I went through Zig's program about 4 years ago when I moved back to LA from NY. The best way I can describe it is a bootcamp. The poor reviews don't surprise me, the good reviews don't surprise me. I'm a sensitive flower and the first couple weeks, I drove home in tears. After a couple weeks, I had developed that "thick skin" that all job applications will ask you to have. I was there for about a month and got an agency job, a jump I hadn't been able to manage beforehand. It wasn't easy or pleasant, but I'm very glad I did it. The biggest thing you'll get from RV is a network of peers that are all moving up in entertainment with you. My fellow intern alumns are now some of my closest friends in LA and it's awesome seeing them kick ass in their careers. Believe it or not, as soon as you graduate, Zig is sweet as pie. He's been my first call when I need brutally honest career advice. I like being a part of this close-knit network and it's strange that the brief month I spent there years ago continues to pay off today. read more

I worked with Zig on a true crime docuseries, and he was totally on top of things. Easy to work with, great attitude, and helpful even post project. I would jump at the opportunity to work with him and his team again. Absolutely reccomend. read more

This place is a joke. Don't work here, and by work I mean take an internship because there are no actual paid employees. The internship program is a big scam to get free labor, but what you're actually doing is questionable since these "studios" haven't produced anything except for one reality show that never aired. Don't take my word for it, look them up on imdb. Nobody that's serious in LA has ever heard of them. If you're going to work for free at least do it somewhere reputable that has connections, and never ever believe that getting a rigorous entertainment business internship means having to put up with an abusive, controlling supervisor named Zig. Apparently he just likes to take out his frustration over his shortcomings in the entertainment business on an office full of college students and recent grads. He actually had the audacity to yell at someone during an interview for not bringing a leather-bound portfolio. I wouldn't trust any of the other reviews on here (11 filtered when I checked) because they're all fake - note that they're all first reviews. Probably made by interns that Zig forced to write them. read more

I worked at Red Varden Studios under the leadership and alongside the company's president, Zig Gauthier, for over a year. In that time, I learned more about the film business and hard work than I ever did in either film school or working production. When it comes to casting, I can't recommend Zig enough. There is nobody that Zig cannot find, sweet talk and bring on board whatever project he's associated with. Whether the character(s) you need is living remotely and off the grid in the wilds of Alaska, or working as a too-too seamstress in Stotts City, Missouri - he WILL find them and sign them! He works fast and to say he's detail oriented is a vast understatement. Zig is also an incredibly talented writer. Whether you need simple like a character beat-sheet, a one-sheet or a bit more detailed like a treatment or pitch deck, he has it covered. His level of commitment to any given project is unparalleled - he will outwork anyone and everyone in the room. A fact he prides himself on. On set, Zig is incredibly focused and very zen. As we all know, there's no such thing as a good surprise when you're on set. He will identify potential problems before they arise. Another positive is that nothing will ruffle his feathers - he takes challenges as they come and focuses on solutions. Finally, I can't fully express how vast Zig's network of connections is. Having worked as an executive at a number networks, including Fox and SyFy, he has connections all over Los Angeles and beyond. He seems to know everyone and everyone seems to know him. Zig is connected with all the big players, whether it's at a network, studio, agency, management or production company, he generally has a contact or some sort of in. If you're doing background research on either Red Varden Studios or its principal, Zig Gauthier, and deciding whether or not to utilize or hire either, do yourself a favor and get him on your team before somebody else does. read more

Where do I start. First let me say I read the other reviews of this company's training program before I attended the interview with the Owner. Despite the warnings I decided to follow through with the meeting. I am new to Los angeles and like many I am looking for a way to get into the entertainment industry. Here is what I liked and things I found unsettling. Things I liked 1. I liked how nice all the other 20+ non paid interns were. (No one in the office was a paid employee except for the owner.) 2. It was definitely a learning experience, Hollywood can be brutal. Things I disliked The owner was very much abrasive and dismissal. He asked me questions, then criticized everything I said. I was criticized about my Name (I'm not joking), my business degree, my inexperience in the industry, my aspirations within the industry and my attire (dress pants and a cardigan) I should have bought a women's business suit I suppose. Also while waiting in the office to be called in I noticed there were a few movie posters hanging on the wall, however I didn't recognize any of them which made me believe the company projects probably weren't that successful. Since I declined the internship offer, (he said I needed to give him 3 days a week, I work full time so can only do 2.) I will not say this program is a scam or useless. However I will say even without scheduling conflicts I would not take the job because if I am going to work for free I expect to be treated like nothing less than human. If you are entertaining the idea of interviewing with this company, be aware that all the Hollywood stereotypes that you have heard about surrounding rude, arrogant and ego driven individuals all answer true with this man. By all means go to the interview, see for yourself then decide. It was a very unpleasant experience for me but it was still an experience. read more

