Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies

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Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies

A semester-in-Los Angeles program for University of Texas at Austin students.

08/21/2026

Their names may not be on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just yet, but our Summer ’26 UTLA students sure got their stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

For our end of semester celebration, UTLA summer ‘26 students recounted their favorite moments in Los Angeles. We’re so proud of their dedication this semester and are excited to see what’s ahead for this creative cohort!

Semester highlights included:
✨🎥 An exclusive screening of The Odyssey
✨🎟️ Tours of IMAX, NBCUniversal, Prop Heaven, Company 3, the United Talented Agency, Independent Artist Group and Warner Bros.
✨📺 Behind-the-scenes tapings of Let’s Make a Deal and Jimmy Kimmel
✨🙌🏼 Wonderfully informative conversations with Jake Wilk, Barbara Friend, Andrew Dismukes, Bea Chahin, Dyan Kellison, Jenna Purdy, professionals who’ve worked on Jury Duty, and so many incredible UTLA and University of Texas alumni.

08/20/2026

UTLA x Student Voices
Meet Emily Zamora, a spring 2026 UT graduate who spent the summer exploring where creativity, marketing and entertainment meet in Los Angeles! 🎬

Before returning to UT this fall to begin a master’s program in advertising, Emily wanted to gain real-world knowledge of the entertainment industry and the confidence to navigate it after graduation.

This summer, Emily interned at Rideback Rise, a nonprofit accelerator of talent, community, opportunity and change. The experience has helped prepare her for creative projects in graduate school and her future career, which she hopes to fall within entertainment marketing or art directing.

One of Emily’s biggest goals for the summer was to visit NBCUniversal and see how films are made. Through UTLA, she did more than tour the lot, speaking with executives in development, marketing and production and seeing sets and props like Odysseus’ ship from The Odyssey.

UTLA has also given Emily plenty of opportunities to try new things, explore Los Angeles and experience the industry alongside classmates who became part of the journey.

As the first person in her family to enter the entertainment and creative industry, Emily came to UTLA seeking career insight, industry connections and a better understanding of where she could make her mark.

Between visits to studios like Warner Bros. and classes led by professors with industry experience, Emily has learned more about how publicity and marketing teams promote films and TV shows through events, mailers and audience experiences.

At UTLA, learning extends beyond the classroom. The program has encouraged Emily to stay curious, follow entertainment trade news and understand the strategies shaping an industry that is constantly evolving.

Ultimately, Emily hopes her UTLA experience reaches beyond her own career. She wants to carry the knowledge and opportunities she gained back to the Rio Grande Valley to support aspiring filmmakers and creatives in her hometown. 🤘

“I hope to utilize both of my degrees to amplify underrepresented communities voices and spaces whether that is promoting films from upcoming BIPOC filmmakers or making ads that inspires, memor

08/18/2026

Ever wonder what happens after production wraps? UTLA students got an inside look at the people, technology and creative decisions that bring a project across the finish line during a visit to Company 3.

Company 3 Founder, CEO and Award-Winning Colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld, whose work include Star Wars, F1: The Movie, Pirates of the Caribbean and Transformers, hosted UTLA students for lunch and a tour of the studio’s state-of-the-art Harlow location.

Our UTLA Students heard from HR Director Jimi Vaughn and a panel of post-production experts working across television, features and short-form content.

Students also met colorist Nick Nassif, who demonstrated his work on Sam Raimi’s latest feature, Send Help. Huge thanks to Stefan and the entire Company 3 team for introducing students to the many careers that bring a project to completion!

08/17/2026

Experience UTLA through the lens of our Student Administrative Coordinator (SAC), Summer Mompoint!

This semester, Summer interned at Entertainment 360, where she got to explore the behind-the-scenes of film through a management and production company. Ranging from script coverage to assisting the mailroom to sitting in literary and talent meetings, Summer gained invaluable experience that she will carry with her for the rest of her career.

Her favorite in moments in Los Angeles included all the Q&As in the Wofford Denius UTLA Center, especially with Andrew Dismukes, going to the beach every weekend, and growing deep relationships with existing and new friends.

“In a short amount of time, I was able to build a community of UT peers, LA locals, and movie lovers! I will greatly look back fondly on one of the best summers of my life,” said Summer.

08/13/2026

From 4 a.m. calls with promoters in Europe to 10 p.m. calls with contacts in Asia, Powerhouse WME music agent Jake Wilk’s career spans nearly every time zone! 🌎🎶

During a Q&A with UTLA students, Jake shared why reaching people at the time that works best for them is key to building strong relationships across the music industry.

His biggest advice? Your reputation is your currency, so be a good person and build honest, lasting connections.

