Maddie Hausberg

Major: Communication Arts (Radio-TV-Film)

Certificate: Digital Studies

Graduation Date: May 2016

How did you end up working at Lightbox Entertainment?

I always wanted to work in documentaries and moved through different parts of the entertainment industry to get there. My first job after college was working as a Production Assistant on a Showtime docu-follow series A Season with Florida State Football Team. I realized there that I wasn’t interested in working on set, so I moved back to Los Angeles and got a job as an assistant at a Talent Agency – everyone says this is a great way to figure out what you want to do within entertainment and they are right!

My next job brought me back to unscripted, working as an executive assistant for The Players’ Tribune development team where we created Netflix’s critically acclaimed UNTOLD series. Then I wanted to explore the buying side of the industry, so I moved to NBCU as the Oxygen Development and Production coordinator, where I worked across all of NBCU’s unscripted lifestyle & crime series – working across Oxygen, Peacock, USA, E! and Bravo. And then, I got my job here at Lightbox!

I was lucky in finding these opportunities through my personal connections. It’s not easy to get started when your goal is to get out to LA or NYC, but It’s important to use all of your resources, ask people for help, and put yourself out there! I’ve received many LinkedIn messages from graduating Badgers who are looking to get started – and I’m always happy to take their calls, as people did the same for me. And as you move through the industry, it’s important to always check in with former bosses and co-workers to share with them your progress, and maybe you’ll learn about new opportunities too. Mentors are integral in entertainment, so staying connected to find the next gig is a strong way to move around.

What does a typical day in the office look like for you?

There are so many different parts of my day to day. I am part of the team that comes up with documentary film and series ideas. In order to get these projects sold by networks and streamers, we put together materials which include a written deck outlining what the story is and a 1 – 3 minute sizzle teasing the story and what it will look like on screen. I find new ideas, reach out to possible contributors, put together the written language and visuals for the deck, and then eventually pitch it to buyers! Sometimes we also take pitches from directors or producers who want to work on a project to develop and sell together.

How has Digital Studies influenced your career path?

The hands-on experience from Digital Studies gave me an upper hand while working on set for my first job. I knew the equipment and felt comfortable with the responsibility. Also, having to develop my own concepts while in college has enhanced my skills with my current creative capabilities.

Did you have a favorite Digital Studies professor when you were a student?

Professor Eric Hoyt! He really provides a Hollywood 101 course that can be extremely beneficial for life post-college. I took both Com Arts 155: Introduction to Digital Media Production and Com Arts 468: Producing for Internet TV and Video with him. I would strongly recommend taking anything by Professor Hoyt!

Do you have any advice for current students?

Go to the Comm Arts screenings! I know they are during annoying hours late in the day, but watching these films will help you later in your career as some of them are often referenced when coming up with new creative ideas. Also, take as many hands-on classes as you can; practicing what it might be like in the real world is a great way to improve your skills.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career thus far?

Honestly, all of it! I still can’t believe that I get to make documentary films and series – this was always the end goal, so it feels pretty cool to be living it.