The Red Varden Internship is a valuable one to say the least. I have to disagree with the previous yelper. In the few months that I have been there I have learned serious hands on skills. I am not running to get coffee or printing papers. I am doing administrative work as well as learning everything you need to know to get you to the next level. Rolling calls, casting, logging, script coverage etc. Every day is exciting and challenging. I have learned skills that can be applied to any job for that matter. As you are learning skills in the entertainment industry and creating/assisting with projects you are also learning how to be a professional. Every week I see people left and right getting jobs because of this program. It may be challenging but its worth it! As far as Zigs attitude, he is not abusive. He is an informative stern leader. A lax attitude isn't always going to push you to do your best. I have yet to witness anything but positivity from Zig and all of the interns there. read more

Zig Gauthier Review Several months ago, I had the pleasure of being interviewed for an episode of Executed with Deborah Norville, a program produced by Zig Gauthier. Zig initially contacted me requesting the interview on a homicide investigation involving Aileen Wuornos, that I had been involved in and set everything up to accommodate my busy schedule. I am not often in one location for too long so there were a considerable amount of logistics involved. Zig arranged the interview locally for me and had Jeff Eberle set everything up on the local level. The interview with Deb went extremely well, though we were thousands of miles apart at the time. All of Zig and Jeff's work made the interview quite easy to participate in. I watched the finished product when the episode aired. Although I have conducted dozens of interviews globally on this investigation, this project was among the best. The entire crew displayed true professionalism throughout the project and the show accurately portrayed the subject matter, something that was missed on many other programs. I have high praise not only for the work that Zig did, but the manner in which it was conducted so that everything flowed smoothly. It was a pleasure working with Zig. read more

I owe much of my career success to Zig and the Red Varden Program. I currently work at Bravo and formerly worked at FremantleMedia - two huge and recognizable companies that I would have had NO access to had it not been for this program and it's network of current and former graduates. Zig is hard because he cares. When you go out into the industry, you're a representative of your former employers and the the coworkers that came up with you. If your resume is formatted improperly, you don't know the difference between an agent and a manager, and are unwilling to apply yourself to the program - you'll have a difficult time. Alas - you'll also have the most to gain from this educational and challenging program. For the hackers out there that complain or undermine Zig's influence - over 400 people have graduated from the program and currently work at major networks in both broadcast and cable (CBS, ABC, Bravo, E!, etc.), top agencies (CAA, WME, Abrams, Innovative, etc.) and production companies of all sizes (Fremantle, Eyeworks, Good Clean Fun, etc.). This is not an accident and specifically is traceable to his influence as a teacher and mentor. As far as Red Varden Studios' work - they just sold a project to MTV and are working on a digital project with one of the largest online stars/talents in the world. They also closed two film deals recently and are expanding into feature length film - no doubt because of the number of professionals that he's groomed that now work at major studios. Zig personally has worked on History Channel's Top Shot, Syfy's Ghost Hunters, Spike's Auction Hunters, TV One's R&B Divas Los Angeles, Travel Channel's Spring Breaking Point and will be working on Fox's BIG upcoming fall series UTOPIA. He's also a former exec from Fox - something you're not going to find on IMDB, so stop the hating. These credits reflect a true professional who is widely regarded with respect and trust. If you're ready for the big leagues, or at least want to find out if you are - then Red Varden Studios is a fantastic collaborative partner in that journey. read more

