On March 29th, CBMP interns on the 2022 Creative Internship Program, supported by the City of Sydney, welcomed Conchita Pang to help the new journalism, marketing and production interns gain insight and a sneak peek, BTS “behind the scene” in the professional film industry.
WHO IS CONCHITA PANG?
Conchita is a tech-savvy freelance film accountant, producer of documentary and factual programming across Asia with the History Channel, National Geographic and former news anchor for Blue Ocean Network.
She has worked on multiple Hollywood blockbusters and TV series such as Nine Perfect Strangers, Australian Survivor, Mortal Kombat, Pokemon Detective Pikachu, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Hotel Mumbai, Pacific Rim: Uprising, and more, here in Australia and globally.
During the web meeting, Conchita Pang unveiled a day in the life a Hollywood film production team. Conchita blew us away about the real Hollywood industry and her career path from the very beginning, that moment she had a foot in the door opportunity as an intern herself. She also highlighted some fascinating BTS as well as the necessary skills and qualities for the industry.
HOW DID CONCHITA KICK START HER HOLLYWOOD CAREER?
The way Conchita narrated her stories really captured the CBMP interns attention. We could feel how she felt on her roller coaster journey to where she is today. Although, Conchita faced many roadblocks, she was persistent in achieving her goals.
As “flashy” as Hollywood might sound, for some it may be the “quickest” or for others the “longest” journey for success. Hollywood is definitely not for day dreamers. It is almost impossible to get a foot in the door into the industry without persistence and contacts. If you don’t have either then you have to work harder to create your own circle of industry networks.
One tip that Conchita mentioned was to navigate through the end credits of your favourite movie or tv series, and then search for them on IMDB. Then to google the hell out of them and any opportunities for a face to face meeting.
In Conchita’s case, she signed herself up for a conference to introduce herself to the speaker who she idolized. And, guess what? She impressed the industry contact so much, she was referred for an attachment role and funding. What a go getter!
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE HOLLYWOOD INDUSTRY?
The Hollywood industry is unlike any 9-5 white collar profession. Conchita Pang gave insight about what a typical day is like on set for a Hollywood production.
The movie industry is mostly freelance work and overtime is to be expected. Your day is dictated by the needs of the production. Also, depending on the production, you may be lucky enough to travel overseas and work with the most amazing crew.
And, of course rub shoulders with the stars, like bumping into Dev Patel in the coffee room or receiving a lovely gift from Nicole Kidman.
HOW TO ADVANCE YOURSELF IN THE INDUSTRY?
Conchita gave the CBMP interns a lot of helpful and valuable advice to equip us for the journey ahead. What we learnt through the session was that it is never too early to start. Be prepared for a long slog at the beginning and start to grow your professional networks as soon as possible.
You can start by following them on LinkedIn and social media accounts. Conchita also suggested to actively participate in industry events and conventions where you can grow your skills and meet future colleagues and managers.
The biggest take away from Conchita was do not hesitate to try different roles in the industry to find out what you are really good at and enjoy doing.
WANT TO HEAR FROM CONCHITA PANG?
Join our next cohort by applying for the 2022 Creative Internship Program which aims to upskill university students of Asian heritage and anyone with an interest in Asia through creative professional mentorships. The 2022 Internship Program is partly funded by the City of Sydney Matching Grant and CBMP is proud to be part of the intern's career journey to Connect, Exchange and create Job opportunities within the creative industry. Choose from three streams: Journalism, Marketing and Production.
About the blogger
Le Yen Nhi Huynh is an international student from Vietnam and currently in her final year at the University of Technology Sydney, majoring in Marketing. Besides from studying, she also has a passion for coffee and art, and is a part-time barista in Alexandria in Sydney. She loves communicating with people and is very dedicated to her work.
Instagram: @h_yennhi