michelle borugian
Michelle is a marketing executive with over 15 years of entertainment marketing experience, currently leading marketing strategy for Disney’s Media and Entertainment Distribution division. Having spent her entire carrier working for several studios in Los Angeles, she has an extensive understanding of what the inner workings are at a film studio and what it means to market films in an ever changing, rapidly evolving industry.
How did you get started in the industry?
My path has been pretty traditional in the sense that I started working in entertainment while I was still an undergrad student at USC, holding a few internship positions at Paramount and NBCUniversal. I’ve been climbing that corporate ladder ever since then, always in entertainment marketing working for a studio.
What are some of the most valuable lessons that you have learned about this industry and wish you knew earlier?
I think this is a valuable lesson in general, but one that definitely resonates strongly in entertainment… It’s not only about how smart you are and how well you do your job, it’s also very much about who you have in your corner and who champions you. It’s very important to make the right connections and have a few key players in the industry support you and believe in your potential, because you can only go so far by yourself.
What is your advice for the aspiring industry professionals? Some steps to take? Some mistakes to avoid? Effective strategies to move up the career ladder?
Speak your mind and never hold back on your opinions, even if they are not the most popular ones in the room. And always be respectful of others and listen to what everyone has to say. It’s also not about being the loudest voice in the room; don’t just speak for the sake of speaking. And having a mentor is always a good idea!
What do you love the most about your job, and what is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?
Being able to flex my creative muscle in our marketing campaigns. And also, I just love the job itself – Our team motto is “we’re selling movies, people” – and it doesn’t really get more fun than that. I also love the people I work with. That’s very very important.
What is your most memorable or the funniest work story?
Having to interview Oliver Stone for a publication because their journalist called in sick the day of the press junket. That was a memorable experience! Also meeting Stan Lee (and turning him into a puppet) while working on the marketing campaign for Deadpool was definitely a delight.
What is your most recent success and how did you accomplish it?
This is more of a proud Armenian moment… I was asked to be part of a panel at Disney which was about providing a historic understanding of genocide, how it impacts global communities, and a deeper look into the Armenian experience. My fellow participants and I shared our experiences of how our Armenian heritage intersects with the storytelling work we do at Disney, and it was definitely a moment to be proud of.
What is your biggest aspiration in this industry?
All about manifesting here! Biggest aspiration is to be head of marketing for a studio, preferably Disney!
How are you personally connected to the Armenian culture and what is your favorite thing about it?
Well, for one – I live in Glendale. No escaping the Armenian culture in Glendale. I also attended an Armenian private school in Los Angeles so the Armenian education, culture, and traditions are engrained in me forever.