The Informational Interview

One of the first active steps in my job-hunt is finding information. I've been trolling the web for info on production companies and studios in and around LA, seeking points of entry, nodes in my network that connect to those companies' networks. My goal is to begin accumulating new contacts through people I know, and to meet with those new contacts (by skype, phone, or in-person) for 20-minute "informational interviews". I'm not sure I like the term, but it's what all the job-seeking guides call it.

After all, for me, these meetings are all about learning the industry, and particularly, they're about learning the way the industry looks at job applicants. I'm looking to learn what the hiring process is, who has the power to make hiring decision, and what qualities or experiences make a competitive job-seeker in Hollywood. I'm also interested in learning about the various companies. I've been encouraged to explore "smaller" production and financing companies, rather than the big studios, but until I actually get to talk to people in those companies, I'm keeping an open mind.

If you have suggestions of who I could talk to, who might be willing to give me 20 minutes of their time to answer some of these questions, drop me a line! I'm eager to learn from anyone at this point.

-Arnon