Conscious Minds is a production studio located out of Pasadena, California. This production studio is centered around one thing: Storytelling is the currency of human connection. They pride themselves on their focus for conviction, collaboration, and craft. In their opinion, they are the thinkers and makers that will push the industry.
We caught up with Jess Niazian to talk about her role as a Production Intern with Conscious Minds. Jess is a Visual Media Arts student in the class of 2022.
How did you find out about this opportunity and what drew you to it?
Jess: “I really wanted to try and find an internship the Summer of 2020 but due to COVID 19 I wasn’t sure that was a reality due to all the restrictions and unknowns. I’d search around constantly trying to find internships, I looked on Handshake, Studio websites, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, but ultimately found one on Indeed that really caught my eye. It was for a small production company in Pasadena, CA. It caught my eye because it was 30 minutes from my house, it was remote, and the position sounded like something I could handle and be comfortable doing during a global pandemic.”
What were some of your responsibilities during your internship?
Jess: “I did a little of everything, at the beginning it was totally remote so I mostly just made phone calls and made spreadsheets. But once Los Angeles cleared filming rights during COVID, I would be allowed to work in the office space. There I met the team and worked as an office Production Assistant and took care of office tasks such as, printing, mail services, coffee, the usual things you think of when being an intern. I was assigned to certain projects and would have bigger responsibilities such as researching and picking up equipment for shoots, working closely to the production crew and help them out with all types of task such as helping sort clothing with stylists, drop off equipment at talent’s house, etc.”
What are you most proud of that you accomplished during this internship?
Jess: “One of the projects I got to work on was Nike’s Athlete’s Cookbook season 2, a YouTube series which features Nike athletes and professional chefs that meet and cook a meal together. For this season it was a bit different it was all through a new software that was sort of like Zoom but for filming and had special features for directors and producers to use while filming. I got to be the test bunny and pretend to be the talent during a test shoot. I got to meet the chef this season, Kia Damon, a successful chef in New York and cook a meal with her. I was selected out of all the interns for this rare opportunity and got to work alongside the head producer, Madeline Saporito of Conscious Minds and director of the shoot, Blaine Hogan. It was an amazing opportunity to meet and get to know Kia and learn how to cook Shakshuka.”
What advice do you have for people interested in this internship or similar opportunities?
Jess: “Take the chance, apply for everything you never know what could happen. Ask questions, I feel a major reason how I got this internship is by asking questions. You know at the end of the interview when they ask if you have any questions, ask away. Even if you don’t ask them everything from hows the atmosphere at the studio, what’s your favorite project you’ve done with the company, etc. Asking questions shows you interested!”
