Pro at Production

By Kathryn Cross
Staff Writer

With the help of Mira Costa’s new internship program, senior Trace Demarest began an internship this past fall with Gurney Production, a television production company based in Los Angeles.

Demarest discovered Gurney Production through personal connections, but the new Costa internship program dedicated to versing seniors in the professional world helped Demarest attain the internship in November. Andy Caine, a teacher in the Social Sciences Department, oversees the program.

“The class was very helpful in the beginning when it was helping me with my cover letter, resume, and helping me get my foot in the door,” Demarest said. “The rest of my performance, though, relies on my ability to evaluate and give my opinions.”

Demarest works eight hours on both Tuesdays and Thursdays for his internship, where he researches the necessary background behind starting television shows.
“I work with the head of the Development Department and the employees; they shoot ideas off of me, and then I help them get more information for them,” Demarest said. “Once we find ideas for television shows, it’s my job to research possible locations and logistics.”

Apart from analyzing the logistics of possible pilots and projects, Demarest also provides a uniquely young perspective that the production company seeks in order to stay current. From watching snippets of comedy routines to judging possible cast members, to simply having conversations with the already-established staff at Gurney about his personal viewpoints on shows, Demarest’s duties vary.

“It’s cool to see what goes on behind the scenes of producing a television show, so it’s a great experience,” Demarest said. “I absolutely love hearing the ideas that come out of the Development Department and giving my own feedback because they are such interesting ideas.”

Demarest plans on continuing the internship through the remainder of the year and possibly through summer as well, as he believes he’s gained experience that will truly help him in the real world from the time he’s spent at Gurney.

“Working in the television industry has opened my eyes to working in the television industry after college, so I’m happy that I’m doing it because it could potentially even lead to something for me in the future.”