through one of my professors Bridget Murnane, who is extremely helpful and knowledgeable when it comes to internships and how to land one!
Q: If you already know, what will you be doing at your internship with Joy Gorman at Anonymous Content?
A: Under the Joy Gorman internship, I will be: reading and providing feedback on scripts, doing research on special projects, assisting with assembling of cast/director/writer lists, and the cherry on top is that I'll be getting some on set exposure too!
Q: What is it about interning with Anonymous Content that excites you the most?
A: I think the fact that Anonymous Content produces several of my favorite TV shows is what is the most exciting, but I'm also excited about working with industry professionals, I have a lot to learn from them!
Q: Why do you feel representation matters within the entertainment industry?
A: Representation is so important! To be able to see yourself on or behind the screen and being able to tell stories that have not been seen yet or heard of is honestly what makes me want to succeed! I want people that don't normally see themselves represented onscreen to see themselves in the stories that I tell or help tell!
Q: How do your life experiences feed into your creative expression or work ethic?
A: As much as I love to be able to tell stories, I am always limited to my experiences, but that’s not a bad thing. I'm pretty self-aware and I know what I do know and what I don't know and I try to stick to writing about what I do know! For the times when I don't, I'll try to research as much as possible and get input from other people on how they see certain things because I know that everyone has a different point of view and they see things differently than I do. So, I always try to incorporate other peoples’ opinions and feedback.
Q: What advice do you have for fellow students who are hesitant/afraid of applying for internships due to the fear of rejection? Do you have any tips?
A: I myself was afraid of rejection and I have been rejected so I can understand that feeling, but even if you are rejected there's always room to learn from others (especially Bridget) on how to revisit the rejection and pinpoint what went wrong because it's only going to make you a stronger candidate for the next one!
Some tips: make an outline or a list of any possible questions they could ask you and write down a good answer for each because you'll have a better idea of what to say if they ask you something unexpected! And also practice saying it out loud, say it to your dog, in the shower or in the mirror to improve your confidence.
By Kathleen Sanchez & Cal State LA TVF Internship Program | Cal State LA College of Arts and Letters News Service