Wofford Denius UTLA Center for Entertainment and Media Studies

Beyond UTLA: After the pandemic, this grad, Armando Ibarra, knew he wanted to get out to Hollywood, where the deals and magic happen. “UTLA offered that opportunity while still providing the safety net of a college environment.” Armando described his experience as life-changing!

He interned at Arlook and Kerner Entertainment during his time in Los Angeles! “From rolling calls to remembering names and events, I saw firsthand how meticulous organization keeps agencies and production companies running. I realized that attitude is everything—things can go south quickly, and how you handle those challenges determines whether people trust you with more responsibility.”

This experience was Armando’s first time living so far away from home, and he learned to structure his life outside of a traditional student schedule. What he loved most was connecting with his environment and the people surrounding him, whether through walks around the city or conversations with industry professionals. “I learned that dreaming big wasn’t just a cliché—it was possible. I could become the person I had always envisioned myself being.”

Through engaging guest speakers, his internships, and his classmates, he discovered his passion for production design and learned what it takes to get a production off the ground with real funding. “The biggest lesson was the importance of social skills. Everyone I met emphasized how crucial it is to confidently talk about yourself and your projects. If you want to make it in this industry, you have to step out of your comfort zone, put yourself out there and create your own opportunities.” Armando met professionals from Netflix, Apple TV+ and UTLA alumni who showed him what post-grad life in Los Angeles could look like.

His advice to students considering the program is to not let financial concerns deter you—if you really want this, there’s always a way to make it happen. The first step is believing in yourself.

“The best part of being a UTLA alum is belonging to a community of people who refuse to settle for mediocrity. These are the individuals who dream big, take risks and push through an unpredictable industry to create meaningful work.”

Our spring UTLA students got the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at , thanks to UTLA alum Barbara Friend, co-executive producer of the show.

They toured the CBS Radford lot, stepped inside the writers’ room and heard from the incredible support staff about what it takes to bring a show to life!

Hello, we’re UTLA—aka UT in Los Angeles! 🌴⭐

Spend a semester in Hollywood to gain hands-on experience at an entertainment-related internship while taking courses taught by industry professionals.

This is your chance to explore the entertainment industry, build valuable connections and chase your passions—all while living in the heart of LA! Want to spend a semester at UTLA? Click the link in our bio to apply! We can’t wait to meet you.🤘

Beyond UTLA: Growing up in Central Texas, applied to the for Spring 2023 to step out of her comfort zone. As a journalism major with a sports media minor, she knew LA was the perfect place to learn about the TV industry. The experience helped her grow personally, professionally and transformed her into a more adventurous person.

Passionate about sports, Alyssa landed two internships during her time in LA with FOX Sports and “Stripe Sports Podcast.” She gained hands-on experience in broadcast production, from shooting podcasts to scripting and assisting live soccer coverage worldwide.

“One thing I’ve learned while working in sports media is that it’s tough, but so worth it in the end. Whenever I feel like giving up, I remember my time in LA and how much joy it brought me. I strive every day to get back to that FOX lot—this time as more than an intern! I can’t wait to keep progressing in sports media and, one day, show up on your TV screen!”

Alyssa’s fondest memory of her time at UTLA started with a 2:30 a.m. call time from FOX Sports to broadcast more than five soccer games at once. After wrapping at 10 a.m., she spontaneously drove to Malibu, sipping coffee by the beach. That evening, her class met with horror film casting experts—one of her favorite genres. She ended the night with a call to her mom. “I could tell just how proud she was of me,” she said.

“UTLA was the best decision I’ve ever made for myself and my career. I owe my teachers, managers, classmates and parents the world for making those four months in LA the best four months of my life. I’ll be back for you one day, Los Angeles!”

Now a proud UTLA alum, Alyssa believes the program helps ordinary students chase their dreams.

The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 is March 4. Alyssa’s advice? “Stop thinking and hit apply. I was just a 21-year-old with little to no experience in sports media and only a dream! The UTLA staff helped me realize that big dreams can come true if you just try. I was scared too, but once you land at LAX for the first time or cross the California state line, you’ll know you made the right decision. I’d press apply a million times again if I could!”

If you’re an fan, you’ll envy our students! Last week, they met with and alum Patrick Schumacker, who gave them a behind-the-scenes look at the season four sets.

, the showrunner, walked them through the production process—from the writers’ room to editing and post-production.

His advice to all Longhorns: “If you want to be a TV writer, get your foot in the door in any department you can. As an art department PA, you’ll work closely with the writers’ room and get to know everyone. Don’t shy away from opportunities to work on a TV crew!”

Hello from Griffith Park! 🌿☀️

Thinking about spending a semester in Los Angeles? Don’t miss Big Cities, Bigger Dreams—a week of curated events where you can connect with UTLA alumni, chat with program staff and get the inside scoop on living, learning and working in LA.

Check out the schedule on our story and RSVP via the link in our bio.🤘

Ready to take your future to the next level? Explore what it’s like to spend your next fall or spring semester in Los Angeles or New York City! Complete an internship while taking courses taught by industry professionals. Learn more about the and by attending a week of special events happening Feb. 3–7! ⭐🤘

Our students are kicking off their journey with a behind-the-scenes tour of Warner Bros. Studios! From iconic sets to legendary soundstages, they got a firsthand look at how stories are made in Hollywood. 🌟🎥

Our UTLA students are safe and will be returning to the center this week. We plan to resume normal operations while continuing to monitor the situation closely. Our hearts go out to our alumni and friends who have been affected, and we extend our gratitude to the first responders and firefighters for their dedication to protecting this city.

The UTLA Center is committed to taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our community. We encourage everyone to follow public safety warnings in your area and prioritize your well-being. UT’s Division of Student Affairs has been in contact with all LA-based students and is providing additional support. We are closely monitoring the situation and will share updates as they become available. Our thoughts are with all our alumni and friends of the program during this difficult time.

For those needing immediate information or assistance, below are some critical resources:
• or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for immediate assistance.
• or call 1-800-621-FEMA.
•
• or Dial 211

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! 🤘🎬

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! 🤘

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!” 🎥🌴

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.”

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! 🤘

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. 🤘

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!🎵

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!🤘