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One Media Arts and Studies student watched the recent premiere of the ABC comedy Cougar Town with great anticipation. Senior Caitlin Corns recently returned to Athens after spending two months in Culver City, California as an intern for Cougar Town. Corns returned from the internship with a rewarding experience and new insights about the television industry.

Corns, a video production major, received one of the most exciting internships the School of Media Arts and Studies has to offer. Provided through Ohio University alumnus Randall Winston, a long-time producer of Scrubs and now Cougar Town, Corns worked with the production company that makes both shows.

While in Culver City, Corns had a variety of duties, from getting coffee for the writers and producers of Scrubs to working on the Cougar Town set. Corns also filled in for production assistants. One of Corns’ most exciting days on set was when she got to protect actress Courtney Cox from the paparazzi. “The second assistant director told me to make sure I stayed in between Courteney and the paparazzi at all times…I had to jump in front of the shots so he wouldn’t be able to use them [the photos],” says Corns.

Aside from the production experience, the internship allowed Corns to gain the kind of knowledge about the industry that is difficult to learn in a classroom. In particular, Corns learned that networking is the key to success. “Anyone that I asked about how they got their job, they always responded that they got it through a friend,” says Corns.

Along with production experience and fresh insights into the creative industries, Corns returned to Athens with a clearer idea of what she wants to pursue after graduation. Corns began her internship with aspirations to write comedy for television. Through the opportunity to observe writers’ meetings, Corns is surer than ever of this goal. “This internship solidified what I wanted my job to be and I am extremely grateful for it.”

Corns say that her professors were huge influences on her ability to receive one of the most sought-after internships for Media Arts and Studies students. For those hoping to receive a top internship, Corns gives the following advice, “Make friends with your professors. Don’t suck up to them, just make an impression.”

For more information about the school of Media Arts and Studies, please visit http://www.mediaschool.ohiou.edu.