S5 · E5June 23 · 1 hr 4 min
Recorded live at Sony Music, this special episode of How To Become A… features entertainment industry leader Elliott Linger, whose career has taken him from advertising agencies to PlayStation, Universal Pictures, LEGO, and some of the biggest cultural brands in the world.
In front of a live audience, Elliott shares how he built a career at the intersection of entertainment, strategy, audience insight, and storytelling—despite having no clear career plan when he was younger.
We cover:
How he went from an English Literature degree to the entertainment industry
Working on brands including PlayStation, Universal Pictures, LEGO, Capcom, Def Jam, and Island Records
Launching major entertainment franchises including The Last of Us, Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, and Minions
Why understanding audiences is one of the most valuable skills in entertainment
The importance of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience in a rapidly changing industry
Elliot also shares:
Growing up in a low-income household and breaking into a traditionally exclusive industry
The realities of networking and building meaningful relationships
How entertainment companies decide which projects get made
Lessons learned from working with some of the biggest names in film, gaming, music, and culture
Plus, we dive into:
Audience development and consumer behaviour
The future of entertainment and AI
Career pivots and transferable skills
Balancing leadership, family life, and giving back
A huge thank you to Sony Music for hosting this live recording, Creative Mentor Network for partnering on the event, and El Rayo Tequila for sponsoring the evening.
If you're interested in:
Entertainment careers
Film, gaming, music, and media
Audience strategy & marketing
Creative industries
Leadership and career development
Breaking into competitive industries
This episode is packed with practical advice, fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and insights from someone who has helped shape some of the world's biggest entertainment brands.
🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨
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