In the dynamic film and television landscape, Alyssa Goh, a distinguished alum of Boston University’s College of Communication, has embarked on a remarkable journey since graduating in May 2022. With a degree in Film and TV Production with a focus on Screenwriting, Goh’s trajectory is marked by versatility, tenacity, and a profound passion for storytelling. From her roots in Southern California to her current endeavors in the heart of the entertainment industry, Goh’s experiences showcase the diverse possibilities within the cinematic realm.
Q: Can you tell us about your academic background and your journey post-graduation?
A: I graduated from Boston University in May 2022 with a degree in Film and TV Production, specializing in Screenwriting. After graduation, I got a full-time job as the assistant to a title-sequence designer for popular TV shows and films (Twilight, YOU, etc.). After that position, I got my current job as a Film Submissions & PR/Publicity Assistant for a full-service film & TV publicity agency specializing in awards consulting, film campaigns, and film festivals.
Q: What side projects have you explored alongside your professional roles?
A: As for side projects, I’ve dabbled in videography, photography, graphic design, singing, tattooing, DJing—all possible creative outlets. Most recently, I’ve done fashion editorial shoots for up-and-coming brands and have been involved in the production of “Do What I Want 2.0,” a spin-off documentary about Asian American DJs in Southern California.
Q: Can you shed light on your current role and some notable experiences in the film industry?
A: My current job is a Film Submissions and PR Assistant for a full service film & TV publicity agency specializing in awards consulting, film campaigns, and film festivals. The company worked on popular awards campaigns (CODA, Dune, Bohemian Rhapsody, etc.), and some of the distributors and studios we regularly work with are Apple TV+, Apple Original Films, Amazon Studios, IFC Films, Magnolia Pictures, and more. We also work closely with festivals like Sundance, SBIFF, Tribeca, Cannes, Telluride, Toronto, etc.
The best way to describe the job is obviously there are all of these popular, renown award shows (the Oscars, Grammys, Tony’s, etc). For all of these popular shows and movies that get nominated for, for example, “Best Original Screenplay,” and all those categories, someone has to be submitting them. Our job is to not only promote, but also submit Apple TV+ and Apple Original Films titles as contenders. We work closely with executives and reach out directly to the artisans to coordinate, as well as attend events that publicize and promote the titles to audiences and voters.
Through this job, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know some wonderful below-the-line talent across the board. At events, we often wrangle talent, and it’s been exciting to have worked closely with celebrities like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, or randomly bump into Olivia Rodrigo at award shows. The events make the job extremely personable and allow me to learn how things happen behind the scenes in the industry.
Q: How did your time at BU College of Communication contribute to your personal and professional growth?
A: My time in COM gave me a holistic knowledge of all the different facets of the film industry. Not only are we learning from professors with different backgrounds, but we’re also offered classes in different divisions, from journalism to directing. This allowed me to truly figure out what it is I wanted to do post-grad.”
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or class at COM that had a significant impact on your career path?
A: All of my screenwriting classes! I grappled a lot with whether or not pursuing film was actually a realistic goal or just a pipe dream, but I knew that film was what I was meant to do every time I was in one of my COM screenwriting classes.
One time, my classmates were reviewing a script I wrote, and they told me that I had truly found my niche. That was validation for me that I must continue pursuing film, and that I have a voice with unique and important stories to be told.”
Q: How do you balance the demands of your current position, and are there any strategies or habits you developed at BU that have helped you manage your professional responsibilities effectively?
A: During my time at BU, I was involved in the Boston University Treblemakers as president for three years. While in the position, I strengthened my leadership skills and learned to take initiative wherever I can. It gave me the patience, strength, and organization that I (now know I) needed in order to withstand the heavy demands of the film industry.
Also, moving across the country for college allowed me to be quick to make new friends and fast to adapt to new environments—both very useful traits in the film industry.
Q: What advice do you have for current BU COM students or prospective students who are considering a similar career path?
A: Absorb as much knowledge as you can & talk to everyone!
The most valuable part of my BU experience was the friends I made along the way. These are friends who even moved to LA post-grad to pursue film with me. They continue to be my support system to this day.
Also, you’d be surprised how many Terriers are in the film industry! I’ve had the pleasure of bumping into a bunch while in Los Angeles.
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