It takes confidence to work in the entertainment industry. But working on one of the most popular reality shows on television? That takes something extra.
Madison Pathe ‘13 is reminded of this every day at Bunim-Murray Productions, where she works on E!’s Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Using savvy and skills nurtured during her studies at Scripps College, Pathe worked her way from postproduction assistant to the show’s assistant editor.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Being able to develop both technical and creative skills. I’m constantly learning; right now, for example, I’m working with our editing software, cutting deleted scenes together, and various other editing projects.
I am very lucky to be working on a team that supports my goals and helps me get there.
What drew you to apply for a job working within the entertainment industry?
My current role involves many different responsibilities. We organize and distribute footage, cut deleted scenes, pull promotional material, and provide technical assistance, as needed.
But the industry encompasses even more types of creativity – writing, blogging, filming, editing, coding, graphic design, and more. Media is constantly shifting; people may not realize that their seemingly unrelated skills could contribute to a career here. That’s just one of many reasons why I’m so interested in media, and entertainment, in general.
How was the transition from college to your current position?
At first, there was a mixture of excitement and terror of my newfound independence after four comfortable years at Scripps. Ultimately, it was a great time to try new things and embrace a new chapter of my life.
I was very fortunate there was a job opening at the end of my spring semester internship at Bunim-Murray Productions. It was great to jump right into my field of interest; I started as a post-production assistant on season eight and have worked my way up in the company.
Did any skills you developed at Scripps translate to your current role?
Absolutely! I see so many elements of my Scripps experience in the work I do today. My courses developed my technical, creative, and critical thinking skills in video that I constantly apply to projects at work. Beyond that, the confidence in my thoughts and ideas developed in CORE, CP&R seminars, and my job at the Scripps Phonathon taught me tact and composure and have made me a more driven, efficient, and skillful employee.
Any advice for current students?
I’d definitely recommend they save a credit or two for that non-major class they’re just burning to try.
And any advice for students approaching graduation?
The first few months at work I was bubbling with so much excitement and anxiety over my position, I barely took a lunch break and constantly checked my work emails at home. When my parents came to visit me in the fall, I realized I didn’t even know any fun things to do in my neighborhood!
Dedicate yourself to your work, but be sure to find a balance.
What’s next for you?
My goal is to become a video editor, which I have been working towards in my current company. I’m not sure if I will stay in reality TV permanently, or if I will try to branch out into other fields, such as feature films or scripted television. But for now, I’m really enjoying the journey!