Hollywood Job Skills: Fantasy Football

In college, I learned to play golf.  At the time, I had interned in daytime television; charity golf tournaments are frequently hosted by the daytime stars, and it became clear to me that the golf course was a networking hotspot... not to mention a way to meet men.  My husband may or may not have asked me out because I told him that I knew how to play golf.  I didn't tell him how much I hated it until we were actually on our date. 

My golf skills may have landed me my first date, but my tolerance love of fantasy football landed me the ring.  And a lot of Hollywood connections.   An explanation from my husband:

What's the 2010 equivalent of golf?  What activity permeates every production office in the industry?  No doubt about it -- it's fantasy football.  (Maybe they don't do it at "Glee."  Then again, maybe they do.)  Perhaps it's not something you want to list on a resume, but if you are interviewing for that first job as a PA or an assistant and notice the usual amount of sports memorabilia in the Production Coordinator's office, mention that you play fantasy and see how quickly that sparks a bond with your future boss.

[A gentle caution: playing fantasy football in the office does get some people in trouble.  Make sure your boss (or the company you work for) doesn't have some kind of rule about it.  And don't sit and stew about your line-up when you should be working.]

The great thing about fantasy football leagues in a production office is that it will allow you (at the bottom of the office pecking order) to interact freely with the writers, producers and sometimes even cast members.  You'll email trade offers, talk draft strategy, and get to know each other as people.  This advice applies equally to women and men -- in fact, perhaps one of the best ways a female can fit into a mostly male office is to join the league.  Just be forewarned -- people take it very seriously.  If you are going to play, be ready for the smack talk (mostly in fun) and the occasional angry glare from the producer you just whipped in the playoffs (not so much in fun).  And never -- ever -- draft a kicker until the last round.