Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies, 100 E. Tujunga Avenue, Burbank, CA (2025)

01/07/2025

Big congrats to Rachel Kondo, Executive Producer of “Shōgun,” for sweeping the and taking home FOUR awards, including Best Television Drama Series! 🏆✨

Last summer, we had the honor of welcoming Rachel to UTLA, where she generously shared her time and wisdom with our students. Her passion and guidance left a lasting impact, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate her success! 🤘🎬

12/20/2024

Happy holidays from the UTLA staff! ⭐❄️

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re grateful to everyone who made this year so memorable. To our incredible students — your talent, dedication, and creativity inspire us every single day. This year wouldn’t have been the same without you!

Here’s to a safe, cozy and well-deserved winter break. Rest up, recharge, and we’ll see you in 2025! 🤘

12/19/2024

As we wrap up our series highlighting the stories of the Fall 2024 UTLA cohort, we’re thrilled to share the journey of Maddie Dau.

For Maddie, this story is a love letter to Los Angeles and reflects her transformative time with the UTLA program. “I created a collage of my favorite memories—from working on a professional set for the first time to attending the Jimmy Kimmel show, seeing my favorite band at the Hollywood Palladium, and soaking up the sun at the beach with friends!”

Maddie’s internship experience in Los Angeles has been enriching, thanks to the opportunities provided by the UTLA program. “Through two internships, I was able to explore different areas of the industry, including production and music supervision. The program helped me grow both professionally and personally, with invaluable panel discussions and networking events that sharpened my career goals. Most importantly, I got to explore this vibrant city with my cohort, creating lasting memories I will remember forever.”

“I’m so grateful to the UTLA team, my cohort, and my internship supervisors for helping me make my dreams come true in Los Angeles!” 🎥🌴

12/17/2024

What an unforgettable semester! UTLA students made lasting memories with new friends this fall, discovered their creative voices, and built valuable professional connections within the entertainment industry. Here’s a glimpse into some of their incredible stories! 🌴🧡⭐

First up: Lucy Kulzick’s heartfelt letter to Los Angeles.

“My journey at UTLA has been a collection of small moments that together tell the story of my time here. Writing this letter helped me reflect on the challenges I faced and how overcoming them has positively shaped me.”

Lucy’s time in L.A. was full of highs and lows: “Being in a new, fast-paced city like L.A. was difficult, but thanks to the UTLA program, the city felt a little less overwhelming. Pushed out of my comfort zone, I realized that most growth happens just beyond it. I’ve grown and learned so much about the film industry in a short time, but most importantly, I’ve learned much about myself. I’m so grateful to my professors and the UTLA community for supporting my growth this semester.”

12/16/2024

UTLA Fall 2024 semester: Completed!

What an incredible journey it was! Congratulations on all your hard work and growth. You made the most of every opportunity in the entertainment capital, from internships to classes.

Good luck as you continue pursuing your dreams! Whether staying in LA or taking the next step elsewhere, the skills, connections and experiences you gained here will guide you toward success.

And remember, the UTLA team is cheering you on every step of the way. We can’t wait to see what you accomplish! 🧡✨

Hook ’em! 🤘

11/26/2024

We are thankful for our amazing UTLA One-Year-Out panelists—Ashley Diaz, Mayela Ramirez, Levi Casias, Samuel Oladejo and Pierson Livingston—for sharing their time and valuable advice with the fall cohort!

From landing that first job to finding an apartment in LA, they shared some personal tips:

⭐ Always have your resume and cover letter ready.
⭐ If you find a job posting that’s a great fit, apply immediately.
⭐ Stay up-to-date with industry knowledge. Read publications like Deadline, Billboard, and Variety.
⭐ Build connections! Schedule coffee chats and seize networking opportunities, such as volunteering at SXSW if you’re in Austin.

We’re incredibly grateful to these accomplished alumni for dedicating their Saturday to inspire and guide the next generation of UTLA students. 🤘

11/25/2024

UTLA students got an exclusive crash course in the music biz with Amy Patton, president of music publisher and record label One Riot!🎶

Amy shared insights from her A&R roots and artist management days. “Music management is the hardest job, and you learn how to do everything if you’re good at it!”

Her top tips for staying in the know:
⭐ Keep up with Billboard Pro, The Nashville Briefing and Music Business Worldwide.
⭐ If you’re an artist, start a DISCO account to store your music. It’s what music supervisors use!
⭐ As you build your career, save email addresses for everyone you meet.

Thank you, Amy, for sharing all of your music industry knowledge with UTLA!🎵

11/22/2024

Film and TV editor Andy Young gave UTLA students an inside look at the world of ! He welcomed us into his bay, introduced us to his Bat Family team and led us on a behind-the-scenes studio tour. 🎞️🎥

Students met art director Guillaume Fesquet, who designs the overall Bat Family look, and offered this pro tip: Animation artists should get comfortable drawing legs and “turning characters”—you “have to show people from all angles!”

Supervising producer Andres Salaff shared some storytelling advice: “The clearer the story beat, the funnier it is!” And if you need to sell a joke in animation, voices, sound effects and music help. His advice for future animation artists and writers is to try to keep what makes you, you. “As an artist and storyteller, pour everything you like—everything that makes you you—into your work.”

Huge thanks to for bringing us into his WB Animation world!🤘

11/19/2024

Big shoutout to the incredible panelists at UTLA’s Studios Panel last weekend!

Former Amazon exec Kevin Jarzynski, Blumhouse VP of Television Development & Original Programming Julia Balleza, and CBS Manager of Current Programming Victoria Vargas shared invaluable insights on how to break into—and thrive in—the studio system.