You won't find a harder working veteran than Zig Gauthier. He is passionate, professional, and always looking for great new projects. His knowledge of the industry is beyond compare, and his drive to continue to find the next big thing makes him an amazing asset to any production. I had the pleasure of working with Zig on a few projects, as well as a few he was not a part of, but happened because of him. He passed my info along and helped me find some amazing opportunities. He is a true believer in networking, and gets to know his team on a level different than any boss - he was always present and engaged. He saw potential in people and pushed them out of their comfort zones to help them realize that potential. I have yet to meet anyone who compares. read more

Let me start by saying, being at Red Varden is hard work. But the benefits always outweigh the blood, sweat and tears you put into kicking a** during your time there. Going into the program, I'm sure I was just as skeptical as everyone else, and I remained skeptical until I realized that on average, an intern got a job every week. I'm currently working at an agency and I know that, as cliché as it sounds, without this program I probably wouldn't have gotten this job. This program allows you to gain hands on experience with tv and digital projects in development . You get a chance to make casting calls, do Skype interviews with candidates, draft treatments, one sheets, and casting reels, go into the field to produce, etc. You also get your hands on training materials that teach you how to be the best assistant your bosses will have ever had, and will get you into an executive position in 2/3 years instead of 5/6 years. One other benefit of the program is that you actually work for two companies - Red Varden Studios and Base Camp Films. Still not convinced? Do you know the top five production companies? The big five broadcast networks? What a lay off or overall deal is? The difference between a studio and a network, or between an agent and a manager? If you didn't say 'YES!' to all these questions, you should definitely be in this program. There are days when you will get yelled at, question Zig's teaching methods, and want to quit. But the people who work through that and take it as a learning experience, graduate from the program and excel. I know that not only does Zig have my back, but 500 past interns do as well. I could go on forever about my experiences here, but to potential interns: have realistic expectations. If you can't hack it here, you probably shouldn't be in this industry. Commit to the program and commit to the training and I promise that you will never regret the experience. If you are reading this and have questions, you are more than welcome to contact me. read more

Great team of individuals to work with. Production and professionalism were top-notch! Zig made me feel very comfortable and was easy to work with. I cannot recommend a better company! read more

Red Varden was truly the best decision I could have made regarding my future within the entertainment industry. From gaining a stronger sense of professionalism and self-awareness, to working on the company's projects in development, I've attained a wealth of knowledge about the industry and what it takes to succeed. But this program is definitely not for everyone. You will work very hard, you will be pushed, and you will train until you develop a manner of thinking that is consistent with successful executives within the industry. If you're unwilling to do any of the above, please do not apply, and you might also want to rethink your career goals. President Zig Gauthier will challenge you to grow as an individual and as an assistant, but it's up to you to complete the transformation. For some it takes six months, while others may blossom in three. But all graduates, including myself, leave the program ready to take on jobs at agencies, management and production companies, networks, studios, and the like. I am so grateful for the experience as a whole. Without RVS and its extensive alumni network, I'm doubtful that I would've broken into the industry so soon, if at all. This is not your typical internship that most are familiar with. You won't be taking Zig's car to be washed and you certainly won't be sitting in a corner writing script coverage all day. RVS offers a hands-on approach to learning about the industry. You will be casting for projects in development, drafting one-sheets and treatments, sourcing material for new projects, etc. Your work at Red Varden will be RELEVANT. As you gain your footing in development, you will simultaneously work towards mastering the assistant duties that are so crucial to success within the industry. Whether you want to be a writer, agent, editor, manager, producer or James Cameron, there is room in every facet of RVS for you to practice your specialty and put it to use. And when you leave Red Varden, you will have refined your own talents while adding many more to your resume. Zig is a tough cookie. He will not coddle you when you make a mistake. He will not accept anything less than your best effort. The entertainment industry is notoriously cutthroat, and Zig prepares you for the rigorous environment in which you will soon find yourself. But at Red Varden, we work hard and play hard! Zig frequently invites his interns to have lunch with him, there are hikes where you can bond with the whole Red Varden team, and softball games where you can bat it out against players from top agencies, networks, etc. Your experience at Red Varden will be what you make it, and your relationship with Zig will be what you want it to be. Zig can be your mentor, coach, friend... and he will happily guide you through this tumultuous point of your budding career. The most memorable portion of RVS for me was the group of people I worked with every day for the duration of my internship. I developed incredible friendships with those people who will likely be key players in the industry in a few years. The RVS network is strong and enduring; its alumni are all over the place--at top agencies, well-known production companies, etc. And you will always have something in common to break the ice whenever you meet a former Red Vardener! The opportunity to be a part of this unique network was invaluable for me, and it can be for anyone else who is serious about their career goals and willing to put their best foot forward. So give Red Varden a go if you think you can hack it, and put that best foot forward from the beginning. That starts with the interview. There are always those candidates who expect the internship to be handed to them when they enter the interview woefully unprepared. And they are always disillusioned. After all, you can't expect Zig or anyone else you apply to work for in the future to take you seriously if you haven't even read up on the company you're interviewing for or its president. Do your research. Dress professionally. Bring your polished resume on resume paper. In other words, use common sense or you will most definitely have a tough time in that interview. read more

