This week’s Alumni spotlight is on Amanda Hoyne, an NYU Tisch Film & TV as well as Whitney Young alum!
Since the pandemic struck, Amanda has relocated to Chicago and has been working as a media coordinator for a millennial-focused media brand titled, Group 9. As the company’s media coordinator, she manages media assets working to archive items and fill in the holes that have popped up in production since moving to a remote work environment.
We asked Amanda how it has been working in production during COVID and she told us that it has definitely been challenging given that production is usually done in person and COVID has required the work to be remote. However, despite its challenges, Amanda finds joy in her new job because she said it allows her the opportunity to come up with more creative solutions to problems that would have otherwise been remedied with a quick solution.
Additionally, Amanda says that although the work is remote, she has found Zoom to be a nice way to connect with people. She even said that she has noticed a change in the work culture noting that people have been a lot more flexible since the pandemic. She welcomes the change given that show business has a reputation for having a strict and intense workload for those in the business.
Prior to being Media Coordinator at Group 9, Amanda interned at a small production company and worked at Saturday Night Live for two years.
When asked if she had any advice for those looking to work in the entertainment industry, she emphasized the importance of making connections and stated she received her first jobs through connections. Amanda said that “It’s important to be genuine when networking and even when you get the job because if people like you, they will definitely ask you to work with them again.” She also stressed the importance of keeping an open mind stating “It may not start off super glamorous. You may just be getting someone’s coffee in the beginning.” She also noted that while in school, it’s helpful to keep an open mind about what you want to do. Amanda started off at Tisch wanting to be a film editor, but during her time at NYU, she really fell in love with sound and music. Her advice to students is to take as many courses in as many different areas as possible!
Amanda says that she sees herself moving back to New York to continue working in entertainment eventually. However, for now she is enjoying the freedom of remote work which allows her to do what she loves while being surrounded by her loved ones back home in Chicago.
We are so proud of our alumna Amanda and we cannot wait to see what is next for her!
Author: Nia Harris
Currently living in NYC, Nia Harris is a NYU graduate and Fulbright Scholar working for the Wentcher Foundation as the Program Associate. She writes for her own blog, Nashari which you can find here.