Ask a Former Assistant: (Christianna Wiggins, Creative Executive, Nonfiction TV Development at Hulu)

Christianna Wiggins

Creative Executive, Nonfiction TV Development, Hulu

Hi Christianna! Thank you so much for interviewing with us. Tell us more about your day-to-day as a Creative Executive in Nonfiction TV at Hulu. What is it like to work on hits such as The Kardashians and The D’Amelio Show?

Thank you for having me! I work for a small but mighty team at Hulu, which is awesome and allows me to be pretty hands-on. Consequently, everyday is totally different. For example, this past week, I spent two days working from home, primarily taking meetings (internal check-ins and pitches for new projects). checking in on our shows in development and production, and noting cuts. Then the following two days, I went to all-day casting sessions for one show, and on Friday, I was on set for a separate series. I have core responsibilities, like managing internal workflows, taking pitch meetings, shepherding projects through development and likewise through production, but each day fortunately looks a bit different.

It’s so fun to work on these shows! Docusoaps in particular are always fun because we’re pulling back the curtain on these folks’ real lives and as the saying goes, truth is stranger than fiction, so it’s always fun to see where the story takes us. I also feel honored to work on shows that hopefully interest and impact lots of people. It’s cool to see people watching and talking about something you had a part in making.   

Also, my incredible boss does the heavy-lifting on Kardashians, but I was actually the lead exec on S3 of The D'Amelio's, so shameless plug but please tune in!

I think there is a stigma that working in unscripted is less ‘cool’ than scripted or film (I’m allowed to say this as someone who also works in reality TV!). What draws you to unscripted in particular?

Ha, I love this question! So, I actually didn’t know this section of the TV industry even existed until I accidentally but fortuitously got a programming / development internship in my senior year of college. The internship was for an unscripted brand at NBCUniversal, and it was the first time I looked at my boss(es) at work and thought “I want to be you.” Afterwards, I knew unscripted was where I wanted to be. 

Beyond that pivotal moment, I am personally a fan of unscripted because there is an irreplicable element of surprise when you’re dealing with real people, and the genre is genuinely reflective of our society at any given point in time. It also doesn’t matter what you’re interested in—there is a show for you. It could be a skills-based competition like Top Chef or a more guilty-pleasure dating show like Love Island; there is something for everyone in unscripted. And ultimately, whether or not they admit to it, people love watching reality. I wouldn’t have a job if they didn’t!

Speaking of your senior year internship, you studied Journalism as an undergrad at the University of Southern California. Tell us more about how and why you transitioned from journalism to television content. Was that a natural transition?

Yes, journalism was a very natural transition, and I’ve since realized a lot of unscripted and documentary executives were journalism majors as well. There are a lot of transferable skills, like recognizing a good story, crafting said story, being personable, being on the pulse of what’s happening in the world, etc. I think journalism is just a different medium for telling a good story, and of course there are different parameters in news, but there is fortunately a lot of crossover.

Can you speak more to how your journalism background served you in television? What advice would you give to someone who, like you, may not have studied Film and Television undergrad but is eager to break into the ‘biz’?

It’s served me well. As previously mentioned, it provided me with great transferable skills, but journalism also honestly stoked my interest in other people’s lives and taught me that there’s always more to the story. Given my awesome internship, that would be my biggest piece of advice for someone truly just starting off. Look into internships or freelance work that can give you experience and will ultimately put you in the room with the right people.

Further, use your own network. If you find that someone you went to college with is working at a company you love, reach out to them for an informational interview, and if they say yes, keep in touch with them. Also, share with your friends when you’re looking for work and what type—you never know who may be connected to your next role. 

Before Hulu, you spent three years as a Creative Assistant on Netflix’s unscripted team. What attracts you to working for major streamers?

Streamers are great because there are no vertical restrictions. I love that someone can work on a true crime series and also a splashy dating show. It has afforded me a wealth of diverse experience but is also reflective of my own personal taste since I don’t watch just one type of show!  

Tell us about the jump from a Netflix Creative Assistant to a Hulu Manager—were you anxious for this transition? Did your previous role prepare you?

I wasn’t too anxious for the transition because I loved Netflix but I was eager for the next step. My previous role did prepare me very well. In my time there, the Creative Assistant role at Netflix was very hands-on, and I was able to get a ton of experience shadowing executives, which gave me the knowledge and confidence to step into an executive role myself.

Promotions seem harder to come by than ever these days. Do you recommend that assistants apply externally for their promotions? Or did you consider growing within?

Yes, but there are a few caveats. It’s important to be realistic with your timeline and also acknowledge the state of the industry, but if a promotion feels unlikely after a significant amount of time and you’re also killing it in the role, it could be time to look elsewhere. I recommend first having an honest talk with your manager about timelines and also looking to your peers to see when they earned promotions. During this talk with a manager, ask for concrete milestones / steps on the path to a promotion, so you can demonstrate once you achieve them. And although we all love looking ahead, it is important to have patience because it typically is about the headcount on a team and less of a personal attack. 

However, if you feel your value isn’t being recognized or acknowledged after several years, don’t wait around for folks to start recognizing it. You’re ultimately in charge of your own career; what may be top of mind for you, could be the last thing on your boss’s mind. 

And what skills from your assistant days still serve you today?

It’s less of a particular skill and more of everything that is soaked up as an assistant. As assistants, especially if you’re a hard-working and ambitious person, it’s natural to look ahead but please be sure to pay attention to everything going on around you. Nearly everything I saw or heard has come in handy. Whether it’s listening to how your boss speaks to external partners while rolling calls, or paying attention to talent fees. Even down to the language used when discussing a project, it is all useful. You will of course have help (you do not personally need to know what the right talent fee is), but having those miscellaneous points of reference will give you more confidence and credibility as you step into an executive role. 

Finally, what is your foremost advice for industry hopefuls and up-and-comers?

1. As annoying or tiring as it can be, networking is super important. The entertainment industry relies heavily on relationships, so it’s in your best interest to start making lasting ones, as soon as you can. It’s very true that people move up together, so it’s important to know your peers.The agent assistants I scheduled with are now the same agents I work with. 

2. (Disclaimer, this is a bit cliche but it’s true!) Be persistent and work hard, but don’t be too hard on yourself. No two paths lookthesame, so if you’re confident in your talents and ability, it may just take longer to achieve your goal,but it’s always possible. Try not to compare or beat yourself up because it’s happening faster for other people. Hard work and determination truthfully weed out many people, so maintain focus and believe in yourself more than anyone else.You will reach your goals.