08/12/2026

Who better to help UTLA students navigate their first jobs and build careers in LA than alumni who recently did it themselves?

Working across film development, comedy touring, animation, television, music and business affairs, Ashley Diaz, Ella Glasscock, Madelyn Haden, Kelso Meeks, Brooke Wallin and Natalie Weinberg gave students an honest look at life in the entertainment industry.

Over tacos, they talked about busy schedules, creative goals and the importance of mentors, networking and making time for your own work. Thank you to our UTLA alumni for giving students the insider tips on breaking into the industry and building a life in LA! 🌮

08/07/2026

The Odyssey is better on the big screen... and in IMAX 70mm!

UTLA students visited IMAX headquarters, hosted by UT Alumnus and the Director of Data Analytics & Forecasting Sam Malcolm. Here, we met with a panel of company marketing and post production executives, who worked to make The Odyssey, the first film shot entirely in IMAX!

Students had exclusive access to the IMAX projection room and film editing/cutting room. They also got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the IMAX 70mm film print for The Odyssey, which weighs a whopping 600 lbs requiring IMAX built custom "platters" to hold the movie as it's run through projectors.

We wrapped the tour with an exclusive screening of The Odyssey in IMAX's state-of-the art 70mm theater. What an amazing, insider experience!

08/05/2026

UTLA x Student Voices
A summer spent in the center of the action! 🎬 Meet Nayla Hamdan, a rising senior management and radio-television-film major who is interning at both MGMT Entertainment and Campfire this summer!

Throughout her time in Los Angeles, Nayla has learned so much about herself, narrowing down exactly what her interests are professionally.

At MGMT Entertainment, Nayla interns within talent management. She works with clients on actor reels, submits reels for roles and conducts script coverage.

At Campfire, Nayla works within documentary development, researching cases, building materials, reading IPs and creating pitch decks.

So far, her favorite thing about LA is the people! Everyone is extremely passionate about their work and is so friendly.

Nayla is constantly meeting people outside the film industry, who are doing the craziest things...

“I love being surrounded by this energy everywhere I go. It is so inspiring,” said Nayla.

UTLA exposed her to this world of entertainment and has helped her discover the perfect intersection of her interests!

After graduation, Nayla hopes to work in talent management and production, because this work is extremely personable and socially-driven. She also loves the idea of maintaining the project-by-project production timeline.

Nayla’s advice for overcoming challenges in LA>>>

“Everyone’s experience in LA is different, but it’s always positive! You just need to focus on what makes you happy and enjoy pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone,” said Nayla.

“After living there for a while, the fears melt away as you make your own!”

07/30/2026

Saturday Night Live Writer and Cast Member Andrew Dismukes, who is also a 2017 UTLA alumnus and Radio-Television-Film at UT Austin grad, visited us for an exclusive Q&A session!

Andrew began his professional journey in Austin’s comedy scene while attending UT. Now, he writes and performs on “SNL”, where one of his favorite parts of the job is collaborating with other writers and actors. During the Q&A session, he shared some practical advice for aspiring comedy writers and performers: record observations and ideas, create and share your own work and don’t be afraid to take risks.

“If you’re writing for everybody, it doesn’t work for anybody. Be specific with your characters, the setting and the jokes.”

07/29/2026

UTLA x Student Voices

What does it take to bring World Cup content to fans across digital platforms? ⚽ This summer, rising junior radio-television-film major Sebastian Gaines is finding out firsthand through his internship with FOX Sports.

As part of the Digital Screening team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Sebastian helps bring the excitement to fans as a short-form editor for FOX Sports’ social channels!

And his role doesn’t stop at editing. Sebastian also uploads, categorizes and tags the team’s content for the FOX Sports official website.

Outside of his internship, Sebastian loves that LA has brought him the opportunity to spend time outside in nature with his friends this summer.

“My motivation lies in the opportunity to capture the stories that show why sports will always be a communal connector and a place that cultivates strong connection and emotion across all ages and backgrounds,” said Sebastian.

That passion is shaping his next move: After graduation, Sebastian hopes to build a career within sports as a documentary and commercial director of photography!

Visiting the beach has also been a favorite past time while in Los Angeles.

“UTLA has been a program that has allowed me to explore my passion in an entirely new place while providing a strong network of alumni and like-minded classmates who are willing to help as I grow professionally,” said Sebastian.

Thank you, Sebastian, for sharing your favorite UTLA moments!

What’s next on his LA bucket list you might ask? Sebastian plans to explore some of the many film theaters around the city and is looking forward to seeing the Odyssey at the TCL Chinese Theater!

Address

100 E. Tujunga Avenue
Burbank, CA
91502

Telephone

+17472831756

Website

http://utla.utexas.edu/

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