Therese Lagrimas
My journey in entertainment started in middle school when I got placed in a computer class that turned out to be video production with iMovie. The teacher wanted me to join the middle school news program, and even though I said no because I wanted to do yearbook, she put me in the class anyway, and that started everything. In high school, I pursued video production at a CTE-verified school that specialized in live broadcasts. I did live event planning for football, baseball, basketball, and special events like scholar bowls, senior pageants, and musicals. By my junior year, I was chief production officer, leading and planning all these broadcasts, managing crew and camera setup, and writing scripts for our school news that was broadcasted live on YouTube. When I got to UC Irvine as a Film and Media Studies major, my parents were so supportive - they asked why I was applying to business as a backup when I was good at film. I really put my all into it and dabbled in many industries throughout college, which helped me figure out that I wanted to be in music and sports and fields that do short-form entertainment or content. One of my biggest highlights was being part of the Beats Academy program for a class of 25 where we worked with Jordan Childs to create a social media campaign featuring Beats headphones. I photographed the key campaign visuals with my friend Deja, and that experience really cemented my confidence in the field. Right now I'm assisting talent agent Mike McConnell at Breakpoint Booking in the comedy department, learning how to create emails, booking appointments and offers. I'm also a student ambassador at Assistance vs. Agents, which started as a meme page and is now a resource for entry-level people trying to get into the entertainment industry. I edit episodic lecture videos as a multimedia production intern for the Pomera School of Business, and I'm directing Zot Sessions for Anteater TV where I helped kickstart our version of NPR's Tiny Desk called the Music Box. I also volunteer my photography skills for Camp Kesem, a nonprofit that raises money for kids whose parents have cancer, and I've been photographing their week-long summer camp for the past two years. Even though UCI isn't known for their arts like Chapman University is for film, being there has taught me how to be very resourceful and really grind and utilize my network to get as far as I could.
• UC Irvine - Double Major in Film and Media Studies and Literary Journalism (graduating 2026)
• Regent Scholar
• Regent Scholar at UC Irvine
• Beats Academy Program (Class of 25)
• Films worked on accepted to film festivals
• Assistance vs. Agents (Student Ambassador)
• Anteater TV
• Sorority at UC Irvine
• Camp Kesem - Media and Photography Volunteer
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was from my French professor my first year. I had a B in class and asked how I could raise it, and she told me that my studies or anything I add to my life should be to enrich my life, even if it's not school-related. I took that advice and applied it to my personal mindset with work. It really shaped how I approach opportunities - if it won't hurt you, say yes to things that could enrich your life in various ways, and it doesn't have to be career-related, it can be personal too. Especially as a freshman and sophomore in college, I would say yes to everything, because you never know where that could take you.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say if it won't hurt you, say yes to things that could enrich your life in various ways. It doesn't have to be career-related, it can be personal. That was advice I got from my French professor my first year, and I took it to heart. Especially as a freshman and sophomore in college, I'd say yes to everything, because you never know where that could take you. Another thing would be don't let any organization, any job, or anything kind of dictate who you are as a person. Have an identity outside your work, because if you do, if things go wrong, at least you'll still be cemented in who you are and you won't have that negativity attached to you if things go wrong. You never know what could happen, but when things go wrong, things always go right.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Work-life balance is really important to me. Even though my day is so heavy with administrative stuff, it's good to do more creative stuff, even if I have to do it at a weird time like late night shoots from 9 to 11 p.m. Every Tuesday, me and my friends go to their apartment after our Camp Kesem meeting just to hang out, and being in my sorority in college also helps me find that work-life balance too. I also really love the industries I get to work in because of the many people you get to meet and the many stories that can help you either change or affirm your mindset in your life. That's what I love about it, how engaging it gets to be, and through these people, if you form meaningful connections, then it will open doors for you. I find that continues to happen regardless if I'm trying or not.
Locations
Assistants vs. Agents
40394 Hannah Way, Murrieta & Irvine, CA 92563