How to get a job as a digital producer

Lynn Harris Mar 5, 2018

…with Ana Bretón, digital producer for The Drew Barrymore Show.

Ana is a twice-Emmy nominated director and producer who focuses her work on comedy, sketch and late night. She was the longest-tenured digital producer at the late night show Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and in 2019 she was chosen as a finalist for NBC’s Alternative Director Program, where she shadowed the directors at A Little Late with Lilly Singh. Ana has produced video content for IFC, DETAILS Magazine, GQ, UCB Comedy, and Brava, a video platform focusing on the Latina experience.

She was born in Mexico City, and si, habla Español. Follow her!

What’s your job/job title?

Digital Producer at The Drew Barrymore Show.

Did you always want to do this job?

Digital producing is a fairly new job in television. I didn’t know it existed, but I was interested in all the things it encompasses: directing, producing videos, and making a lot of behind the scenes content. I love letting people peek behind the curtain of a show. Plus, it’s really fun and silly at times.

What do you love most about your job?

I love figuring out different ways to let people experience the show through social media. I also love watching the show live, the energy on a set is incredible.

What skills are most important to have for your job?

Being versatile! In one day I could: produce a full video, take photos for the show, and/or contribute tweets for our show’s account. You never know what you’ll be doing that morning!

Are those skills that can be developed in other jobs, even outside of comedy?

Absolutely! There’s no school or major that teaches you how to produce online content. You learn bits and pieces from other jobs and experiences, and for me, it all came together here.

What are the challenges in your job related to your being outside the straight-white-dude norm?

TV and film continue to be run by mostly white men. I feel lucky to work in a diverse environment, but even then your voice can be drowned out sometimes. My advice: Be confident in your point of view, and make sure it’s heard. If we want to change the media landscape, we have to continue to chip until we’re seen and heard.

What is the most important thing a teen or young job-seeker can do if she wants YOUR JOB? Well, not YOUR job, but a job just like yours.

If you want to work at a TV show, find a mentor! Reach out to people you’re a fan of; you’d be surprised how many would be interested in mentoring you. Find internships or production assistant gigs, and most important, never give up!

What is most challenging about your job?

Coming up with creative ideas every day can be tiring, that’s why it’s important to have other interests. And take daily walks! You can’t be funny if you stare at a screen all day 🙂

Ana Bretón is currently a Digital Producer for The Drew Barrymore Show.

She was born in Mexico City, and si, habla Español. Follow her!

Ana Breton comedy how to The Drew Barrymore Show