“I am very lucky to be learning how to communicate and collaborate in this industry and how to establish myself,” said Lauren Bromberg JMS’24, referring to her summer internship at Walden Media, a film production company in Los Angeles.

As a Development Intern for Walden Media — which has produced “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Chronicles of Narnia” franchise, and “The Baby-Sitters Club” for Netflix, to name a few — some of Bromberg’s responsibilities include reading and reviewing scripts and book submissions. “I am getting a lot faster at reading scripts and books and taking notes efficiently,” Bromberg said.

Through her work, Bromberg said she is learning about prominent writers and directors, and gaining the fundamental knowledge required to pitch movie ideas to company executives, including movie themes, budgeting, casting, directors, and potential distributors.

“I learn new things about the TV and film industry at my internship every day,” said Bromberg.

Bromberg discovered this internship through Rutgers Handshake. She said she was excited to apply after searching for an opportunity to contribute to the future of “meaningful” TV shows and movies for the next generation of young people. “The Walden Media movies ‘Holes,’ ‘The Giver,’ and ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ had a formative impact on me during my childhood years,” she said.

Through her work, Bromberg said she is learning about prominent writers and directors, and gaining the fundamental knowledge required to pitch movie ideas to company executives, including movie themes, budgeting, casting, directors, and potential distributors.

In addition to enjoying her assignments, Bromberg said working with her fellow interns is another favorite part of her internship. “They are such cool, talented, unique, and overall, very impressive, people. They are always teaching me new and interesting things about TV and film. They motivate me and inspire me a lot.”

Bromberg, who is majoring in Journalism and Media Studies and minoring in Political Science and Creative Writing, is on track to graduate from the Rutgers Honors College in 2024. “Being a student at SC&I has connected me to a vast network of professors who are dedicated to helping me achieve my goals,” she said.

Reflecting upon why she chose to minor in political science, Bromberg said she cares a lot about current social, political, and economic issues. “The classes I’ve taken in the Department of Political Science at Rutgers, like American Political Thought from 1865, Marx and Marxist Theory, American Presidency, International Relations, and Elections and Participation, have helped frame a lot of my perceptions about historical and current events. Still, I’m not confident I know all the answers to solve the issues facing our generation. I’d much rather be the one posing the questions — and in thought provoking, creative ways! Because of the knowledge I gained in my political science classes, I can now ask better, more sophisticated, and complex questions.” 

Bromberg’s academic path demonstrates how the SC&I Journalism and Media Studies major complements other areas of interest to prepare students for a variety of media-related career paths.

“Being a student at SC&I has connected me to a vast network of professors who are dedicated to helping me achieve my goals."

Asked about SC&I faculty members who have been especially helpful in supporting her growth, Bromberg said Professor of Professional Practice and Director of Undergraduate and Journalism and Media Studies Steven Miller has largely contributed to her success thus far at SC&I. “[He] has been especially helpful in giving me individualized attention and advice as it pertains to my internship and career goals,” she said. 

Bromberg said the courses she has taken at SC&I that have helped her understand integral pillars of the TV and film industry include Gender, Race, and Class in the Media; Social Media and Participatory Culture; Introduction to Media; and Consumer Media Culture. 

“I greatly look forward to continuing my journey at SC&I this school year,” Bromberg said. She will be taking digital media production courses and exploring children’s media trends under Professor and Chair of the Journalism and Media Studies Department Amy Jordan to complete her Honors College Capstone Project.

Looking ahead to post-grad life, Bromberg’s main career goal is to work in the TV and film industry. “Right now, I am most interested in screenwriting and development. I love children’s media and wholesome, inspiring plot lines and characters,” she said. 

In a few words, Bromberg shared a piece of advice for her fellow SC&I students, “Be confident in yourself and your achievements. Take pride in your hard work. Try new things, step out of your comfort zone, and make mistakes.”

Learn more about the Journalism and Media Studies major at the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photo: Courtesy of Lauren Bromberg JMS’24