The adage "it’s all about who you know in Hollywood" typically conjures images of climbing a hierarchical ladder, forging connections with established power players. However, on a recent Thursday evening, Fifth Season redefined this networking paradigm, transforming the picturesque terrace at its Lumen headquarters in West Los Angeles into a vibrant hub for lateral connections. The film and television production, financing, and global distribution studio hosted its second annual Interntainment Night, an event meticulously scheduled for National Intern Day, which saw approximately 300 interns from over 50 prominent Hollywood companies converge for an evening of peer-to-peer engagement. This year’s attendance marked a significant expansion from the inaugural event, which hosted 75 interns from six companies, signaling a growing recognition of the value of fostering relationships among emerging professionals.
A Growing Tradition of Peer-to-Peer Connection
Fifth Season, a studio known for its comprehensive approach to content creation and distribution, has positioned Interntainment Night as a cornerstone initiative to support the next generation of entertainment professionals. The event’s growth from its initial iteration underscores a perceived need within the industry for structured opportunities for interns to connect with one another, sharing experiences and building foundational networks before their careers officially launch. The strategic timing on National Intern Day further amplified the event’s significance, providing a dedicated platform to celebrate and empower these burgeoning talents.
The caliber of participating companies highlights the event’s influence and the collective investment in nurturing future industry leaders. Among the partners who joined Fifth Season in co-hosting this significant gathering were Penske Media Corporation (the parent company of The Hollywood Reporter), AMC, EICOP/HBCU in L.A., Fox, Fuzzy Door, Imagine, ITV, Legendary, Lionsgate, MACRO, and McDermott Will & Schulte, who served as a co-sponsor. Starz, Warner Bros. Discovery, and the powerhouse talent agency WME also lent their support. The extensive list of companies that sent interns to participate further illustrates the broad reach and collaborative spirit of the event, including Activision, AEG, Amazon MGM Studios, Blumhouse, CJ ENM, DC Comics, Dick Clark Productions, Disney, Live Nation, NBCUniversal, Paramount, Savage X Fenty, Sony, TikTok, Universal Music Group, and UTA, among many others. This impressive roster of attendees demonstrates a shared commitment to cultivating a supportive ecosystem for those entering the entertainment industry.
Embracing the Power of Lateral Networking
Tasmin Plater, Fifth Season’s Chief Human Resources Officer, articulated the event’s core philosophy during her welcome remarks. "A good piece of advice that someone gave me is that it’s just as important to network laterally," Plater stated. "This is your class. This event is for you. Please take a moment to disconnect from your cell phones and really look at the activities that [Fifth Season emcee Joseph McMahon] outlined and really soak in this time that you have with each other." This emphasis on lateral networking moves beyond the traditional top-down approach, recognizing that peer relationships can be equally, if not more, impactful in the early stages of a career. Interns, often at similar junctures in their professional journeys, can share unique insights, navigate common challenges, and build a support network that transcends departmental or company lines.
The timing of the event was particularly poignant for many attendees. Friday, July 31, typically marks the conclusion of many summer internship programs across the industry. This reality underscored the urgency for the 300 interns to maximize their opportunities, engaging in the diverse array of activities designed to foster connection and camaraderie. The Lumen event deck was transformed into an engaging space, featuring a photo booth, DJ music, and interactive games. Popular choices included Jackbox Games, cornhole, and a creative bracelet-making station. An icebreaker bingo card and a pub trivia competition, expertly hosted by Joseph McMahon and offering prizes, further encouraged interaction and lighthearted competition.
Engaging Activities Designed for Authentic Connection
Fifth Season’s strategic approach to Interntainment Night aimed to facilitate genuine interactions, moving beyond the superficial exchanges often associated with traditional industry mixers. Plater elaborated on this intentional design, stating, "Last year, we had a proof of concept and we put these folks into a room together and built a networking event. It went well but we didn’t optimize it for them. This year, we studied more ways to bring this generation together by looking at what they are into and what activities would help them put their phones down and have conversations. We played into the generational attitude so they could network in a way that makes sense for them." This reflects a deep understanding of contemporary social dynamics and a commitment to creating an environment where authentic connections can flourish.
This focus on engagement was exemplified by the inclusion of WME’s initiative, NXT Industry Sessions. Jeanell English, Head of Community and Impact at WME, led a team that facilitated exercises centered around this program, a collaboration with Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s Group Effort Initiative. The initiative aims to prepare the next generation for diverse careers across entertainment, music, sports, and fashion. At Interntainment Night, WME offered goal-setting sessions and elevator pitch workshops. The latter provided interns with a valuable opportunity to hone their personal brand and articulate their aspirations concisely, a crucial skill in the fast-paced entertainment industry.
English underscored the importance of this skill, explaining, "People in entertainment move quickly and you don’t always have a lot of time to tell people what you’re interested in, what you want to learn about, engage with and what you’re curious about so knowing how to present yourself is such an asset. We’re giving feedback on how to do that. It’s a fun way for the interns to gain a new skill while meeting one another." These practical workshops provided tangible takeaways, equipping interns with tools that will serve them well beyond their internship experiences.
A Refreshing Approach to Industry Socializing
In a notable departure from typical industry networking events, Interntainment Night maintained a decidedly sober atmosphere. Plater addressed this conscious choice: "The interns are getting younger and we’re not here to give wristbands or check IDs. There is no alcohol. The only thing we have close to alcohol is Tom Holland’s non-alcohol beer brand, BERO. It has such a low-level alcohol content that someone would have to drink 30 in order to hit the legal limit. So just good food and juice tonight." This decision reflects a commitment to creating an inclusive and safe environment, prioritizing genuine interaction and professional development over the social lubricants often found at such gatherings. The focus remained squarely on connection and skill-building, providing a refreshing alternative for emerging professionals.
The menu featured a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, including strawberry basil lemonade, blood orange vanilla spritz, and a variety of sodas and sparkling waters, alongside ample food options like a well-stocked pizza station, ensuring all attendees were well-catered for. The atmosphere was one of convivial engagement, with interns readily swapping contact information and connecting on platforms like LinkedIn, while also participating in activities that encouraged face-to-face interaction. The event successfully demonstrated that impactful networking can thrive in an environment focused on shared experience and mutual growth, setting a positive precedent for future industry gatherings. The success of Fifth Season’s Interntainment Night suggests a growing trend towards more intentional and youth-focused networking events within Hollywood, recognizing the critical role of early-career professionals in shaping the industry’s future.
