Hollywood Immersion: CAHSS L.A. Course Connects Students with Entertainment Industry

After a two-decade hiatus, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences' (CAHSS)  professors Sheila Schroeder and Joe Brown revived "The Business of Hollywood," a transformative travel course that allows students to visit the heart of the film industry in Los Angeles while networking with Department of Media, Film and Journalism Studies (MFJS) and other DU alumni living and working in the area. This course provided students majoring in film studies and production or other majors at DU with invaluable industry connections, behind-the-scenes access to premium production sets and a clearer understanding of potential career paths and daily life in Los Angeles. 

"It's the business of Hollywood, right? It covers more than just the creative aspects," said Professor Schroeder, who has been teaching at the University of Denver for nearly 30 years. The week-long interterm course occurred over spring break and combined studio tours, alumni panels and hands-on experiences that helped students understand the realities of working in entertainment and production. 

A major highlight of this student travel experience was the extensive alumni engagement it offered. Students participated in specialized panels with writers and editors currently working in the industry, including Emmy winner, Stephanie Filo, and professionals who were part of major productions such as Amazon’s "Vought Rising." These alumni not only shared their expertise but often extended their connections beyond the trip alone, offering mentorship and potential job opportunities for soon-to-be graduates and first-year students alike. 

"It was [interesting] to talk to professionals in the business, and while they all had cautionary tales and were very transparent about their struggles, it was super cool and inspiring to see and hear their passion for the work," first-year English major Kaiden Hamilton said.  

Because major studios and production facilities maintain strict security protocols and limited visitor policies, "The Business of Hollywood" course provided unique access. This spring's cohort enjoyed a VIP tour of Paramount Studios, visited cutting-edge virtual reality production facilities at Orbital Studios and experienced the realities of TV production on the set of "America's Got Talent." 

These experiences often challenged students' preconceptions about the magic of Hollywood. The "America's Got Talent" taping, for example, involved hours of waiting extensive time between takes and limited time with on-screen talent, revealing the less glamorous side of production students may need to understand for their future careers. 

"A big part of the trip is helping students envision their careers," Brown said. "Can you see yourself living here in L.A.? Do you want to be a director? Do you want to be a producer? Do you want to be a cinematographer? Are there other things you can do during the tough times [in the industry] while you're pursuing that dream?" 

Several students had personal breakthroughs during the trip, with some realizing their passion for specific roles like video editing after seeing professionals in action and speaking with them one-on-one about their day-to-day life in Hollywood. Providing this personal clarity for students pursuing their degrees can help them succeed in an industry where specialization is often required, according to Brown. 

"Whatever discipline you go into, you should focus on mastering your craft and keep your eyes on the prize," said first-year student Lauren Puryear. "I want to dive into all of the different departments of filmmaking and find that one thing that truly lights my fire." 

The course wasn't limited to CAHSS film studies and production majors. This year's cohort included individuals studying creative writing, psychology and English interested in the diverse opportunities available within the entertainment industry. Students from all years participated, building relationships between first-years and seniors and growing student networks and perspectives overall. 

Looking ahead, both Schroeder and Brown plan to continue offering the course, potentially moving it to December during DU’s winter break to avoid academic burnout students can feel between winter and spring quarters. They are also seeking additional alumni connections and more specialized industry access based on student feedback. Also on the horizon, possible trips to other film and television hubs in New Mexico, Atlanta and Chicago. For more information about unique MFJS courses like this one, visit liberalarts.du.edu/media-film-journalism.