Olivia Lara Maciejewski: Flipping the Script
Taking advantage of the FMS 197 independent study course, this past summer, Film and Media Studies and English double major Olivia Lara Maciejewski served as a Development Intern for both Color Force and Temple Hill Entertainment. As part of her position, Olivia reviewed feature and television scripts to assess production potential through providing critical analyses and summaries about each project. Citing the help of FMS 101B, Olivia was able to gain first-hand experience with script development in a professional environment. We caught up with Olivia to ask her about her time at both Color Force and Temple Hill.
Q: What is your official title and what are your main duties and responsibilities at your internship?
A: I was a Development Intern for both Color Force and Temple Hill, two production companies. Primarily, I composed coverage on feature scripts, television pilots, and books in consideration for development. I would summarize and analyze each project, while also having the opportunity to discuss my thoughts on it with executives and assistants. I also sat in on staff meetings and gained first-hand exposure to projects in various stages of development.
Q: Have you discovered any unexpected strengths or interests about yourself through this experience?
A: While I came into both internships passionate about storytelling, having defined tastes helped me learn how to confidently articulate my opinions. As someone excited about fantasy and sci-fi television, my curiosity encouraged me to start conversations that gave me valuable insight into the process a project undergoes before production. I started the summer uncertain about the film development process in its entirety, but having a specific taste helped me to be intentional about what I asked and how I voiced my thoughts on material. I learned I didn’t have to be the most experienced person in the room to add value, but that I could contribute by bringing a thoughtful perspective and being eager to learn.
Q: How has the FMS curriculum's balance of theory and practice prepared you for this experience?
A: Throughout the FMS courses I’ve taken at UCI, I’ve been taught how to look beyond a story’s surface and think about how elements like character and narrative structure can communicate and confront broader social messages. Taking Studio Era with Professor Payton this past spring definitely helped me refine this ability as we considered the political motives behind classic films. While my internships taught me to evaluate what makes a script strong from an executive’s perspective, my classes have given me the analytical foundation to understand why those creative choices work and how they contribute to the impact a story makes on audiences.
Q: How has this internship influenced your career goals or post-graduation plans?
A: This experience reinforced my excitement to pursue a career within the entertainment industry, while also helping me identify the areas I’m most passionate about. After gaining exposure to the film development process, I plan to pursue a position at a talent agency to build a stronger understanding of how screenwriters and authors are advocated for and supported. Ultimately, I hope to work in television and develop original character-driven stories and book-to-screen adaptations, particularly within the fantasy genre.
Interested in learning more about independent study courses offered through Film and Media Studies? Check out the available opportunities!
