Cultivating Future Talent: A New Approach to Hollywood Networking

Building Lateral Connections: The Core Philosophy of Interntainment Night

In Hollywood, the adage "it's all about who you know" typically refers to forging ties with influential figures. However, Fifth Season, a leading film and television studio, aimed to redefine this concept during its second annual Interntainment Night. Held at its Lumen West L.A. headquarters, the event focused on facilitating lateral networking among interns, encouraging them to connect with peers who will likely become their future colleagues and collaborators.

A Significant Expansion: Growth and Impact of the Annual Event

This year's Interntainment Night saw a substantial increase in participation, welcoming approximately 300 interns from 50 top Hollywood companies. This marks a considerable expansion from the inaugural event, which hosted 75 interns from six companies, underscoring the growing importance and success of this initiative. The event was strategically held on National Intern Day, maximizing its relevance and impact within the industry.

Industry Collaboration: A Diverse Coalition of Participating Companies

Fifth Season partnered with a wide array of prominent entertainment entities to make Interntainment Night a success. Major participants included Penske Media Corporation, AMC, Fox, Imagine, ITV, Legendary, Lionsgate, MACRO, Starz, Warner Bros. Discovery, and WME. Additionally, interns from Activision, AEG, Amazon MGM Studios, Blumhouse, Disney, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Sony, and TikTok were also in attendance, showcasing a broad industry commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

Encouraging Genuine Engagement: Disconnecting to Connect

Tasmin Plater, Fifth Season's chief human resources officer, highlighted the event's core message: the importance of lateral networking. She urged attendees to put away their cell phones and fully engage with the planned activities, emphasizing that these peer connections are crucial for their career trajectories. This approach aimed to create a more authentic and impactful networking experience, moving beyond superficial digital interactions.

Engaging Activities: Fostering Interaction Beyond the Screen

With many summer intern programs concluding shortly after the event, attendees seized the opportunity to engage in a variety of interactive activities. The Lumen event deck buzzed with energy from a photo booth, a live DJ, Jackbox Games, cornhole, bracelet making, an ice-breaker bingo, and pub trivia with prizes. These activities were thoughtfully designed to encourage face-to-face interaction and collaborative fun, moving participants away from their digital devices.

Tailored Engagement: Understanding the Younger Generation's Needs

Reflecting on the previous year, Plater noted that the initial event, while successful, could be optimized for intern engagement. This year, the organizers delved into understanding the preferences of the younger generation, curating activities that would naturally encourage them to set aside their phones and engage in conversations. This tailored approach aimed to create an environment where networking felt intuitive and enjoyable for the attendees.

Skill Development: Enhancing Professional Readiness

Jeanell English, head of community and impact at WME, led sessions focused on professional development, leveraging WME's NXT Industry Sessions initiative. These exercises, including goal-setting and elevator pitch workshops, were designed to equip interns with essential communication and self-presentation skills. English emphasized the value of articulating one's interests and aspirations concisely, a critical asset in the fast-paced entertainment industry.

A Sober Celebration: Promoting a Healthy Networking Environment

Notably, the event was entirely alcohol-free, a deliberate choice given the young demographic of the interns. Plater explained that the focus was on providing a safe and healthy environment for professional interaction, offering non-alcoholic beverages like strawberry basil lemonade and blood orange vanilla spritz. This decision ensured that the event remained focused on genuine connection and professional growth, without the pressure often associated with industry parties.