When students enter the Career Center at Columbia College Chicago, more than likely they will receive a friendly smile and a warm greeting from senior Film & Television major Sam Santana, who holds an integral role as one of the student workers assisting students in career-related needs. Few people knew until now, he spent this past summer as a development intern at one of the most well-respected companies in the world, Apple Studios in Culver City, CA. This experience has put him on the fast track to success.
Originally from Peoria, Arizona, and a graduate of Centennial High School, Sam’s desire to work in the film industry began at an early age. “My love for film dates back to my childhood. My parents, who I wouldn't classify as cinephiles but are definitely fans of great films, showed my brother and me a diverse range of films, from Martin Scorsese's Taxi Driver to Luis Valdez's La Bamba, and from Blake Edwards' Breakfast at Tiffany's to the Coen Brothers' classic, Raising Arizona.”
Like many students, before attending Columbia College Chicago, Sam dived into his passion for film headfirst by experimenting and honing his craft collaborating with others. “I began writing and directing short films with a close friend of mine, Phil. One of the films, Closing Doors, which I wrote, directed, and starred in, was an official selection for the Phoenix Film Festival.”
After attending Scottsdale School of Film & Theatre at Scottsdale Community College (SCC), and earning his associate degree in Film and a certificate in Screenwriting, Sam took a recommendation to heart, and took the leap of faith to attend Columbia College Chicago. “One of my professors at SCC recommended Columbia College Chicago as a great place. Having been born and raised in Arizona, and I was seeking a change of scenery. I was impressed by the college's hands-on, career-driven approach. Not to mention the notable alumni like Aidy Bryant and Lena Waithe. Aidy Bryant is also from Arizona! So, I have a perfect icebreaker if I ever run into her.”
With Columbia’s proactive approach to courses, Sam was able to continue his learning process without missing a beat, while his true calling in screenwriting started to take shape. “My first experience in writing TV scripts was in the Writing the Television Pilot course with Missy Hernandez. It was not only a great class to workshop a pilot script but also provided an excellent overview of television genres and conventions.
Also, I took a Screen Treatment and Presentation course with Tony Vitale, which helped me improve my presentation skills. Additionally, I also have a minor in Arts Management, and learning more about the business side of entertainment has been insightful.”
With a plethora of skills under his belt, Sam set out to make summer 2024 a season of learning outside the classroom. One of the many things he learned working in the Career Center is that research, applying early, and having prepared materials, gives one a leg up on the competition. “A previous Career Center staff member, Valerie Robbins, brought the internship to my attention when it first landed on Handshake. I reviewed the job posting, and I was amazed at how great of an opportunity it was. I had my resume and application materials reviewed by the Career Center advisors right away so I could be one of the early applicants. I was invited to interview in November 2023 and had a total of two interviews, both with the creative executives overseeing the internship. I didn’t hear back until after the holidays and was officially offered the position in January 2024, which was a great way to start the new year!”
Sam’s stay in California opened his eyes to the possibilities within the industry. Getting to work side-by-side with creators served to heighten his desires. “I have always been passionate about writing, but my internship introduced me to opportunities in creative development. My internship also gave me insight into other roles within a writer’s room, such as the Script Coordinator, who is responsible for keeping track of revisions and ensuring that the latest scripts are distributed to the teams. The experience was extremely eye-opening, and I left with a better understanding of how the industry operates, along with some great connections. The work I did felt like it aligned perfectly with what I seek in a career: working with a talented and creative team with a shared goal of creating great stories.”
Employed at the Career Center since 2022, Sam’s role as a student worker was a perfect fit due to his outgoing nature and ability to empathize with others. “It’s been a great way to meet other Columbia students outside my major. I've always enjoyed being a helping hand whenever I can. As a first-generation college student and transfer student, I understand how overwhelming everything can be. I enjoy assisting students in any way I can, which typically involves helping them with their on-campus job paperwork and promoting the Career Center's services.”
As Sam begins the home stretch to his academic career at Columbia, he shared some words of wisdom for students seeking internships. “I understand the frustration that comes with applying to numerous internships and facing rejection or no response. It's easy to compare ourselves to those who have secured internships and feel insecure about our own situation. However, it's important to remember that even those who have been accepted likely faced numerous rejections before finding success. Focusing on what you can control, such as refining your application materials and continuing to seek out opportunities, is crucial during this time. Remember, it's a numbers game – the more applications you submit, the greater your chances of landing something.”
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