Columbia College Chicago alum and Kankakee County native Giovanni McEastland has been accepted into the Content for Change Academy via Paramount Pictures as a Talent Development and Artist Management Trainee. McEastland was one-of-eight young professionals selected from 5,000-plus applicants. The program serves creative professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
McEastland’s resume credits include experience as a Writer’s Assistant at CBS Network, as well as the former Executive Personal Assistant to television star Ellen Pompeo, of “Gray’s Anatomy.” Recently, the greater Chicago area native starred in a national commercial alongside James Corden.
When asked what assisted him in welcoming this fresh tier in his career, McEastland stated, “I feel the training and relationships gained while participating in the Chicago Made Initiative truly prepared me in taking my career to the next level.”
During his time with Paramount, Giovanni has represented the company speaking on panels for company outreach including CTNX Animation Convention, Harvard University, and The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.