Yael was my peer mentor from freshman year at Chapman University and she is one of my favorite people to talk to!! She has given me so much great career and life advice, as well as food and travel recs over the years! Yael even found my first apartment in LA, so I am just #blessed to know her and can basically credit my entire LA life to her. We are both originally from Bellevue, WA and have stayed in LA after college to work in the entertainment/media industry. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out to her directly with the contact info towards the bottom of the post!
Name: Yael Egnal
Age: 28
City: Los Angeles
Company: AGC Studios
Title: Senior Manager of Development
Time at Company: 1 year
How did you hear about the position and what was the interview process like?
I connected with an executive at the company at an industry event, he mentioned that they were planning on expanding the team, and I asked if I could send him my resume. During the interview process, they asked me to complete a creative assignment that was in line with the job duties.
What past experience do you think helped you land your current role?
My last role was very similar to my current role, so I was able to speak directly to the experience I had built on, what I had learned, and how I wanted to grow.
What kind of tasks does your job entail?
As a manager of non-fiction development, I help oversee my department’s non-fiction film and television projects. In the most simple terms, I see my job as an incredibly creative sales job. My team comes up with new ideas for non-fiction content – this includes anything from documentary films to reality tv shows. We then work to get the projects made, whether that is through independent financing or a streaming platform or tv channel acquiring the idea. On a day-to-day basis, my time is mainly spent brainstorming new ideas, designing and writing copy for pitch decks, working with editors on sizzle reels, pitching projects to buyers and financiers, conducting casting interviews, and reviewing projects my company might want to acquire and help develop.
What are the skills needed to be successful at your job?
Creative thinking and creative writing – generally strong communication skills.
Who do you directly report to and does anyone report to you?
I report directly to both the president and EVP of my department.
Do you work from home, office, or hybrid?
My company works full time in our office in Hollywood from 9:30am-6:30pm.
What do you do to help your work/life balance?
Recently I’ve been taking long walks on my lunch break which is my new favorite midday pick-me-up. I try to not answer emails/pings once I get home unless it’s urgent. I also try to do a few fun things during the week so I don’t feel like I’m just waiting for it to be Friday.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love that I get to be creative and collaborate with other creative people. Also, I get to watch movies and tv shows for work – no complaints there…
What has been your proudest moment?
Getting to pitch projects I’ve spent a lot of time on to major networks and streaming platforms.
What’s the biggest lesson(s) you’ll take away from this job?
Not being afraid to aim big. You can always scale your ideas back, but there’s no reason to start small.
Any advice for people who want to work at your company or in your general field?
Find a company where you can learn a ton from your bosses/supervisors. The film and tv industry is so competitive, working for and with good people is a game changer. As you gain the trust of your team, start to ask to take on more responsibility and really show up when you’re given the chance. Especially in development, it’s important to understand your personal taste and point of view and not be afraid to thoughtfully share your opinion. At the end of the day, so much of what we do is subjective.
Have you worked anywhere else in the past? If so, where:
Prior to AGC, I worked at Xpedition, a creative agency and production company.
If people want to connect with you and learn more, how can they reach you?
LinkedIn
Fast Last 5 with Yael Egnal:
- Last tv show/movie: Succession season 4!!!
- Last book: We Are Never Meeting in Real Life by Samantha Irby
- Last concert: Tallest Man on Earth at the Masonic Lodge
- Last restaurant: Superba
- Last vacation: Spa trip in Mexico for my mom’s 60th birthday
Job Feature: Katarina Lehner, Real Estate Marketing Manager at Compass
