Student Perspectives: Los Angeles, An Entertainment Capital for Trojans
Los Angeles, often dubbed the "Entertainment Capital of the World," is a vibrant metropolis nestled in Southern California. Its allure stems from its rich tapestry of cultures, iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and Walk of Fame, and its undeniable status as the epicenter of the global entertainment industry. From aspiring actors to budding filmmakers, Los Angeles beckons dreamers with its promise of opportunity and stardom. The city pulsates with creativity, offering a plethora of avenues for individuals to immerse themselves in the world of entertainment. Los Angeles provides a direct gateway to the industry's inner workings. Whether attending auditions, networking at industry events, or standing in on set Los Angeles allows for a plethora of opportunities in film and television.
For those where film and television may not be a primary interest, Los Angeles boasts a dynamic cultural scene that extends far beyond the silver screen. From theater productions in the historic Downtown district to live music venues scattered throughout the city, there's no shortage of avenues for creative expression. Aspiring musicians, comedians and performers flock to Los Angeles to showcase their talents on stages that have launched countless careers. Whether it's a small jazz club in Larchmont Village or a sold-out concert at the Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles serves as a stage where dreams are realized and aspirations take flight in the entertainment industry's dazzling spotlight.
With USC’s proximity to the entertainment industry, this has been a great opportunity for me and many other students on campus. During my time as a student, I have had the privilege of serving as an NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion intern. Through this internship, I had the opportunity to work with the phenomenal NBCU Launch team. NBCU Launch cultivates, curates and elevates the next generation of storytellers for our viewers to experience these inspirational and aspirational moments. The main goal of NBCU Launch is to create lasting and meaningful change in the television industry by giving talent from a variety of backgrounds, including underrepresented voices, access to substantive opportunities in front of and behind the camera. Some of the programs that NBCU Launch hosts include creating and implementing talent development programs and leveraging partnerships with key advocacy organizations. Working at NBCUniversal was truly an amazing experience aiding in my career development as well as the chance to learn about what I value in my future career endeavors.
This internship allowed me not only to connect with other interns and new graduates at NBCU, but also to connect with interns and early career professionals at Warner Brothers, Paramount, Dreamworks, Hoorae, Disney and Amazon Studios. I was able to learn about each company dynamic, culture, trends to consider, and so much more to enable a collaborative learning experience.
During my time as an intern, I set a goal with a manager to conduct 20 coffee chats that focused on learning from different professionals in different departments at NBCU. By the time my internship ended, I met with a total of 53 people from departments including human resources, corporate social responsibility, digital strategy, business affairs, casting, and so much more. What was so special about each of these coffee chats and informational meetings was that every person I met somehow had a connection to the Trojan family. Whether they were a past alum or their past intern was a Trojan there was always a connection circling back to USC. It was heartening to listen to industry professionals speak highly of USC and to hear stories about former Trojan interns or employees embodying the five traits of a Trojan wherever they go. As a first-generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a career in the entertainment industry, it was incredibly reassuring and inspiring to realize that I'm part of a longstanding legacy and community that will offer me abundant support and guidance. As a current student aspiring to enter the world of film and television, I am committed to creating opportunities for fellow Trojans from marginalized backgrounds who share a passion for the entertainment industry, ensuring they have the same opportunities I did to pursue their dreams.
Written by: Miko Mariskal, USC Student