September 23, 2002

La Salle University Seniors Mike Mallick and Mark Esposito Do Internship on the set of Kevin Smith's new film "Jersey Girl" starring Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck

Months from now when Mike Mallick and Mark Esposito go to see the new Kevin Smith movie "Jersey Girl," starring Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, they can impress their friends, and anyone else, by saying, "We worked on this film."

Mallick and Esposito, both seniors and communication majors at La Salle University, took advantage of the list of internships sent to them by one of their professors. Both students jumped at the chance to intern on the set of a full-length feature production

"When I received the email that there was an open internship position for a Kevin Smith movie I immediately wanted to be a part of it," said Esposito. "I sent my resume, and it took some time, but finally they called me for an interview, and thankfully I was hired."

Mallick, on the other hand, did not wait patiently for a call after he sent in his resume. He called New Askew Productions just about everyday trying to get an interview.

"That is how badly I wanted this internship," said Mallick, who has been interning since mid-August and will stay on untill the completion of the project sometime in November. "I feel really lucky to have this opportunity."

According to Megan Fenerty, the film's Production Coordinator, Mallick and Esposito are assets to the set.

"Mike and Mark are two very bright and on the ball guys," said Fenerty, a 1991 graduate of La Salle's communication program. "They really want to learn so they ask a lot of questions and get involved in as much as they can."

As production assistants Mallick and Esposito perform general office duties such as faxing, setting up scheduling, and running errands. As they do their jobs, they are learning first hand just how much work it takes for a film to come together.

"It's very hectic and fast-paced, but it is really interesting to see how the production office gets everything ready from scheduling rehearsals and getting scripts organized to making sure they have everything needed for shooting. When we watch filming, we see how all the equipment works. I have worked with all of this type of equipment at La Salle in the Communication Center, but seeing how it works for shooting a major motion picture is amazing," said Mallick, a Harrisburg native.

"This experience is allowing me to interact with producers and directors and letting me see the process of movie making from start to finish," said Esposito, who also began interning in mid-August and will remain with the project untill its November completion. "I get to see the whole process come together to create the finished product that everyone else will see. It's a team effort, and now I know how everything is connected from the talent, to the producers, directors, production team, and crew."

Both Mallick and Esposito want to pursue film careers after graduation.

"Eventually down the line I would like to be a director or a cinematographer. They are completely different paths but I am really interested in them both and definitely want to work in the film industry," said Mallick.

"I'd love to continue to work for New Askew because I have had such a good experience and I really like how they work," said Bristol-born Esposito. "But working in film in general is what I want to do."

On top of a valuable experience, which will no doubt be an asset to them in their future, they also got to meet the film's star actors and famous director.

"They are all normal people," said Esposito who says he was not star-stuck by the experience. "A lot of my friends ask me questions, but really they are normal people just like you or me."

"I really didn't get star-struck after meeting everyone. I mean I will see Kevin Smith and talk to him just like I would talk to anyone else," said Mallick. "But when I get home and decide to pop in "Mall Rats," I guess I get a little star-struck then because I just sit there and think, "I am working for this guy!"