Internship with Diane Keaton, Blue Relief
Internship with Diane Keaton at Blue Relief
Summer 1998 — Blue Relief Productions
During the summer of 1998, I interned for Diane Keaton’s production company, Blue Relief. It was my first experience inside a working Hollywood office, and it opened my eyes to the business side of film; the part they didn’t teach in film school at the time.
I worked across pre-production tasks, served as an administrative assistant, and helped coordinate an office move. But most importantly, I was trusted with script coverage. Reading submissions, analyzing story arcs, and writing executive summaries taught me how producers evaluate material; not only as artists, but as decision-makers responsible for budgets, casting, and commercial viability.
I also learned the art of composure. Speaking calmly and professionally to high-profile talent without hesitation was essential. When calls came in from recognizable voices in film and television, my responsibility was to greet them properly and transfer them without disruption. That kind of poised, discreet communication became one of the most valuable skills I carried into my career.
That internship showed me there was an entire career built around developing and championing ideas. It was the first time I understood that producing is its own craft; part creative, part strategic. It is what ultimately drew me back to Los Angeles after graduation.
When I returned to LA in 2000 in search of a job, it was Diane’s assistant who sent me the UTA Job List, a private industry job board at the time. That list led to my first real job in Hollywood.
“You have done an excellent job with this coverage. You have both strong writing and analytical skills which will serve you well if you continue to pursue your interest in coming to Hollywood… Thanks again for being such a hardworking intern.”