Why I Intern at TFP: Madison Fraitag
By Stanley Meytin What story would you like to share?
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What are 5 interesting things about you?
- I recently wrote a play that was performed off-Broadway.
- I’ve been on the editorial board of my university’s weekly newspaper since my first semester of my freshman year. I’ve served as the Arts & Life Editor and the Design Editor and I’m currently working as the Creative Director.
- I love to cook and find ways to re-purpose leftovers into new meals.
- I’ve been sent to various leadership and training conferences in Austin, TX, St. Louis, MO, Seattle, WA, Indianapolis, IN, and New York, NY.
- I love traveling and hope to one day visit all 50 states.
Did you learn something new that you never thought you would?
I have learned many skills that I didn’t expect to learn as an intern at TFP, but I believe the most valuable lesson I have learned is to be a self-starter and that hard work and creative thinking will set you apart – not your previous experience or technical skills. Making a real effort to be a part of a team can be more important than knowing the most or having the most experience.
What project did you enjoy working on the most?
When I found out that we would be filming the Belmont Stakes I had no idea how hands-on my role would be. After weeks of pre-production planning, including drafting call sheets, shot lists, and day-of directions for the crew, I was able to serve as a production manager for one of our three crews on set. This experience was invaluable to me, teaching me how to lead and give direction in a hectic environment. TFP trusted me to work hard at something I am passionate about without supervision and allowed me to prove to them and myself that I have already grown since beginning here just a few months ago.
What moment at TFP are you most proud of?
The moment I am most proud of was one I did not expect to have. As a production intern, I expected to be working with the production department exclusively, but Stan and the TFP team saw that I had skills that could be used across the board, specifically in marketing. The moment I recall being most proud of was when my first blog was published on the TFP website and shared across our social media platforms. Not only was I trusted to be the authority on a topic I feel passionate about, but my words were shared with a large network of like-minded people. This was an experience I do not believe I could have had if not for TFP.
How important is team comradery at TFP?
Everything we do at TFP is a team effort. With the natural flow of marketing to sales to pre-production to post-production and back to marketing, the entire team gets their hands on every single project TFP produces. This process wouldn’t work as fluidly as it does if our team didn’t take the time to get to know one another and become friends as well as co-workers. With daily “Huddles” meetings and an open office, we are able to talk, laugh, learn, and grow together in a way that reflects in the work we produce.
