Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies

The jury’s in: UTLA students got an inside look at what it takes to bring the TV show Jury Duty to life! 🤘📺
 
During a special panel, students heard from Season 1 star David Brown, Season 2 star Ryan Perez, Cinematographer Nate Cornett and Co-Executive Producer Robyn Adams about the creative collaboration behind the series. This firsthand look into the many different career paths in television was so impactful!

Take 2! 🎬
 
Did you know Warner Bros. is one of the busiest working studios in Los Angeles? During the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, students got to see what that means up close! So many stories can come to life on a single studio lot.
 
Highlights from the day included:
☕️ Sitting on the legendary Central Perk couch from Friends
🍁 Gazing upon the town of Stars Hollow from the Gilmore Girls’ gazebo
🎙️ Touring sound stages for hit series like Shrinking and Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage
🎥 Stepping into the ominous world of Rosewood from Pretty Little Liars

Students stepped into the world of TV and movie magic during the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood! ✨
 
Warner Bros. gave UTLA students a behind-the-scenes look at how sets, sound stages and backlots help bring stories to life on screen. From Harry Potter and Batman props to familiar pieces from The Big Bang Theory, the tour showed students how creativity, production and a little bit of movie magic can turn an idea into a scene that’s ready for the big screen.

New city, new semester, new friendships. 🧡🤍
 
We love to see how the Summer 2026 UTLA cohort is building a community that will carry them through an unforgettable semester. Hook ‘em!

Orientation with a view of the Hollywood Sign? That’s UTLA. ☀️🌴🤘
 
The Summer 2026 UTLA cohort officially kicked off its semester in sunny Los Angeles with a visit to the UTLA Center in Burbank and a hike to the iconic Griffith Observatory, where students got a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign.
 
Along the way, students connected with UTLA alumni, who shared advice on making the most of the semester, from standing out at internships to finding the best tacos in LA. Here’s to a summer of new opportunities, city views and connections!

Hannah Holub, UTLA alum and contestant producer at “Let’s Make a Deal” and “The Price is Right” invited Spring 2026 UTLA students to attend a taping of the iconic show last month. Students showed off their costumes and experienced the excitement firsthand as Wayne Brady and the crew filmed an episode of “Let’s Make a Deal”!

Submit your application to UTLA by this Sunday, May 10 for a chance to experience an unforgettable Spring 2027 semester. Do we have a deal? 🌴

Last month, Spring 2026 UTLA students took a trip to Venice to visit alum and Deep VooDoo chief creative officer Jennifer Howell. During the visit, AI production lead Frank Lucatuorto demonstrated the company’s cutting-edge AI software and face translation technology. The deepfake VFX studio founded by Matt Stone and Trey Parker of South Park aims to utilize AI ethically while following the guidelines of the SAG and WGA to support the creative work of directors, actors and producers.

“Having knowledge about AI makes you more marketable. You can learn just by experimenting.”

If you’re interested in learning how you can utilize new and innovative practices in your own creative work, then apply for UTLA’s Spring 2027 cohort! Through the program, you have the opportunity to connect with well established industry professionals and further your knowledge of the media industry. The deadline to apply has been EXTENDED to May 10. Link in bio to apply and learn more! 🌴

Beth Goodnight, owner and production designer of Goodnight & Co., gave our Spring UTLA cohort a tour of the massive design studio last month. The studio employs artists from 10 different unions to design and build sets for events like the Oscars and large studios like Amazon and Netflix.

From 3D printers to saws that cut intricate designs, students had the opportunity to witness what it takes to create an entire set. With 30+ years of experience, Goodnight’s advice to young creatives is to become a PA and learn every job on a crew, emphasizing that “opportunities come when you’re willing to go all in.”

Are you ready to go all in? Apply for the UTLA Spring 2027 cohort! The deadline to apply has been EXTENDED to Sunday, May 10. 💙

Let’s hear from a senior who’s living the dream of working in Los Angeles! Say hello to Valeria Guajardo Galván, who is pursing a BA in Theatre and Dance with a Performer’s Process Emphasis and a minor in Media and Entertainment Industries!

Valeria has always known she wanted to pursue film, television and theater. Since her freshman year, UTLA was a part of her plan. When it came to gaining experience, building connections and ultimately beginning her career in LA after graduation, this program checked all of the boxes!

Valeria was also inspired by her older sister, who participated in the and subsequently moved to New York five years ago. “I knew I wanted to take advantage of this program and fully prepare myself for the industry...She built a life and career for herself [in NY], and that showed me how impactful these programs can be.”

This semester, she interned for , which has worked on films like Anyone But You and Easy A (one of her favorite movies). The company also collaborates with studios like Disney and Sony! She was also an intern at ’s company, , located on the Universal Studios lot!

Across both internships, her responsibilities included reading and writing coverage for scripts, TV pilots, pitch decks and books. One of the coolest moments? Watching an unreleased film and giving feedback! From hands-on work, classes, and industry connections, Valeria emphasizes that the experience has been “everything she hoped for and more.”

“If film and television are your passion and something you really want to pursue, I think you have to do the program. Whatever year you choose to do it, it’s such a valuable experience to figure out if LA is right for you.”

The next step for Valeria? She will be heading to Los Angeles later this year to pursue her career in the industry, building on the strong foundation of alumni and professional connections she developed through the UTLA program.

If you want a stepping stone to a thrilling career in entertainment, this opportunity is for you! The deadline for Spring ‘27 is TONIGHT! 🎥💙🌴

Last month, Manager and Producer at Entertainment 360 and UTLA alum Kevin Rowe screened his film Straight Circle for our Spring 2026 UTLA cohort! Rowe spent time talking to students about the film’s production and development process with director Oscar Hudson.

When discussing independent filmmaking, Rowe encouraged students to find their market and focus on the development of the film from start to finish. “You can’t ignore the market, but with good creative, the commerce will come.” Rowe’s advice to emerging filmmakers is to take all the help you can get when it is offered!

If you’re looking to expand your knowledge and immerse yourself in the creative industry, apply for the Spring ‘27 UTLA cohort! Applications are due tomorrow, May 5! 🌴