WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING IN THE MAILROOM OF A TALENT AND LITERARY AGENCY?

Working in the mailroom of a talent and literary agency can be a fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding experience. The mailroom is often the entry-level position at these types of agencies, and it provides a crucial foundation for understanding the workings of the entertainment industry.

One of the main tasks of a mailroom assistant is to sort and deliver mail, packages, and scripts to the various departments within the agency. This requires a strong sense of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask effectively. In addition to sorting and delivering mail, mailroom assistants may also be responsible for answering phones, scheduling appointments, and performing other administrative duties.

Working in the mailroom of a talent and literary agency can be a high-pressure environment, as assistants are expected to work long hours and handle a high volume of tasks with a sense of urgency. They must be able to prioritize their workload and handle multiple projects and deadlines at once. However, this pressure can also be a valuable learning experience, as it prepares assistants for the fast-paced and high-stakes nature of the entertainment industry.

One of the benefits of working in the mailroom of a talent and literary agency is the opportunity to network and build relationships with industry professionals. Mailroom assistants may have the chance to interact with high-level executives, agents, and clients, which can provide valuable insights into the workings of the entertainment industry. Additionally, many successful entertainment industry professionals got their start in the mailroom, so working in this position can be a valuable stepping stone to a successful career in the industry.

The mailroom-to-boardroom trajectory is a well-known Hollywood legend. Many of today’s influential entertainment industry executives and CEOs began their careers in humble positions, including working in mailrooms. Here are some of the most notable figures:

1. Barry Diller: The former Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures and the founder of Fox Broadcasting Company began his career in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency.
2. David Geffen: A founder of Asylum Records, Geffen Records, and DreamWorks SKG, Geffen started his entertainment career in the mailroom at the William Morris Agency.
3. Michael Ovitz: Before co-founding Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and serving as its chairman, as well as later being the President of The Walt Disney Company, Ovitz was in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency.
4. Ron Meyer: The former Vice Chairman of NBCUniversal and one of the founders of Creative Artists Agency (CAA) began his Hollywood journey in the mailroom of the Paul Kohner Agency in Los Angeles.
5. Bill Haber: Another notable figure to start in the mailroom at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Haber went on to become a significant player in the industry.
6. Ted Ashley: Before becoming the chairman of Warner Bros., Ashley began in the mailroom of the William Morris Agency.
7. Bernie Brillstein: A renowned talent manager, producer, and executive, Brillstein’s entertainment career took off from the mailroom of the William Morris Agency.

The mailroom stories of these individuals have often been cited as inspirational tales of hard work, persistence, and understanding the industry from the ground up. While starting in a mailroom doesn’t guarantee success, these individuals showcase that with determination and talent, one can rise from the most humble beginnings to attain significant positions in the entertainment world.

The long-standing tradition of starting employees in the mailroom isn’t so much about handling mail as it is about understanding the foundation of the business from the ground up. There are several reasons why previous mailroom experience is valued:

1. Understanding the Business: The mailroom provides a panoramic view of the industry. Employees handle mail for all departments and often become familiar with the different facets of the agency or studio, from talent and literary representation to production and legal affairs.
2. Networking: Starting in the mailroom allows new employees to interact with everyone, from fellow newcomers to top executives, building invaluable relationships that can be leveraged throughout their careers.
3. Grit and Determination: The mailroom job can be grueling and humbling. Those who excel there demonstrate a level of dedication and determination that’s valued in the fast-paced, often challenging environment of entertainment.
4. Learning the Company Culture: Before moving into specialized roles, understanding the company’s operations and culture from the ground up can be immensely beneficial. The mailroom provides this foundational experience.
5. Flexibility: Mailroom employees often take on a variety of tasks beyond sorting and delivering mail. This might include reading scripts, helping agents prepare for meetings, or assisting with administrative tasks. This range of experience makes them adaptable and versatile — qualities essential in the dynamic world of entertainment.
6. Historical Precedence: Since so many of the industry’s top executives and agents started in mailrooms, there’s a belief in the value of that foundational experience. It’s seen as a rite of passage.
7. Entry Point for Many: The mailroom is often one of the few entry points into top agencies or studios for those without connections. This means there’s a high level of competition for these positions, ensuring that those who secure them are often highly motivated and ambitious.

In essence, the mailroom isn’t just a place for sorting mail; it’s sorting talent to fill positions within the company. The experience gleaned there is seen as fundamental in understanding the business and building the resilience needed to navigate the world of entertainment.

The path from the mailroom to becoming an agent within a talent or literary agency is often regarded as a rite of passage in the entertainment industry. It’s a rigorous journey, filled with hard work, determination, networking, and a constant learning curve. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of this career trajectory:

1. Mailroom Worker:
   • Responsibilities: Sorting and delivering mail, running errands, and possibly handling basic administrative duties.
   • Learning Opportunities: Familiarizing oneself with the agency’s inner workings, understanding the roles of various departments, and beginning to network with colleagues.
2. Desk Assignments:
   • After a certain period or demonstrating a keen understanding of the agency’s operations, a mailroom worker might get the chance to “cover” or temporarily fill in for assistants to agents or executives.
   • This offers firsthand exposure to higher-level operations and the chance to interact directly with clients and other industry professionals.
3. Agent Assistant (or Assistant to an Agent):
   • Transition: If a mailroom worker proves themselves while covering desks, they may be promoted to an agent’s assistant. This is a more permanent desk position, directly under an agent.
   • Responsibilities: Managing the agent’s calendar, setting up meetings, handling phone calls, liaising with clients, and continuing to read scripts and provide coverage.
   • Skill Development: This role sharpens multitasking abilities, understanding of client management, and deeper insights into script evaluations.
4. Junior Agent or Coordinator:
   • Promotion: After several years of experience and demonstrating an aptitude for talent or literary representation, an assistant might be promoted to a junior agent or coordinator position.
   • Responsibilities: At this level, they begin to take on clients but still operate under the guidance of senior agents. They learn the nuances of contract negotiations, develop their client rosters, and start to make deals.
5. Agent:
   • Transition: After succeeding as a junior agent or coordinator and proving they can independently manage clients and close deals, they can be promoted to a full agent.
   • Responsibilities: Representing clients, negotiating deals, scouting for new talent, and building and maintaining a strong roster of clients.

Additional Notes:

• Networking: Throughout this trajectory, building relationships is crucial. Networking with colleagues, clients, studios, producers, and other industry professionals can open doors to opportunities and information.
• Continuous Learning: The entertainment industry is dynamic. To succeed, one has to keep abreast of trends, shifts in the marketplace, and emerging talent.
• Tenure: It’s not uncommon for the journey from the mailroom to agent to span several years. The timeframe varies depending on the individual’s aptitude, the agency’s size and policies, and the opportunities that arise.

While this trajectory is a general guideline, everyone’s journey is unique. Some may rise rapidly, while others might take longer paths, perhaps moving laterally into different departments or roles before becoming agents. Regardless of the path, perseverance, a deep understanding of the industry, and people skills are essential ingredients for success.

While working in the mailroom of a talent and literary agency can be demanding, it can also be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those interested in the entertainment industry. Even an individual who intends to pursue a creative career such as a screenwriter can find value in the perspective they will have gained from being on the other side of the business for a short time. The experience and knowledge gained in the mailroom can provide a strong foundation for future career growth and success.