My internship experience at Red Varden Studios was life changing. Speaking as someone who had no experience working in the industry and no connections to land my first job, the RVS experience is exactly what I needed. This internship is not for everyone. You have to want to be great in order to intern there. This means showing up on time and following instructions. If you are asked to bring a leather padfolio, bring one! There's a reason for it. If you show up to an interview wearing jeans then that means you don't respect the job that you're interviewing for or the person interviewing you. Simple stuff, but a lot of recent grads have no clue how the real world works. For every "silly" thing you won't do, much smarter people are waiting in line to do it for free. I guarantee that any bad reviews of RVS are coming from people who did not approaching this program with a certain level of humility, ambition, determination, and most importantly a high level professionalism that is required of this internship. And yes it works. Just about everyone I interned with is working and has been promoted in a variety of capacities. If it weren't for Zig, a lot of us would be serving coffee or flipping burgers instead of working at agencies, production companies, and studios. If you're lucky enough to intern at Red Varden, then please study all of the materials and follow directions and network your ass off with other interns and assistants. It will make you a great assistant as you embark on your entertainment career. read more

I have known Zig Gauthier for almost a decade and a half. I was his assistant when he was a Development Executive at a small cable network. He was brought in for his outstanding creativity and his unending rolodex of connections in the industry. Zig took me under his wing and taught me a 4-year university's worth of entertainment knowledge in one year. During this time, he was also running an internship that focused on diversity. And if that was not enough, he was also teaching an Entertainment class at UCLA Extension - one of the most fun and informative classes I have ever taken. Zig left that company ​and developed multiple projects for other cable networks, while also creating his own production company, Red Varden Studios. It was here that his internship program really took off. He has helped find jobs for literally hundreds of people - from all socio-economic backgrounds. His belief is that if you are willing to work hard and smart and show enthusiasm, you should have the same access to Hollywood that someone that has connections does. I've always admired that about him. For the last few years, Zig has been freelancing on the production side. He is possibly the most well-rounded Entertainment executive and producer in the business, having worked his way up on both sides. If you have an idea that you want to develop, go to Zig. If you have a show that you want produced, go to Zig. If you have a question about the business, go to Zig. Basically, just go to Zig... you will not be sorry that you did. read more

