Last week, Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) hosted its annual College Fair, bringing representatives from dozens of colleges, universities and conservatories from around the world to campus. As part of this unrivaled fair, successful OCSA alumni from various conservatories made their way back to present their college and career experiences to current students. This year, alumni from the class of 2017 gave students a glimpse into the world of writing in the entertainment industry.
Check out some of the advice alums, Cassandra Hsiao (CW, ‘17), Soorim Lee (FTV, ‘17), Hannah Robison (CW, ‘17), and Rachel Yuan (VA, ‘17) had for students interested in writing in Hollywood:
Cassandra Hsiao graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in Theater & Performance Studies and Ethnicity, Race & Migration. She currently works as a development assistant for Small Dog Picture Company. Hannah Robison graduated from community college with a degree in journalism before transferring to UCLA. She now works full time at Warner Music Group (WMG). Soorim Lee graduated from Columbia University in New York City and now works at Sony Pictures Animation. Rachel Yuan attended the University of Georgia where she majored in Entertainment and Media Studies and later received her MBA. She works in television development at Imagine Entertainment.
What experiences in college helped lead you to where you are today?
Hannah: College is one of the greatest opportunities to get out of your comfort zone as it is encouraged and often expected! I don’t think I would have discovered some of my passions and interests if I hadn’t tried something new during college. For instance, I never imagined that I’d graduate with a B.A. in Communication but I took a speech class freshman year, which led me to eventually choose a new major that encompassed what I was looking for! Stretching yourself socially, academically, and professionally not only allows you to learn more about yourself, but also opens doors that may have otherwise remained closed.
Rachel: In college, I was able to study production, media theory, new media, and screenwriting through my major. I worked in broadcast news production through journalism school, and studied abroad at the Cannes Film Festival. Above all, through my scholarship, I simply had the freedom to take whatever classes interested me, travel extensively, and also had the financial freedom to pursue entertainment as a career. Most of the experiences and skills that help you break into this field are not learned from school, but I was able to get those things through internships at production companies and studios.
From your experience, what things do you think OCSA students should do now to make their college career the best it can be?
Cassandra: Don't let go of your OCSA friends. There’s really nothing quite like the community you’ve formed at OCSA. They are going to be your biggest supporters AND your biggest critics because they’ve known and loved you for so long. Those time-tested relationships are invaluable, both in friendship and in art. Keep up those relationships throughout college. Share what you’re going through, your lows and your highs. They're really one-of-a-kind people.
Soorim: I encourage you to follow the joy. And though easier said than done, don’t fear mistakes. When you do make a mistake or when that self-doubt feels heavy… Well, I’ll throw in a Ted Lasso quote here: “Be a goldfish” and move forward. Go explore new interests in and outside of your conservatory to see how that unlocks new roads on your map. On the way, be kind to yourself, uplift others, and remember— have fun.
Hannah: Don’t take a class or participate in an extracurricular activity for the sole purpose of impressing certain colleges. Instead, I'd encourage you to join a club, take that one AP class, etc. because you have a genuine interest in the subject matter. Not only will it make your high school experience much more enjoyable, but it will also place you at an institution that appreciates you for who you are and not some misrepresentation of yourself. You want to be at a college where you feel like you belong and where your passions are welcomed!
How did OCSA set you up for success in college and in your career?
Cassandra: On a practical, academic level—the long classes at OCSA prepared me very well for college seminars that run 1-2 hours, sometimes 3. The study skills I honed at OCSA were sharpened further in college. In terms of the bigger picture, OCSA taught me that everyone is talented in their own unique way. I faced less imposter syndrome than some of my college classmates simply because I was accustomed to being surrounded by bright, hardworking, talented artists every day at OCSA. Because of OCSA, I overcame imposter syndrome earlier in life than most. Recognizing that I have a unique voice to contribute to the world helps me hold my ground every day in pursuit of my dream.
Rachel: OCSA gave us the opportunity very early on to be creative collaborators at a very high level. Even before I had any idea I wanted to pursue a career in television (and I wasn’t even in CW or FTV), I was editing my friends’ scripts and participating in the process of producing plays. In Visual Arts (similar to every other conservatory) we learned how to critique and be critiqued, and learning to articulate those thoughts is an important life skill and especially necessary in a creative career.
What advice do you have for students who want to pursue a writing career in your field?
Cassandra: Work on your craft. But remember that your work does not equal your worth. Honing your craft simply takes time. From my point of view, that time is worth it. Your story, your voice, is valuable. This field is tough—only do it if you truly love it, and hold onto the truth that we need your voice.
Hannah: While I don’t work in WMG's publishing arm, since I’m still exposed to that area I would encourage songwriters to write as much as you can! Not only does it increase your odds of writing an amazing song, but it also shows publishers that you are serious about songwriting and capable of making full use out of your publishing deal.
Soorim: Keep writing, but also write because you want to, not because you have to. You cannot write without experiencing life. So, focus less on your career as a writer and more on playing in the playground—the world—that is outside of that blinking cursor.
Rachel: Actually make time to write and foster your creativity. All of my friends and colleagues who have writing ambitions have gone through phases of trying to make it in the industry though traditional paths, and those jobs are demanding and draining and pull you from your own creative work, and you have to find ways to keep that alive.