⭐Watch current TV, especially new pilots and be aware of the landscape! Keep up with the industry!
⭐Find a mentor looking to allow you to make your mark! Be prepared to tell people what you want.
⭐Be a great assistant, and always remember that details are important! Don’t be afraid to mess up. But tell people if you do and fix it!
⭐Find a go-to person in every department, someone you can problem-solve with.
⭐The first few jobs are the hardest – then it starts to “chill out.” The faster you stop comparing yourself and your career trajectory to others, the happier you’ll be.

Huge thanks to Kevin, Julia and Victoria for spending your Saturday afternoon with UTLA students!🤘🌴🌟

11/14/2024

Last weekend, alum and post-production supervisor Michele Williams and co-hosted an amazing Below-the-Line panel with UTLA!

Students gained valuable insights into production career paths from industry experts, including a costume designer, set decorator, script supervisor, and production coordinator. The experts emphasized the top qualities they seek in new hires: organization, attention to detail, and taking initiative while respecting boundaries. Their advice? “See the hole and fill the need!”

Interested in connecting with professionals from various roles, such as actors, directors, and editors? Consider exploring a career as a script supervisor. And if you’re aiming to be a standout art department PA, build your skills in Excel, SketchUp and Illustrator!

11/11/2024

Barbara Friend, UTLA alum, professor and Co-Executive Producer of , joined us for an exclusive Q&A and to watch their latest episode!

She took us behind the scenes, sharing how she keeps the episode’s tone in check when she’s on set, and offered invaluable tips for aspiring TV writers.

“If you’re struggling to capture the voice of a show, type out an existing episode verbatim to absorb style on the page, the rhythm, pacing and character voices. Also, when you’re a staff writer, make yourself useful! Send pitches and write story beats in Final Draft.”

Thank you, Barbara, for inspiring the next generation of storytellers!🎬🤘

10/29/2024

Writer, comedian, filmmaker, musician, and alum Demi Adejuyigbe joined our UTLA students this week for an inspiring Q&A filled with valuable advice! From his roles as a writer and producer on and The Amber Ruffin Show to co-hosting popular podcasts like Punch Up the Jam and Gilmore Guys, Demi shared stories and insights from his multi-hyphenate career. 🌟🎙️

When discussing writing, Demi emphasized that it’s not about the genre but rather “how the story unfolds.” He noted that comedy reflects what he finds funny, while drama centers on the dynamics he wants to explore. He also offered guidance on handling script notes: “If you receive feedback that ‘it’s not working,’ take that seriously. But remember, you don’t have to follow their suggested fixes—it’s up to you to find the solution!”

Thank you for the inspiration and encouragement, Demi! 🤘🎥

10/21/2024

UTLA students got some stage time at a taping of Jimmy Kimmel Live! this week thanks to amazing alum, Dyan Kellison, who’s a talent producer for the show. We were up close as Jimmy did his stand-up, then watched the crew of steady cam operators, set decorators, stage manager and exec. producer knock out the one-hour production. 200 people work on Kimmel Live! So many career possibilities! 🤘🌴🎬

10/15/2024

We went behind the scenes at the post-production studio, Picture Shop, where UTLA alum and Director of Sales Strategy, Kevin Spillyards introduced us to an A-list colorist and offered tips about how to be competitive in the current, contracting LA post-production job market.

1) Learn the tools of the trade: Avis and Resolve, Premier for reality and indie films.
2) Edit your friends’ movies to build your portfolio and gain experience.
3) While you’re looking for work, cultivate your skills and expand your network! Post studios WILL be looking for new, hard-working people and you want to be ready!
🤘🎬🌴

10/14/2024

Cheering on the Longhorns from the West Coast! 🤘🌴🍊

10/11/2024

Fall UTLA students got a foot in the door at a major agency, IAG (Independent Artist Group). We met with three agents who rep writers, directors and production departments heads. They love their jobs because they have a hand in putting together movies and working with creatives.

Our panelists shared valuable early career advice. In representation, reputation is huge, be honest and passionate about who you’re putting up for jobs.

Writers: You can read it on the page when someone really excited about a story. Write a story you love! Push yourself to be a strong writer.

Networking: You don’t have to talk to a partner—meet assistants and other interns! 🤘🌴🎬

10/09/2024

Presenting our winners of this fall’s UTLA photo scavenger hunt: Lauren Haughey, Lucy Kulzick and Whitney Williams! Congrats to this group for making their way around the city! We’re featuring just a few of their photos from Angels Flight Railway, Pink’s Hot Dogs, the TCL Chinese Theater and Bob’s Big Boy. 🤘🌴📸

10/07/2024

UTLA fall semester students explored NBCU’s LED stage and learned about using Unreal Engine in pre vis to build scenes and plan shot lists. We also demoed the studio’s motion capture lighting system, which brings realism to driving scenes. Senior Manager of Virtual Production, Tim Ciancio, showed us all the tricks he uses to in production and offered advice about entry-level VFX jobs—there’s work out there if you’re skilled at motion capture, 3-D modeling, creating environmental art or can fix Unreal Engine when it crashes. Huge thanks to Tim and NBCU for having us! 🤘🎥🌴

Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies

01/07/2025

12/20/2024

12/19/2024

12/17/2024

12/16/2024

11/26/2024

11/25/2024

11/22/2024

11/19/2024

11/14/2024

11/11/2024

10/29/2024

10/21/2024

10/15/2024

10/14/2024

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10/09/2024

10/07/2024

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