The Red Varden Studios assistant training program is incredibly unique. It's part internship, part grad school, part boot camp, part really long networking event. The program basically entails four major parts: 1. Learning the ins and outs of entertainment industry lingo/players/dynamics 2. Learning the basics of being an assistant, including rolling calls and calendar. It's basically the way to go around the "you have to be an assistant to get hired as an assistant" philosophy 3. Doing hands-on development research and casting 4. Working with 20+ interns and having access to an alumni network of a few hundred people. One of the best things about Red Varden is that it ups your odds. You meet 20+ people who you work intimately with, and they become your network forever (I have my current job because I was recommended by two former Red Vardeners, and my current boss knows to trust the program because of the people who graduate from it). You meet hundreds more through the networking events. That means your chances of getting your first and next job and the next job after that increase. Constantly. It's the greatest alumni network in the industry. Everyone knows that if you did Red Varden, you can handle tough, you know your stuff, you work well with others, and you're experienced. It's not like grad school or a big company where you sort of vaguely know the people you work with and their level of expertise. Red Varden is a place where you can truly hone your skills, meet people who are just as hardworking and committed as you are, and get trained to be the best assistant for the toughest desk. In addition to the networking, you have the opportunity to hear guest speakers, get one on one mentorship, meet people in all areas of the industry (film, scripted TV, unscripted TV, digital) and learn from each of them. There's a syllabus that gives you access to career advice for Hollywood and beyond that is more valuable than anything a college program can teach you about the film industry. This isn't the sort of internship that is about doing coverage in a back corner, or fetching coffee. Instead, you're challenged to do actual work, participate in meetings, hone your professional behavior, and have a true experiential learning experience. The internship doesn't guarantee a job at the end -- but everyone I know who participated in the program went on numerous interviews and landed a job in the industry. And a good job, too. Interns go off to work at networks, studios, production companies, agencies, management companies, TV shows. You get a career coach/mentor in Zig, who runs the program. He knows how to match people for jobs, train them to succeed in interviews and beyond, and takes placement seriously. And the mentorship doesn't end when the program ends. Zig takes a personal stake in each of the interns and will continue to help them find jobs and offer career advice throughout their career, even years into their Hollywood tenure. If you're looking for an internship that will set you up for your career, with a guide to professionalism, Hollywood, and how to be an assistant, and how to develop and cast projects, you should consider Red Varden. read more

To all prospective interns, Red Varden Studios is as authentic as it gets. I have only the best remarks about the program and the kindest words about the president of the company, Zig Gauthier. There are many things of value that it is necessary for you to know and master in order to make it ANYWHERE in the entertainment business. With that being said, Red Varden Studios has one of the most exceptional assistant training programs out there. You not only learn, but become proficient in the necessary duties any assistant must possess: learning the phone system (which is crucial in Hollywood), the different terminology, fields, and people in the business (i.e. the difference between an agent, manager, producer, writer, director, you name it...) and most importantly, the hierarchical system which Hollywood thrives on. Essentially, you learn the "Hollywood how-tos," which is not something a normal internship, boss, etc. would take the time to teach or train you. Aside from the assistant training program, this internship is unique on its own, as all interns get a chance to dabble into the world of unscripted television. Not only dabble, but actually, become fully engrossed in working in alternative TV. My time at Red Varden Studios has given me a plethora of opportunities to learn how to cast candidates for a TV series, draft treatments and one sheets (again terminology you will come to learn and love in this internship), and even scout locations for television shoots. With 100% certainty I can say my job now, working as an executive/development assistant at a production company, is a direct result of my first-hand experience in TV development, and in combination of my savviness I acquired from the training at Red Varden Studios. Fair warning - this program is TOUGH. Very hands on and very demanding. The program can be regarded as the most genuine model of what working for an agent, executive, network, production company, etc. will be like. Zig is extremely tough and will show no mercy when it comes to teaching you and preparing you to endure Hollywood. However, that tough love will get you FAR. read more

My experience at Red Varden Studios was nothing short of excellent. Is it easy? No. Anything worthwhile rarely is, in my opinion. That being said, the difficulty level leads way to a variety of skills that will prove invaluable to those entering the entertainment industry. When I first moved to LA, I was clueless in the ways of how to go about getting a job. Not only was I less than qualified for the positions I was applying to, but I had no grasp of what this industry is really like. After searching for a position for what felt like forever, I came across Red Varden Studios, and I am so happy I did. Zig really taught me everything I need to know about making it in the industry. From resume tips to script coverage, in the month and a half I was interning at Red Varden I learned so much about so many things that my four years of film school never covered. Aside from the experience and skills Red Varden provides it's interns, it also gives them a tight knit network of colleagues, a very important thing to have in Hollywood. Not just colleagues, the intern team develops a strong friendship, which not only makes this internship easier, but also fun. Though he can be tough, Zig is really looking out for each and every intern. He genuinely cares about each individual's career goals, and tries very hard to make sure each person ends up on the right path. Does he sugar coat it when you make a mistake? No, and if he did, he wouldn't be doing anyone any favors. When it comes down to it, Zig is simply ensuring his interns are prepared for the real world. When we aren't developing new show ideas or learning how to rock an assistant's desk, however, Zig makes sure to add some well deserved breaks in the program. He will take the team on hikes, host potlucks, and throw mixers, ensuring that the internship is not just a valuable experience, but also a great time. I personally recommend Red Varden Studios to anyone looking to make a name for themselves in Hollywood. If you make the commitment to this program, you will be glad you did. read more

