BGSU graduate stars in behind-the-scenes role at Disney Entertainment Television

Natalie Thompson ’14 recently took part in her ninth production of the Oscars

During the hustle-and-bustle of the Oscars, or on the set of a show that will be nationally televised on ABC, Natalie Thompson ’14 sometimes looks around and can’t quite believe it.

Now a manager of photo production at Disney Entertainment Television, Thompson plays a starring role in the behind-the-scenes effort of some of the biggest telecasts in the U.S., the realization of a journey that began as an undergraduate at Bowling Green State University.

As she pursued a degree in film production at BGSU, Thompson modeled what she wanted from her career well before graduation day.

Through learning many different aspects of the industry at BGSU, Thompson had a strong sense of what she sought from her profession.

“In the film program, I was really able to learn the basics of so many different roles in film and television, and I got the chance to play in each of those roles, whether that was directing, casting or editing,” she said. “That started the journey of asking where my skill set could best be applied.

“By the time I graduated, I had a really good idea of what I wanted to do from the courses that I took and projects I had done, both in and out of class.”

During her time at BGSU, Thompson, a native of Wadsworth, Ohio, near Akron, took full advantage of the many opportunities offered to film students.

As a student, she pitched a project in which film students documented the making of a play on campus, which was not only an ironic twist for her future career, but a key piece of Thompson’s portfolio that proved valuable early in her career.

Shortly after graduation, she accepted a role with the Disney College Program, which led to another chance with ABC Casting – which was looking for someone with her exact background.

“Because I had edited some films and behind-the-scenes footage at BGSU, and I had editing experience, they offered me a contract job instead of an internship to edit demo reels,” she said. “That got me out to L.A. and into the Disney family, so my experiences at BGSU played a huge role in the start of my professional career.” 

After trying many roles as a student and refining her skills with the help of expert BGSU faculty, Thompson said she left campus with the idea that she might one day be able to lead a production.

After displaying leadership ability throughout her time at BGSU, Thompson quickly found the type of role in which she thrived.

“I knew just by the feedback that I was getting that I had the ability to lead a group, and I’ve applied those same skills to producing a photo shoot and managing a team on-set,” she said. “I knew I really liked the challenge of using both the creative side of my brain and the analytical, logistical side, plus I enjoyed working on a set and collaborating with others. Discovering what parts of the creative process I was passionate about in college helped push me toward my current role."

Earlier this year, Thompson was behind the scenes for her ninth Oscars, which included being the ABC photo lead and overseeing a team of photographers covering all of the events on the day of the show.  

Prior to the show, Thompson managed logistics for a team of more than 30 people and produced the gallery photo shoot with the host, which was Conan O’Brien this year.

Thompson said the experience of successfully executing the production for a massive event like the Oscars is something she dreamed about as a BGSU student, and a sensation that never gets old.

“There are definitely moments, like when I’m working the Oscars or producing a photo shoot for one of my favorite shows, where I’m still in disbelief,” Thompson said. “When I was in college, I couldn’t have imagined this is what I’d be doing for a living. I’m very grateful for these experiences and the opportunity to work in an industry I love.”