Meet Cathy Campo | Founder, The Hollywood Assistant / Ex-Netflix / Incoming MBA Candidate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cathy Campo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cathy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In addressing one of Hollywood’s most pressing issues—the industry’s inaccessibility—I recognized a need for change. Historically, the entertainment sector has maintained a closed loop, privileging those from connections and affluent backgrounds that can afford the unpaid internships and minimum wage entry-level roles. Hollywood’s exclusivity is poisoning itself; this lack of diversity on the inside is reflected in the dearth of inclusive programming on the outside.

Raised in a New Jersey suburb without Hollywood ties, I encountered firsthand the barriers to entry. Coming off three years at Netflix, I have since found my way in. Leveraging my writing background, fine-tuned from journalism internships and a major in playwriting, I decided to channel my insights into the business into a tangible solution. Thus, “The Hollywood Assistant” was born—a platform dedicated to democratizing access to insider knowledge and serving as a conduit for aspiring industry professionals. Through a free monthly e-newsletter and podcast, I sought to equip others with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the notoriously competitive Hollywood landscape. I ask leaders at Hulu, NBC, Showtime, and Paramount+ what I would have wanted to know when first starting out in the business: “How did you land your first entry-level job? What do you look for in the people you hire? What would you have done differently in your career?”

Since its inception in February 2023, “The Hollywood Assistant” has experienced exponential growth, garnering recognition as a “forum for entry-level showbiz workers” by Business Insider. I served as Editor-in-Chief for a year before handing the role off to our new fabulous leaders: Natalie Lifson (Buchwald) and Lucy Stover (More / Medavoy Management). We are proud to have cultivated a community of nearly 3,000 subscribers driven by a shared passion for industry accessibility. The success of “The Hollywood Assistant” underscores the necessity for continued efforts to dismantle entrenched barriers within the field.

What should our readers know about your business?
At the core of “The Hollywood Assistant”‘s mission is a commitment to fostering inclusivity and community within the entertainment industry. Through carefully curated content and insightful interviews, we aim to empower early-career and aspiring entertainment professionals with the resources needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. What sets us apart is our team’s unwavering dedication to paying it back. I’ve been lucky to have countless industry mentors and former bosses (you know who you are!) who have spent precious time and energy sharing their insights. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Think of “The Hollywood Assistant” as your own mentor.

Although time-consuming, I make a point of setting aside time to talk to as many students as my schedule allows. I have a slew of driven mentees who regularly reach out for resume advice and career questions—one of whom I even hosted in my home to show her Los Angeles and introduce her to other industry folks. I’m especially outspoken about women supporting women. Roles at the top are still very male-dominated. We need to help one another and lift each other up. Following my MBA, I hope to return to entertainment to make even more impactful strides.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a west side lover. I used to joke with my friends that I’d never been east of the Netflix office. In Venice, we would stroll the canals while pausing to pet dogs, window shop along Abbot Kinney (obligatory ice cream break at Salt & Straw), and stop for iconic smoothies at Erewhon. I’m a long-distance runner, so I’d probably also force my guest to run at least a few miles on the beach with me (I’m sorry to the numerous house guests I’ve already made do this. It seems worse now that I’m reading it back). As a major foodie, you can expect brunch at either Great White or Layla Bagels and dinner at Saffy’s or Pace. Sunday is reserved for Smorgasburg and a food coma nap. And maybe a Magic Castle reservation if I can snag a referral. I’ve been a handful of times, and I’m pretty obsessed.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who have played an instrumental role in bringing “The Hollywood Assistant” to fruition. Their unwavering commitment to our shared mission has been nothing short of inspiring. Natalie and Lucy, thank you for allowing me to make the easiest decision by naming you the new co-Editors-in-Chief. I’m honored that the mission resonates with you, and it’s been wonderful to see how you’ve carried on its legacy. I also extend my appreciation to my incredible podcast co-host, John Brahan, and our Head of Social Media, Alexa D’Ambrosio.

Additionally, I’m deeply grateful to the myriad assistants and executives who have generously shared their time and insights, enriching our platform and fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship. We owe “The Hollywood Assistant”’s success to you.

Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hollywood-assistant/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_hollywoodassistant/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-campo-8b1820143/

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nVj0lUUPAc5U4GxvOzyIQ?si=lEUtvjIPRqG1NOrHeUWPOA

Image Credits
THE HOLLYWOOD ASSISTANT’ LOGO: ROvAN MEDIA