RVS is an assistant training program, and it is one of the most unique and challenging programs that is out there. Those in the network receive Zig Gauthier's direction and undivided attention. There are many in the Red Varden network which makes this program phenomenal for anyone starting out in the industry ans/or looking for their first break. It is a boot camp and not for the faint of heart. Graduates come out of the program knowing a plethora of information and also know how to truly be a professional. If you have no knowledge about the industry or really only believe Lenny's review, go to the library and check out "The Mailroom" or research entry-level job experiences and then make an educated position based on that. This program is phenomenal and would recommend it to anyone truly serious about making this industry your long-term career. read more

After reading the two 1 star reviews, as a former intern, I feel insulted and angry. Red Varden Studios Assistant Training Program is described as a "boot-camp-style" training program. Boot-camp by any person's definition means difficult. Red Varden's difficulty is what makes it all the more rewarding for those of us with the tenacity and wherewithal to push through. Like the real Hollywood, you will never be coddled or pampered. What sets this program apart from every other intern program in Hollywood is that you're working hands-on with active development projects. Without naming other BIG NAME companies (read: studios/networks), your responsibilities there are generally limited to fetching bagels and coffee, dry-cleaning or running the copy machine and doing hours or coverage. Aside from having a big-name company on your resume, which has its place, you're no better off then when you started. At Red Varden, you are LEARNING because you are DOING. You interact with agencies, management companies, networks and studios. You learn industry fundamentals such as "over-all deals" or "the difference between an agent and a manager" or "deficit financing?" This is a solid foundation on which to build your knowledge of the industry. This doesn't even include all of the traditional assistant duties you learn like rolling calls, setting and confirming meetings, managing a phone sheet, etc. Aside from the vast amount of knowledge learned, the biggest asset (if you don't quit) of Red Varden Studios is the "Red Varden Army." At the time of this writing, this is a network of approximately 500 alumni who have ALL put in the time, sweat and dues to not only make it through this rigorous program, but have excelled through the ranks of Hollywood, including agencies, management companies, networks and studios. We have alumni in all formats including feature films, scripted television or alternative programming. This is a network that we ALL utilize on a daily basis - the type you hear college fraternities and sororities bragging about being. I put in a lot hard work and many hours in this program. Did it pay off? Yes. Could I have made it where I'm at without the program? Probably - but I would've needed to work about five times as hard and as long. So when a couple of quitters talk about the merits of this program and dismiss it due to their lack of follow through - it really upsets me. Why? Because it discounts all the hard work that's been put in by HUNDREDS of people over the years. Does Zig yell? Absolutely. You know who else has yelled at me? My football coach, my basketball coach, my tennis coach - ALL people who pushed me to excel and strive for excellence. So when I was yelled at, I never once took it personally. It came from a place of someone knowing that I was capable of something more - something better. So if you're here on yelp, doing your due diligence and researching a company before you either apply for the internship or to help you decide to accept an internship, first I would say, good for you - very VERY smart. Second thing I would say is, read between the lines. Do the negative reviews on this sight reflect what I've stated above? If not, why is that? Is it because I've lied in my review stated above, or is it because these negative reviews came from either a person who washed out or simply isn't cut for the Hollywood lifestyle? Make no mistake - Hollywood isn't easy. It's long hours, long weeks, and little time off. But the flip side is that if you make it - there's nothing more rewarding. Read these reviews, listen to your gut instinct and decide if this is the right internship for you. If you're looking for something challenging, something that'll push you to that next level, you've come to the right place. read more

