The Intern's Desk

Turning Books Into Movies at Paramount Pictures

Coming to New York filled with dreams and fantasies of making a place for oneself within the television/film industry is one, I know, shared amongst most students, artists, and other anxious trailblazers who set out for the Mecca of entertainment that is New York City. For me, this dream became all the more real last year when I had the opportunity to intern at Paramount Pictures in their Literary Affairs Department.

It happened in passing, when a friend of the family, another NYU student, randomly (but knowingly) asked “If I’d like to intern at Paramount Pictures?” Of course, I jumped at the opportunity and e-mailed her contact as soon as I got home. Within the next couple of days, I had an interview scheduled, and by that same time the following week was receiving the greatest news of my life at that point, that I had gotten the job.

The first question many people asked me and one I even asked myself is what exactly goes on in the Literary Affairs Department? Those within the Literary Affairs Department ultimately act as the liaisons between Paramount endorsed production companies and Paramount’s choice selections of books that have potential to be made into movies. It is a relatively small department, consisting of only five people (including the vice president’s assistant and I). However, what they lacked in size they made up for in productivity. I soon found myself familiarizing fax and copy machines, as well as passwords, procedures, and even the corporate credit card to order various lunches, as well as, help organize the company’s Christmas Party.

When we were not corresponding with filmmakers and authors, you could always find those in the office reading books, listening music, and even chatting on AIM. The atmosphere within the office was, without a doubt, the best aspect of working in such a hectic but eventful environment. The connections I made with people have had a lasting impact on my career and myself.

Looking back, my time at Paramount Pictures, even if I did not realize it every time I walked through those big glass doors, was the experience of a lifetime where I was able to gain first hand and crucial knowledge of the film industry that I will utilize to help build and hold a reputation within the film industry.


Cameron Stokes, New York University '10