Street: What was it like as an intern at Brooklyn Films this past summer? Elaine Ogden: It was an amazing experience. Everyone was very welcoming and willing to answer my questions. I worked in the development department, so I got to read a lot of prospective scripts. There was the grunt work, as with any internship––I did a lot of closed captioning, and interview transcription. Brooklyn Films is currently working on the online premium YouTube channel “Wigs,” so I got to feel like I was part of the new media movement. We were posting three new episodes to YouTube a week, so there was always a lot to do.
Street: Did you get to work with anyone famous? EO: That’s confidential. Just kidding, sadly, no.
Street: Are there any movies we should be on the lookout for? EO: Probably. But I honestly have no idea if Brooklyn Films intends to go into production on any of the scripts I read. People should be sure to check out their channel, “Wigs,” on YouTube, though. They have a series going on right now called “Audrey” about a woman obsessed with the sensuality of food. I was lucky enough to see the full series while I was there, and it is very good. They also have a couple of great series already out including “Christine,” starring America Ferrera, “Blue,” starring Julia Stiles and “Ruth and Erica” starring Michael C. Hall.
Street: What was the most memorable part of working for Brooklyn Films? EO: I really enjoyed reading scripts, I still can’t believe that’s a real job. I just loved getting caught up in the stories. I also just love movies, and it was surreal to think that my comments on any given script might actually influence a future movie. Also, occasionally exchanging pleasantries with big wig Hollywood directors was cool. It was amazing how accessible both Jon Avnet and Rodrigo Garcia––who partnered to create “Wigs”––were.
Street: Would you consider going back after graduation? EO: Yes, in a heartbeat.
Street: Where do you see yourself in 20 years (the film industry or another? and if film, what part of the industry)? EO: I honestly have no idea. I feel like, regardless of what answer I give, I’ll stumble over it 20 years from now and be thoroughly amused. I’d love to write, so I think it’d be amazing to be a writer in some capacity, I honestly don’t know what. I’d like to be involved in storytelling in some way. But you never know. Many people who I talked to in LA said they ended up where they were because of a funny twist of fate, so I’ll wait and see what comes my way.