I worked under the supervision of Zig Gauthier on REELZChannel's "Exposed With Deborah Norville" as an intern. Working with Zig allowed me to gain first-hand experience in the day-to-day process of production and learn what it truly takes to be successful in the industry. Zig is an incredible, passionate mentor that helped shape myself as a driven professional with steps to get to my desired career goal in entertainment. If you are serious about working in entertainment, Zig is a great person to work with and learn from. I highly recommend this internship! read more

Let me start off by saying that this program is truly one of a kind. You will learn and have fun, all the while working very hard day in and day out. If you can't handle working hard, then you probably will not make it very far in the entertainment field. The program is a 4-6 month commitment. With that being said, the time commitment is not garuanteed - some people need more time, while others will move ahead quicker. During the internship, you will dive deep into the world of alternative television. Most importantly, however, you will learn the fundamental skills needed to be a successful assistant in the industry; whether you are at an agency, management company, or a production company. YOU WILL LEARN. I have learned so much about the entertainment world; information that a classroom, or another internship for that matter, will simply not teach you. Truly, another advantage of the program is working for the president, Zig Gauthier. I can only speak from my own experience, but I look to him as a mentor. When I first started the program I was terrified. But, as I grew with Red Varden, I also grew with Zig. He has given some of the best advice I have ever come across, and he has been nothing short of an amazing boss. I do not always agree with him 100% of the time, but as you should quickly learn, it does not matter if you're correct; a boss is always right. Ultimately, you get what you put in; he can be just a boss or a great friend. Keep in mind, that as a producer, Zig's time is very valuable. Additionally, as there are typically 25+ interns at a time, it can be challenging for him to personally make the effort to approach every single person that comes through the program. It's up to you to do your part. My advice: make an effort to go to the lunches and hikes he takes time to plan. This is one of the best ways to get to know your boss outside of the office environment, and develop that mentor-mentoree relationship. Lastly, the program is a great way to find your true passion for entertainment. I went into the program thinking that I wanted to work in the world of scripted television. As much as that is still true, my time at Red Varden introduced me to the world of casting, something I am now very passionate about. During your time at Red Varden, you will be exposed to so many outlets in the entertainment field. The great thing about Zig, is that even if you have no idea what you want to do, he will guide you through the entire process until you find your calling. His methods have proven to be successful time and again; hundreds of interns have now graduated the program and work full-time in the business. Bottom line: the Entertainment world is all about paying your dues for the first few years; there is no better way then to start at Red Varden and experience it all first-handedly. read more

If it wasn't for Zig, I would not be where I am today. His program is not for everyone and the people bad mouthing it most likely will not succeed in this industry. Zig has taught me everything I know about this industry, and oddly enough I am a TV, Film and Media Studies graduate. I am a former intern, who was not asked to write a review like someone stated in a previous review. Zig's program teaches you lessons and skills that puts you ahead of the game. He teaches you how to become career savvy. Without Zig, I would not have America's number one cable network on my resume or have the production/management company that produces The Walking Dead on my resume. Hollywood is tough, this industry is tough. For the people who can't handle the program, you should really stop being a big baby and stop writing things on sites such as Yelp! You are giving the company a bad rep because you couldn't handle it! That hurts me, the person who stuck through it and busted my ass to get where I am today. Zig teaches you to have thick skin and be prepared for how the REAL WORLD is brutal. I would recommend this program and I think it is a great experience. read more

Zig Gauthier has more energy, passion, creativity, and integrity than you expect on the BEST day in Hollywood. He has helped literally hundreds of young people, including myself, succeed by not only helping us get a foot in the door, but by patiently guiding us once we got there. And to top it off, he's a not-notch producer with a bottomless well of ideas, endless problem-solving skills, and the good humor to make things fun while getting high quality work done on time and on budget. He's a rock star. read more

Any detractors from this internship are crazy. Going through this internship will teach you to be a professional in the entertainment industry. Real professionals in the entertainment industry come in as guest speakers almost bi-weekly. The contacts obtained during your tenure at Red Varden are immensely helpful. Beyond work, you will bond with your coworkers and bosses through hikes, softball, and BBQing. Everyone that dreams of working in TV claims to be dedicated. Red Varden is where you prove it. read more