How the Netflix x Otis Access Program Helped Tahnee Corea Get Her First Job in Entertainment Marketing
The program was created to develop a talent pipeline and pathway into entertainment marketing through education and mentorship.
Last December, a dozen students presented their entertainment marketing capstone projects from the stage of Netflix’s Tudum Theater in Hollywood. Standing in front of their work, which was projected onto a full-size movie screen behind them, the students discussed case studies of favorite movie campaigns, posters they designed for mock clients, or shared their finished portfolios, resumes, and interview materials to be used towards an apprenticeship or job application. The students were from the first cohort of Access, a Netflix x Otis Entertainment Certificate Program, and proof that a program combining industry-focused instruction with an apprenticeship and mentorship, could turn out graduates ready for professional careers in 20 months.
Of the 18 students who enrolled in the Netflix x Otis Access program in fall 2023, 16 are employed by industry at recognized brands such as Marvel Studios, Dotdash, and Major Major and by Netflix’s agency partners which include BLT Communications, Gravillis, MOCEAN, WMA, Motive and others. The partnership between Netflix and Otis College was designed to develop a talent pipeline and provide a pathway into entertainment marketing careers through focused coursework, mentorship, and apprenticeship. All students received a full-tuition scholarship and took classes at Otis’s Los Angeles campus.They engaged with prominent guest speakers and received one-on-one mentorship with entertainment industry professionals and top art and design instructors. At the culmination of their instruction students participated in a graduation ceremony hosted at Netflix’s Hollywood offices prior to being placed in paid professional apprenticeships for six-months with one of the company’s marketing agency partners.
One such graduate is Tahnee Corea, an apprentice key art designer currently working at BLT Communications, a creative agency specializing in entertainment marketing that is responsible for iconic creative behind hit movies like Silence of the Lambs, Dirty Dancing, and Barbie, to name a few. The Los Angeles native recently shared more about her experience in the Netflix x Otis Access program and how it’s supporting her career goals.
How did you learn about the Netflix x Otis Access program?
I found out about the program through my boss and friend Jane Brucker who works as the head of the drawing studio at Loyola Marymount University. She always knew I wanted to use my art for film and she sent me the application. I knew I had to apply because it sounded too good to be true.
What art and design experience did you have prior to attending the program?
I studied animation for four years at Loyola Marymount University, focusing on character design and experimental animation. I then worked as a video editor and digital specialist for the organization galerie PLUTO, where I wore many hats. I worked with both scientists and artists to showcase their work through video featurettes, social media campaigns, webinars, and exhibitions, and key art for their sites and social media accounts.
Did you know what a career in entertainment marketing entailed before the program?
As a massive horror fan I’ve admired movie posters for Evil Dead and Rosemary’s Baby and was critical of what people called “floating head” posters, where we see talent front and center with a big logo and release date. I now know that “floating heads” are called “montages” and are just one of many types of posters released in a film campaign. Now that I’m in this industry I know that it takes a lot of back and forth, experimentation, and collaboration to get to the final result.
“There’s always a lot of vision behind a concept and a lot of opinions and hands on it. Now I have an appreciation for every poster campaign that I see because I know what it takes to get to a finish.”
I’m still in awe of the amount of work that goes into getting to that one pay-off poster that causes a lot of debate online. You have to sell the tone and idea of a film in a single image. There’s always a lot of vision behind a concept and a lot of opinions and hands on it. Now I have an appreciation for every poster campaign that I see—whether I love it or not—because I know what it takes to get to a finish.
Who were some of your mentors in the Netflix x Otis Access program?
My greatest mentors in the program were Walter Gutierrez and Reema Elghossain. Walter is a head illustrator at BLT Communications and was my first mentor in the program; he continues to mentor me today as I look to expand my skills in illustration. He has shown me that he sees value in me as a person, beyond my abilities as a creative.
Reema is the Program Manager for Access. She has been our biggest supporter and has always advocated for us. I still remember the moment I met Reema for my first interview. I felt nervous and intimidated, but within minutes of speaking to her I knew I was meant to be in the program. Thankfully she felt the same way and she has provided me with the opportunity to grow professionally.
What kinds of creative breakthroughs did you experience during the program?
The most important breakthrough I’ve had is that there’s a difference between humility and confidence. Avoid using negative terms and phrases when describing your growth in the workplace. Use positive terms when asking for help or describing areas of improvement. You don’t need to make yourself small to show admiration and respect for others. You can respect others while asking them to do the same for you.
What are some of your favorite creative tools you learned in the program?
I love that I’ve always been encouraged to go big and bold in my ideas for the first round of a project. Ignore a potential budgetary constraint—just go for it! You can always pull back later and there might be some other interesting ideas there that will be used for the next round. That being said, always have safe ideas at your disposal so you have all of your bases covered.
What advice would you share with anyone considering the Netflix x Otis Access program?
If you have even a speck of interest in art and film, apply for the program. A lot of what you’ll learn is transferable to many other areas. The program will expose you to numerous industry professionals and resources that can only improve your talents.
What are your career goals and plans for the future?
I aspire to become an art director at an agency before expanding into immersive events and experiences like theme parks. I’ve always been fascinated by the marketing of Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The marketing campaign for the original horror icon The Director was one of the first campaigns that sparked my interest in entertainment marketing. I’d love to be able to translate beloved horror films and IPs into mazes, scare zones, merchandising, and digital campaigns through my key art, illustration, and copywriting skills.
Photography by Sarah Galonka/Otis College of Art and Design.
Applications for the next cohort of the Netflix x Otis Access Entertainment Certificate Program will open this summer. Learn more!
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