Title:GEMA Alumni Spotlight – Gillian Spear (C’14), Associate Producer, The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

Gillian Spear (C’14) is an Associate Producer at The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, where she develops and pitches episodes covering current events, politics, and culture.

What was your first “big break”? Or, what is the most significant experience you have had that has made your success possible?

When I was a recent graduate applying to jobs, I reached out to people from my internships, which were primarily in news – not my ideal path, but I figured it was a starting point. One person I met with put me in touch with another woman, a Georgetown alum, who worked in entertainment. We had a great meeting and she ended up recommending me for a job, which I didn’t ultimately get. Six months later, she called me again and recommended me for another job that I did get. It was really meaningful that she not only wanted to help me, but that I had left an impression on her that lasted all those months later. It was a big confidence boost. 

What is the most challenging part of your job? What is the most rewarding part?

The most challenging and rewarding part of my job is pitching. To begin with, the pace of the news can make it feel like hitting a moving target. On top of that, Jon is an incredibly talented host and producer, so it can be quite intimidating – but that makes it all the more rewarding when it’s greenlit, and if the episode does particularly well that’s even better. 

What is something current you are working on that you are excited about?

I’m always tracking potential episode ideas covering different types of stories that I think could resonate. I’ve also been developing some personal writing projects that I’m hoping to advance.

How is the ever-changing media landscape affecting your industry?

Before this, I worked on the late night show The Problem with Jon Stewart, and now I work on a podcast with a late night host, so I still feel connected to that world. Traditional late night is clearly at an inflection point, but there are innovations – shows like Everybody’s Live and the various YouTube series and podcasts that have become essential stops for press tours show there’s still an audience for this type of content, just in different formats.

Are there any ways that you feel Georgetown especially prepared you for your career?

I was a part of (I think) the second class of Film & Media Studies minors. I applied for the minor because I love watching movies, talking about movies, and thinking about movies. Even so, I hadn’t really thought about a career in entertainment – it felt either impractical or unattainable. The professionals we were introduced to through the minor made me feel like it was possible to work in the field and consider a career in it for the first time. 

What is your best advice to those who are starting out in your field?

Read the industry trades to know what’s getting made, who’s involved, and where the opportunities are. Opportunities depend on timing, which can be frustrating and elusive, but being informed can help you navigate that. 

Best Business Advice Received:

An interviewer once told me he had a “no assholes policy, so don’t be an asshole.” The industry can be small, if you treat people with respect it can lead to new opportunities and you don’t have to worry about running into them again in another job. 

Trait You Most Admire in People: 

Authenticity.

Favorite App, Website, Podcast or Social Platform (other than related to your own company):

Spotify. I love to listen to music, and podcasts too. 

Favorite Georgetown Professor:

Father James Schall. He was such a kind man, so smart, and still very curious. I took his class the semester before he left Georgetown and I’m glad I had that opportunity. I remember as we were taking our final exam, he came around to each person to give them verbal feedback on how they had done in the class. It made taking the exam even more terrifying as he slowly wormed his way through the rows. Eventually he got to me, and said something very sweet that meant a lot to me, but I don’t think everyone fared so well. In fact I know they didn’t, because I was obviously eavesdropping the whole time. 

Favorite Georgetown Restaurant or Bar:

I’ll be bold and say Tuscany. It probably wasn’t very good but that’s okay. RIP.

Favorite Georgetown Memory:

It’s hard to commit to a favorite. One that sticks out now was staying up all night with friends after Senior Ball, watching the sunrise on the National Mall in our gowns and tuxes. It feels very cinematic in my recollection. It did end in me accidentally sleeping through half of my graduation, but I made it by the time they called my name so all’s well. 

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