Clemson to Miramax: This world cinema alumna is blazing her path in Los Angeles

It’s been a whirlwind year for Sydney Olsen ’24.

The Clemson University Honors College and world cinema alumna had flown from Los Angeles to the Upstate of South Carolina for May’s graduation ceremonies when she learned she received an offer to work at one of the largest independent entertainment companies in the world.

Olsen, of West Boylston, Massachusetts, spent the Spring 2024 semester as a development intern at Panoramic Media Company in Los Angeles through the Boston University Los Angeles internship program, thanks to the help of world cinema program director John Smith and Professor of Practice Sam Sokolow.

Sydney worked tirelessly during her time at Clemson to promote our program. She wrote stories about World Cinema for The Tiger, ran our Instagram account and co-directed our film series last fall. She has done so much to raise our profile, and she’s still doing that as a Clemson graduate. We are incredibly proud of her.

JOHN SMITH, SENIOR LECTURER AND DIRECTOR OF WORLD CINEMA

Halfway through the term, her boss accepted the CEO position at Miramax and provided her the opportunity to work as the receptionist at the office on the Avenue of the Stars. She was also granted another opportunity: to be Miramax’s intern program manager.

“Miramax never had a proper intern class, and now our program spans the entire company,” Olsen said. “Now, we are advertising and collaborating with schools in and outside California. It really is a passion project of mine.”

She also minored in screenwriting and dance. Olsen reflected on her Clemson journey, why she felt called to the world cinema program and how she’s adjusted to living in California in an interview with Clemson News. This has been edited for length and clarity.

Clemson News: What attracted you to the world cinema program as a student of the Honors College? Are there any fond memories that stick out today?

Sydney Olsen: “World cinema was the reason I applied to Clemson because of its unique global perspective. I appreciated the program’s emphasis on film theory and history because of the existing opportunities to get production experience through student films outside of the classroom and I was excited at the prospect of being a part of a growing program and getting to have a hand in that. I look back on every class and project with very fond memories, but an experience I return to often is our opening event for the 2023 World Cinema Fall Film Series.

“We screened a collection of student films from the inaugural class of Professor Sokolow’s Filmmaking for Mobile Media, one of which I worked on, alongside working with a team of other world cinema students to put together the film series. I remember watching the audience of students and professors’ reactions more than the films themselves and seeing the baby production program take form.”

CN: What has life been like since you graduated?

SO: “Life is just fabulous! My transition to Los Angeles was smooth because I was offered the position to stay at Miramax before graduating, so I never had a moment to wonder what was next for me. I loved school and being in the classroom, and I’ve found that isn’t something I’ve lost in my professional experience since graduating; learning just looks different. Being so early in my career in a junior position in the industry means every day has something new coming at me — some I’m more prepared for than others — and in a sort of sink-or-swim way, I’ve grown and proven to myself that this is something I’m cut out for and capable of, largely because of all I got out of my time in worldcinema.”

CN: Have you had any misconceptions about the entertainment industry that have been debunked since moving to Los Angeles?

SO: “I think entertainment feels like a shadow industry until you get here and realize it really is just office jobs carrying about operations like any other tech company, law firm, or doctor’s office. Even the fact that I am a receptionist, a role we encounter every day, speaks to the fact that it isn’t an impossible industry to break into; there are entry-level positions where you can learn skills and foster connections.

“I’ve had the opportunity to shake hands with Academy Award winners and agents to A-list talent, but they all drink the same bottled water, sit in the same chairs in our lobby, run late for meetings and are usually a lot shorter than their IMDb lets on. It’s work, and like any job, hard work gets you further than spending every day wishing for a big break, which I find really assuring.”

CN: Is there any advice you would offer current world cinema students about their time in school and the best way to prepare for the job market?

SO: “Your classes will make you worldly knowledgeable about the craft, so it is your job to find internships to supplement and apply that knowledge. I cannot stress enough how important internships are, and not only because my internship is the reason I had a job before graduating. Practical experience is paramount in preparing for what your life will look like after college. It’s much better to try out a role and find it’s not for you as an intern than when it is your full-time salaried job, and it is the first thing employers look for on your resume.

“Work as many hours a week as they’ll allow and is manageable for you. Make sure they see your face and know your work. Your genuine connections are what will get you standout recommendations and referrals. If nothing else, each professional experience will make you more comfortable with the industry and confident in your place in it.”

CN: What, from your Clemson Experience, has been the most beneficial to you in your early career?

SO: “The emphasis on theory keeps the appreciation for art and the craft in the forefront of my brain every day, even on rather business-heavy days where it would be easy to lose our passion for what we do. But it’s the people. The relationships I fostered as a member of Clemson world cinema are why I pursue my career so eagerly, hoping to share any of my success with my friends and talented peers. I know who I’d call first when I need a director of photography or line producer, whose scripts I’ll always read and who to trust when I need advice on a project of my own. Their passion and the hope to work with them again professionally and create a Clemson world cinema presence in the industry drives me every day.”